Chartplotter Buying Guide - 6 Things to Look For When Buying a New Chartplotter


The modern boating is all about sailing safely and prepared no matter for recreational purpose or commercial use. Talking about boating, a chartplotter is something that is considered as one of the most useful and widely-used pieces of electronics onboard. The ever-changing marine technology over the last decades has significantly changes the definition of modern boating. The advent of hassle-free, safer, and advanced GPS chartplotters have made boating an experience worth considering even for those who never dared to take their boat on water.

Knowing that, it’s worth having one of the reliable chartplotters for small boats. And we will help you in making that decision. When you have a suitable chartplotter, you can cruise to new adventures and come back ashore comfortably using the option of mapping out the bed terrain of water you are traveling to. However, with hundreds of options in chartplotters available in the market, ranging from GPS chartplotters to Network chartplotter with internal fishfinder - it can be pretty daunting to find the one that will suffice your needs.

There are multiple factors you need to consider while buying a marine chartplotter to make sure all your needs are dealt with in the best possible manner. Here are six effective tips to help you get the right one.

Size of Display Screens




A GPS plotter with a bigger screen can be the deciding factor as it lets you view more details and more info at a time. A larger screen additionally allows you to read maps and coordinates clearly displayed so no matter how much you zoom or use split-screen mode, the data will still be easily visible. The display size may vary from 5-12 inches (diagonal). Suggestion is to pick a size at least 5 inches diagonal to ensure you can easily view the readings.

Screen resolution is another factor that matters a lot. It implies to the specific points on the display screen that show the clarity of pictures and texts (represented in Pixels). A high resolution display will offer enhanced performance given the objects will appear clearer, sharper, can show more items than smaller screens. The best-sellers in the market at present are Lowrance chartplotters, Garmin GPS chartplotters, Lowrance chartplotters, and then other popular models from Raymarine, Humminbird, Simrad, Navico, and more. The ever-evolving marine technology are most likely to present bigger, better, and affordable options in the near future.

Ease of Use & User Interface


No one likes a device that is too complicated to touch and use. Having a chartplotter with too many buttons, switches, or other complex applications can leave you stunned and make even the simplest task the most difficult one. That is the reason buying a chartplotter should be based on user interface and ease of use. The interface need to be user-friendly and clearly labeled buttons for easy navigation. This will ensure the user doesn’t feel befuddled meddling through the options. Small features can make a big difference, take back-lit buttons for example, that makes way for easy navigation and inputting.

Ease of installation is another factor that should be considered while making the decision of buying a chartplotter. Garmin chartplotter installation, Lowrance chartplotter installation, and then there are some other models that offer you ease of installation. Some chartplotters even come with advanced features like an in-built auto dimming screen that can be adjusted to your personal light intensity needs.

Clear Image Scanning



The advanced marine technology has made its way to the new models of chart plotters available in the market. These units come with clear imaging abilities given they are well-equipped with sensitive, high-quality GPS devices. Apart from that, the sonar tech in transducers additionally ensures the unit transmits clear signals below the surface with exceptional results received by the display screens.

The Clear Image Scanning technology likewise helps keep pace with the processing of a ton of data within a second for real-time location info. This is all because of the powerful processor such unit holds (which we will discuss in the next point). Owing to Clear Imaging, the images you receive and displayed on the screen are constantly updated in succession while your boat is moving. In short, it helps both boaters and anglers in water know what they are dealing with.

Processor Power


Next comes the power, another crucial factor you must consider. But to be true, it’s just half of the equation that decides how accurately and deep your chartplotter will can detect fish, as your decision of transducer also plays an equal role. The low-end units in this category normally offer 100-300 watts. For anglers and boaters fishing in water 200’ or below, that would be enough. However, for those who need to explore the bottom and deep waters, a process with additional power will help give that kick.

Depth Finder Transducer


Your choice of transducer should be considered along with power. The bigger the transducer crystal, the better the beam focus will be. To make you more familiar, the more focused your beam is, the deeper it will go below the water, i.e. the better penetration you get. It just works like a flashlight beam - those set to spotlight penetrate deeper as compared to the ones set to floodlight.

In reality, when you double the transducer crystal’s diameter, it leaves the safe impact as quadrupling your output power. Given that, a chartplotter pushing 300w power via a 4 inch transducer will display as deep as a fishfinder pushing 1200w via an inch long transducer. In some units, you might not have the freedom of choosing what type of transducer it comes with. But you can surely upgrade the existing transducer with an advanced model of Garmin transducers, Lowrance transducers, Navico transducers, and other popular options.

Connectivity


It might not sound as important part as others, but it actually is. The connectors in your chartplotter play a key role. If you are getting something in flimsy plastic or thin metal sheet - it can easily break or bend, costing you another fraction of the unit’s overall price. So if you are buying your chartplotter offline, it’s better you push, prod, and wiggle the connectors to see how they react. For online purchase, go thoroughly through the manufacturer’s instructions, product details, and specification so you can rest assured you are getting value for money.

These are six main tips to help you make the right decision while buying a chartplotter for your marine specific needs. There are several online portals dealing in a wide variety of marine equipment including chartplotters. Whether you need a GPS supported unit, one with an upgrade transducer, or other - chances are you will get the best options to choose from at deal price on the web. So explore your choices well and get set to find some fish in real time!

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