Need a Chartplotter, looking for advice.

[Rob9550]

As the title states I am looking for a new chart plotter. I am looking for a 7 inch display and I don't want a touch screen. I have almost no knowledge, so any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[robert843]

As the title states I am looking for a new chart plotter. I am looking for a 7 inch display and I don't want a touch screen. I have almost no knowledge, so any input is greatly appreciated.

Can I ask why you do not want a touch screen? I really like the navionocs maps I think my next one will be a unit that uses those. What are your must have features on a chart plotter and main uses that will help to narrow the field down some?

 

[swatski]

@Rob9550 many pros use Navionics on tablets these days - the key is to get a mount that won't fail, such as RAM or Seasucker etc.
Several guys here use those - Check out @greg @sstegh @shane hric

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[bronze_10]

i bought a garmin 74 dvsv... that thing is amazing.. way more options than i understand!

 

[Ilmmct]

x2 on the Garmin products

 

[jeff_s]

It really depends on how you plan on using it. If you're just looking to chart different route, that I would try out the Navionics app on your phone first.

I bought a RayMarine dragonfly but I found out that using my phone was a lot easier.

 

[Rob9550]

Can I ask why you do not want a touch screen? I really like the navionocs maps I think my next one will be a unit that uses those. What are your must have features on a chart plotter and main uses that will help to narrow the field down some?

I am only getting this for the Bimini trip. I don't want touchscreen due to the risk of getting scratched. I will also use in the future when I go to new lakes and I don't know the depths etc...

I have a Tablet that I could use but its 10" and I am worried about the ability to mount such a large item in a boat that could see larger seas. I don't fish so I don't think I will need the transducer since the boat already has one.

 

[Neutron]

My fat Italian sausage fingers have been all over my Simrad G07 and not one scratch. The screens on these new touch screens are durable.
You can always put a protective film on it

 

[blacksapphirez]

I really like the dragonfly 7 pro. same as one you are selling but bigger.

it was least expensive one with navionics. I think it can be had for around $450 or less.

 

[Rob9550]

I went to a few stores today and checked out the Garmin 73dv, Lowrance Elite-7Ti and the Simrad GO 7. After using each, I think that I like the Lowrance the most. Anyone have any experience with the Lowrance?

 

[Hannibal]

I believe Out On The Reef has the Lowrance Elite 7. I have a Garmin 741xs. After a year I'm still very happy with it. Garmin offers a 7" non touch screen that has the same graphics. They all look good while standing around lurking in West Marine.

 

[Rob9550]

I actually wound up getting the 5in Garmin and ordered the coastal maps. I just didn't see the need for the 2 extra inches on a boat that I won't use the chartplotter all that often. It was also on sale at Anchor Express for $349.

 

[weaselman]

I just purchased the Dragonfly 5 Pro from Defender for 279.00

 

[John McLaughlin]

when you buy a chart plotter whether it me a garmin or dragonfly do you need to install the transducer or is the depth sounder on board sufficient thanks

 

[swatski]

I just purchased the Dragonfly 5 Pro from Defender for 279.00

That's w/o maps though, correct?

EDIT: Well, I'm waiting for a Dragonfly 5M (no sonar/transducer) from Defender except I paid exactly $100 more.
Seems like what you are getting comes with the same Navionics+ maps, the same unit PLUS sonar and transducer. What am I missing? lol.

I still want a simple chartplotter though.

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[swatski]

when you buy a chart plotter whether it me a garmin or dragonfly do you need to install the transducer or is the depth sounder on board sufficient thanks

It totally depends. In my current boat the depth gauge is FANTASTIC (knock on wood) - works 100%, any speed, very shallow depths etc. It is also a true through-hull (not in-hull). I decided I have no need for an extra sonar and have been using iphone/tablet based Navionics, and now getting the Dragonfly 5M (chartplotter only) for a permanent install (w/Navionics+).

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[weaselman]

Here is the link to the one I purchased. Also found out it comes with a $50 rebate. I need to read the fine print to see if a qualify.
http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|344|2028688|2028741&id=2699798

 

[Nickp98]

I am only getting this for the Bimini trip. I don't want touchscreen due to the risk of getting scratched. I will also use in the future when I go to new lakes and I don't know the depths etc...

I have a Tablet that I could use but its 10" and I am worried about the ability to mount such a large item in a boat that could see larger seas. I don't fish so I don't think I will need the transducer since the boat already has one.

It looks like you might have bought one already but I use an iPad mini 2 with a lifeproof case and a ram mount with the Navionics app. It works great and have no issues with it moving at all.

 

[seanmclean]

My fat Italian sausage fingers have been all over my Simrad G07 and not one scratch. The screens on these new touch screens are durable.
You can always put a protective film on it

Do you have any photos of your mounted G07?

 

[Neutron]

If you look here you will see my G07 plus the mount pics. Scroll a bit and you will see.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/chart-plotter-placement-on-newer-boats-with-connext-simrad-go7-installed.12273/