Raymarine 435i chartplotter

jskrypek · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2009

This is being blown at very attractive pricing. Does any one have one or has used one that can recommend this unit.

I'm going to put it on my Bayfield 29 for cruising the great lakes. I realize I'm going to have to spring for charts. (this uses Navionics Gold) but it looks like I have to buy charts no matter what unit I purchase. I also looked at the Standard Horizon 180i and the Lowrance Globalmap 5300c. The garmin's seemed a bit pricey and their charts are proprietary so I was going to pass on them.

mhartong · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2009

I have one installed. Not a bad little unit, and it was very easy to interface with other instruments.

scottbr · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009

I really like mine, although I wouldn't mind a C80, this one does the job. Well detailed and I like the features. Only dislike I have is it takes a while to reload a page as you zoom out when there is a lot of detail as there is in our area. ( Lots of channels, routes, buoys etc. )

For the area you'll be in, it will be fine. Sailing on Lake Ontario, there's very few obstacles except the CN Tower.

tweitz · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009

I have the 435i and have found it to be excellent. Instead of mounting it flush in the panel, I had it mounted on the bracket that came with it. This makes it easy to adjust depending on whether I am standing or sitting, and if the angle of the sun presents a problem. I think it was a real bargain compared to a lot of other chartplotters out there.

christyleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2009

I picked up one back in '05 to get my NC up to R.I. from Annapolis. For that trip I simply lashed it to a stay in the cockpit and extended the cig lighter 12v into the pilot house. I had one day of wave bashing that made it rain salt water even way back in the cockpit and it still works fine 3 years later. So you can see my opinion....