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You’ve probably noticed this already, but when you choose a chartplotter, you’re choosing much more than just a chartplotter. Be sure to look at the range of available input devices and asses any input devices you may already own before selecting a chartplotter! IT’S A SYSTEM Most manufacturers recommend using their own instruments with their chartplotters, so your choice involves buying into a system, not just buying a chartplotter. At a minimum this will mean a sonar transducer (included with some chartplotters) and a wind sensor, but there are dozens of other options. Remember that your chartplotter is designed to process inputs from multiple sensors and will not be fully functional without these inputs.
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Major manufacturers supply their sail-oriented chartplotters with sailing-specific software packages that give you access to laylines, tacking points, wind trends, estimated arrival times based on speed and routes, and much more. All Chartplotters are GPS-based, but not all GPS units will plot charts!Ĭhartplotters come preloaded with a range of charts, but if you sail in exotic areas, you may need to purchase additional charts. A GPS gives you coordinates, a Chartplotter gives you a visual position on a chart. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A MARINE GPS CHARTPLOTTER This unit provides most of the features that distinguish Raymarine’s higher-end models, at a budget friendly price point! It also includes the Raymarine CPT-100DVS transom-mounted sonar transducer, so if you want a minimalist package you can just add a wind sensor and go! If you want to add more, you won’t be held back: Raymarine can provide Quantum radar, CHIRP Sonar, FLIR thermal cameras, audio integration, instruments, cameras, and the Evolution autopilot. For example, the Axiom 7 integrates a robust fish finder capability, a useful feature if you like to mix some fishing with your sailing. The Axiom 7 may not be as “sail-specific” as the B&G Vulcan 7, but that also leaves it arguably more versatile. Raymarine also offers extensive chart coverage straight out of the box: both US and Canadian coasts along with 20,000 lakes, rivers, and other inland waterways.
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All are powered by Raymarime’s Lighthouse 3 software and offer full compatibility with Raymarine’s exceptionally large range of sensors and input devices.
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Raymarine makes a wide range of multifunction chartplotters, from the entry-level Axion range through the Axiom Pro and elite-level Axiom XL range.
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If you’re looking to upgrade your sailing game without spending a fortune, though, you won’t find a better choice than the Vulcan 7.īEST VERSATILE CHARTPLOTTER WITH THE MOST COVERAGE This one is all about sailing, so don’t expect a fish finder or other features more applicable to the motorized set. The system integrates with numerous accessories, notably B&G’s highly regarded autopilot systems, to give you a level of control you’d expect from a much more expensive system. It also offers race support features that get you to the start line at speed with the right heading at the right time. The screen is bright and versatile, displaying all of your sailing and wind information with layline and tacking options overlaid on up-to-date navigational charts. The Vulcan 7 continues this tradition, wrapping an impressive array of sailing-specific features into a compact, durable, and affordable chartplotter. Don’t expect the GPS73 to duplicate the functions of a full-sized chartplotter with an array of sensor inputs, but it does what it does well and reliably, and it is designed with wind-driven boaters in mind.ī&G is the acknowledged industry leader in sailing-specific marine electronics, and was the first to bring a full range of sailing support features to a consumer-oriented electronics package.
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The back-lit buttons and high-contrast display are easy to use in very bright or limited light, there’s a useful range of marine data built in, and you can store 1000 waypoints and 100 tracks for repeat navigation. Garmin has a great deal of experience with hand-held marine devices, and the GPS73 reflects this.
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That’s a very tidy bundle in a very small package.
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It doesn’t support the whole range of features included in Garmin’s SailAssist software, but it will give you tack assistance, virtual starting and heading lines, countdown timers, and arrival times based on sailing constraints. The Garmin 73 is handheld, convenient, and easy to use. We’re including it in the review because it has a solid array of sailing-specific features that make it a great choice for boats that are too small to host a console-mounted system or as a backup device for use if a larger vessel’s primary system fails or if you’re forced to abandon ship. This one is not actually a chartplotter at all.