How to rig your boat electronically
4/20/2006 12:41:06 PM by Marshall Brodie
Chartplotters / fishfinders
Combo units are best solution for saving space
Small boat consoles in general lack sufficient space to mount separate large electronic displays for navigation and fish finding. Without enough real estate to mount these big individual units, the simplest alternative is to combine multiple functions into one with a combination chartplotter/depth sounder. Not only does a single combo display save space, it is usually more economical and easier to install than separate pieces.
A wide array of chartplotter/sounder combos are available for smallboaters, ranging from basic to state-of-the-art. Most units arenetworkable, meaning that they can be connected to a VHF radio oranother display if it is compatible. In general, these units offer thechoice of bracket mounting (some also have a quick release feature thatallows easy removal for safe storage elsewhere) or a flush mounting kitfor a low profile installation if your dash has the room. Despite thesophisticated technology of these units, they are generally simple touse and are well within the realm of do-it-yourself installation.
The one that is right for you depends on what features are most important to you (Are you an avid angler and want a powerful sounder for better definition and deep water capabilities? Or do want one that accepts advanced cartography for cruising?), the space you have and, of course, your budget. As a rule, the bigger the screen, the easier it is to read. But, for small boats, a smaller unit may be better as it will not block your view forward.
Cobra Electronics , once best known for CB radios has entered the marine market with two new six-inch color chartplotters, the MC 600Cx (MSRP $699.95) with anexternal antenna and the internal GPS antenna version, the MC 600Ci (MSRP $649.95). Optional is the accessory MF2500 “black box” fishfinder module to convert them into dual function units. They feature bright TFT screens that are viewable even in bright sunlight and swivel mounting bases. The Cobra units incorporate a standard U.S. base map but also accept C-Map cartography for more detailed charts. Notably, they carry a three-year warranty instead of the normal two of most other products.
Furuno’s newest stand alone chartplotter/sounder is its GP7000F (MSRP $2,195 without transducer). The bright seven-inch color screen features a wide 16:9 ratio that is particularly well suited for split screen viewing. The GP7000F should prove popular with run-and-gun deep water anglers as the powerful processor enables very fast screen redraw rates while the dual-frequency I-kW transducer will provide detailed views of the deepest waters. The GP700F accepts the feature rich C-Map Max charting system.
Garmin has introduced a number of new products with the GPSMAP298, 398 and 498 combination chartplotter/sounders being just three ofthe latest. These standalone units feature five-inch diagonal colorscreens with programmable backlighting and a lighted keypad. The 298 (MSRP $876.56) is preloaded with a map of the United States coastline that is capable of 300-meter resolution. The 398 (MSRP $959.99) is designed for freshwater use with a preloaded world base map and up to 10-meter resolution of U.S. rivers and inland lakes. The base map also includes information on boat ramps, marinas, hazards and more. The 398 also only sold with a dual beam transducer that is best for fresh water applications and an internal antenna. The 498 (MSRP $985.70) is intended for offshore use and is preloaded with Garmin’s g2 cartography of U.S. coastal areas. The g2 charting system includes features such as 2D and 3D views, richer colors, tide and current data, navaids, marinas and more. The 298 and 498 are available with internalor external GPS antennas and with dual frequency (best for saltwater) or dual beam transducers.
Humminbird
continues to expand its line of combination GPS chartplotter/fishfinders. Lined up one notch below the widescreen 900 series, the new 700 series is offered with a five-inch color or black and white displays. The 787c2 color model (MSRP $699) features awide-viewing angle of it’s high-definition screen, built-in four nautical-mile resolution base map, 500-watt sonar and the choice of an optional side scanning transducer. The 767 (MSRP $499) has a monochrome screen but offers many of the same features as the 787c2. The 700 series products are compatible with Navionics Gold cartography forgreater resolution and detail.
Lowrance’s
new LMS 339c DF iGPS (MSRP $749) and LMS 334c iGPS (MSRP $699) combination units are internal GPS antenna versions of its popular LMS 337 and 332. These units feature a 5-inch high-resolution color screen and Navionics Gold chart compatibility to augment its preloaded base map. Not having to run a cable and mounting an external antenna of these two new models makes installation a snap for open cockpit boats. The 339c includes a dual frequency transducer and 500-watt sonar while the 334c comes with a single frequency transducer and 300-watt sonar.
Navman continues to expand its product line with the introduction of its top-of-the-line 8120 multi-function 12-inch color display (MSRP $2,499.95). The 8120 is pre-packaged with a GPS antenna, sounder capability (no module is required) and an adjustable bracket or flush mounting kit. The sophisticated 8120 is capable of displaying auser selectable four-way split screen including video input. It is possible to watch a movie high-definition SVGA screen from a portableDVD player or even replay the excitement of battling a big sailfish recorded on your buddy’s camcorder. The 8120 is fully compatible with Mercury’s SmartCraft electronic engine controls and diagnostics; however, it also has digital fuel monitoring abilities will work with all gas engines. The sonar automatically adjusts to 600-watt or 1-kW of power depending on the depth. The 8120 is preloaded with a base map but adding a C-Map Maxchart will unleash the full potential of this unit.
Raymarine
has a new stand alone combination unit, the compact A65 (MSRP $2,059). This dual-function unit features a 6.5-inch direct-sunlight viewable TFT color screen, Raymarine’s patented HD digital fishfinder technology, dual-frequency 500-watt transducer and Navionic’s Silver cartography offering detailed charting of the U.S.coastlines. For most buyers, there will be no need to upgrade the charting software. The A65 is intuitive and easy to use with soft menu keys and a rotary knob. An optional flush mounting kit is available.
These are just some of the many combination units available. How do you pick the best one? Go to your electronics dealer, ask questions and play with the units on display. Take your time and explore the features — paying close attention to ease of use, how easy is the screen to read, redraw speeds and size. Once it is installed on your boat, you will wonder how you did without it.