What printer do you use

luckytexan · #1 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008

It seems like I am always learning of new products, and vendors from you guys, so I thought I would ask about this one.
I have been wondering what some of you are doing for a printer on your live aboard cruiser. Do you have a 12volt option or are you using something that needs 110V? I have looked around and don't see much advertised for marine or mobile use, weather fax thermal printer is about it. Other than that you are stuck with a home use 110 all-in-one.
I can stick one on a inverter but we are talking a lot of power consumed to print something.

Are there any low power consumption printer options that I don't know of out there?
While I love computers, I find that sitting down with a paper printout of the wind, wave, weather system or whatever to be far more comprehend-able for some reason. I can scribble on it, draw a stick boat on it whatever and it makes more sense to me.

Thanks for your time and input!

RealityCheck · #2 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008

I have used the old I think it was Brothers BC10 in 12 volt mode and it was only marginally acceptable. Since they are not often used, and the environment is a bit tough the ink jets get clogged and overall the power you use is high.

Most I have seen, are using 110 with inverter... that is also what I now use but I'm also in the hunt for a smaller unit I can stow away. Typically I have used what ever old printer I had on hand with typical results of short life and marginal quality on the boat.

Valiente · #3 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008

I believe there are dedicated weatherfax printers that are small and thrifty. As a graphics designer, I would likely bring one good multi-function printer for use in anchorages, but I would probably vacuum-seal the ink cartridges and bag the printer with dessicant when on passage, because something loaded with thin copper wires isn't going to last left out in the cabin.

hellosailor · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008

Even the ink cartridge makers all say the carts WILL CLOG UP in six months or less after being opened, and that's no matter how you care for them, seal them, humidify them, whatever. Sometimes the pigments clog, sometimes the dyes oxidize...the bottom line is that inkjet printers are cheap--but ink is not, and you have to buy it fresh, like produce.

Laser printers won't clog, but sometimes print a 'gray' page in high humidity.

A slow old dot-matrix is still the cheapest and most reliable occassional printer, but it is hard to find them still supported, and everyone wants fancier printouts.

Bottom line, you have to pay to play.

nightwatch · #5 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008

I have a Canon iP1500. It is 120 volt, is 5 years old and cost just a little over $100. If it breaks you through it away. Never had a cartrage last 6 months, so do not know about those problems. Black and white will beat any copy anybody put out. I have done color photos and they are great. Its in the paper.

chuck711 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008

We had aboard for 2 1/2 years while cruising a HP Color Print Copy Scanner
Used it a lot. Plug into a 600 watt inverter. Great for copying charts etc.
Still working today, 6 years old. Just will not die...........

TomKeffer · #7 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008

I've used a Canon BJC-85 for about 5 years now. It's a very compact (about 12x6x2 inches) bubble jet printer. Quality is "decent" --- certainly not in the same league as a full-sized bubble jet printer, or a laser printer, but it's respectable. The cartridges are small, so they need to be replaced often. If you do mostly B&W printing, they are cheap. I have not had any clogging problems.

While it is AC, you can get an optional battery pack.