Chartplotter died, time to upgrade?

[Gene T]

I agree that upgrading makes sense. One thing that bothers me is the size of the newer units. Wide screen displays seem to be designed for power boats. The largest display I would want to put under my cockpit table would be the Ray e7. That seems pretty small for something that is not close to your face. Not sure where I would mount one near the helm. The positives would be I could add AIS, radar is pretty cheap now at under $1000, a second display below is perhaps unnecessary due to compatibility of an ipad. There are reported problems interfacing with older autopilots. I am still unclear if the first series SeaTalk works with the new SeaTalk(hs). I am also confused about charts, built in or add on differences.

Gene

[Minnewaska]

If you are mounting under a cockpit table, can I assume you have dual helms?

If so, I highly recommend a swivel pod to move it to better face whichever you are sailing from.

In fact, there are pod systems to mount a plotter to just about anything.

[Gene T]

Dual helm. I have a swivel pull out mounted under the table. But if it gets wider than about 9 inches you can bump it when moving around the cockpit. But an e7 (which is just over 9") will look pretty small from the helms. Mounting at the starboard helm would be OK but space is limited and it would probably get in the way. I would prefer a 9" wide display that is not wide-screen. Oh well. You take what you can get I guess. It will be easier to see than what I have now I imagine.

Gene

[Minnewaska]

The chart resolution will be night and day. You can mount a stainless steel rail in front of the helm, if you don't have one already, and easily attach a pod to it.

However, I prefer them under the table where you have it now. Another alternative is above and behind the table, which makes them easier to see. I think it is a little easier to step around a bigger unit if up high, as it isn't hitting your knees, but I like them below for aesthetics. If the unit is twisted on its swivel to one side, it should theoretically get narrower.

[Gladrags1]

I like a chartplotter at or close to eye level when sitting at the helm. Then it doesn't take too much time to look between the plotter and the sea, particularly in dicey conditions. Of course available space and possibility of blocking view are all considerations. Presently, my plotter is at the helm and I am getting a 7" screen which will be an improvement over my present 5" one. I plan on installing it in the same place; eye level and slightly to the right of center. Above the binnicle compass.

Tod

[christyleigh]

Originally Posted by chef2sail

Your radar will probably not work with any new Chartplotter besides its worth it to try and get a discount though a bundle.

Good advise that I wish I knew before I chased 'saving money' down the rabbit hole a couple years ago. My old 1999 Black and White RL70 radar screen was getting un-readable. So..... I figured I'd just replace that. Nope - no signal from the radome because I was a few hundred serial #'s low of the cutoff for compatability. Ok..... so I buy a new dome. Well.... the new domes instead of connecting in the rear where the cable goes through they connect in the front requiring a couple extra feet of cable inside - That I Didn't Have So.... now I have to buy another cable. The moral is for me - I should have bought a 'Bundle'.