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Author Topic:   GPS Receiver for MONTAUK
Ferdinando posted 12-27-2005 09:34 PM ET (US)   Profile for Ferdinando   Send Email to Ferdinando  
I have a 1998 Montauk and I want to buy [an inexpensive] console mounted GPS receiver. Any suggestions, Garmin, Furuno, etc. Thanks, Fred
zotcha posted 12-27-2005 10:57 PM ET (US)     Profile for zotcha  Send Email to zotcha     
I am in the same boat. Are you researching a GPS/Chart Plotter or just a GPS unit? Took my Christmas bonus to [unknown acronym] and found out that they did not purchase/offer the Garmin 192C/198/C because something else new will be out in March and loaded with the Charts. Just curious. zotcha.
Chuck Tribolet posted 12-27-2005 11:04 PM ET (US)     Profile for Chuck Tribolet  Send Email to Chuck Tribolet     
Here's an overview of Garmin's 2006 chartplotter lineup:
http://www.garmin.com/pressroom/marine/111405b.html


Chuck

frontier posted 12-28-2005 01:55 AM ET (US)     Profile for frontier  Send Email to frontier     
We've had great luck with Lowrance GPS and fishfinders. Our 1987 Montauk has a 2005 Lowrance LMS-337CDF color GPS/Fishfinder unit. Try Wade at www.jollyannsales.com . We've bought our last 4 units from them. Great selection (all major brands), "hometown" service and excellent price (not to mention free shipping).
Ferdinando posted 12-28-2005 06:33 AM ET (US)     Profile for Ferdinando  Send Email to Ferdinando     
Zotcha:

I don't think I have a need for the plotter right now. My other question is do these units come with map capabilities?
I'm not very good with these type of units, I have a GPS 12 handheld which is about 4 yrs old and I'm still having some problems using it. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Fred

Chuck Tribolet posted 12-28-2005 07:51 AM ET (US)     Profile for Chuck Tribolet  Send Email to Chuck Tribolet     
That does not compute.

If it's chartplotter, it has map capabilities. If it has
map capabilities, it's a chartplotter. The maps make them
MUCH easier to use.

I'd suggest surfing the vendors' websites. They all have good
specs and PDFs of the manuals.


Chuck

where2 posted 12-28-2005 12:28 PM ET (US)     Profile for where2  Send Email to where2     
If you don't think you have the need for a chart plotter right now, you obviously haven't played with one much. After I spent an afternoon with my father's Standard Horizon CP150, my old mapless Garmin became a paperweight. It's not too frequently you see a 15' Whaler with a chart plotter, but it's a really nifty little tool, especially if you have the charts for unfamiliar waters when you launch.

What's the issue with your Garmin 12? If you're not looking for map capabilities, the 12 should work fine unless you're having difficulty with the screen size.

Perry posted 12-28-2005 12:55 PM ET (US)     Profile for Perry  Send Email to Perry     
Even Garmin's handhelds have Bluechart capability. Does this make them chartplotters?
zotcha posted 12-28-2005 01:10 PM ET (US)     Profile for zotcha  Send Email to zotcha     
where2, how much did you pay for your plotter? Trying to figure out if it would be cheaper to buy something larger for my Seacraft (192C) or compatible, and all the necessary parts to mount on the 15 Sport, then just switch the head from boat to boat. Thanks. zotcha.

Chuck, please feel free to pitch in. Mike.

prm1177 posted 12-28-2005 02:24 PM ET (US)     Profile for prm1177  Send Email to prm1177     
I think the choice of your chart plotter depends a lot on the use. Garmin Blue Charts have the best reputation among fishermen, but the Standard Horizon charts are also excellent if your primary purpose is navigation. I chose a Standard CP150 for my 17 foot Outrage and it worked extremely well with excellent daytime visibility. I have a Garmin 3006 right now (current model is 3206) on my Conquest. I'd have to say with limited console space and daylight visibility being major concerns, the Standard 150 would be my choice. Bethel Marine out of Florida has the most competitive prices and very quick service. http://www.bethel-marine.com
whalerwanter posted 12-28-2005 03:33 PM ET (US)     Profile for whalerwanter    
Fred, most new units have similar capabilities. Some may have more bells and whistles, but they all track the same satellites.

I think the most important feature is the display. Bigger is better, when you're running a boat. Monochrome, color, split screen, widescreen, interfaced, it doesn't matter if you can't see it.

capedave posted 12-28-2005 04:53 PM ET (US)     Profile for capedave  Send Email to capedave     
Hello All
I am using a Lowrance M68c Sonar/Mapping GPS+WASS
at 399 it is one great little unit. Simple to follow, its a no brainer as far as basic opperations go, screen is visable and has a nice zoom..... I turned it on once a home it tracked down the road to the parking lot and backing down the ramp. Small compact unit with a lot of bang for the buck that is simple to use...

Hava Good One Dave

1982 Montauk

where2 posted 12-28-2005 09:35 PM ET (US)     Profile for where2  Send Email to where2     
Zotcha, when it was new it was $379 + C-Map chart. It's B/W and been discontinued for some time now. The current CP155C color model can be had for $432 from bethel-marine, and uses the same chart. I traded my father for a refurbished CP160 that I found Boater's World blowing out for $299 several years back, and he tossed in his old chart. Dad mounted the antenna to the back of the unit so it's as if it has a built-in antenna. In this way, all you need is a power cable to swap it from boat to boat, and a Johnny Ray mount on each boat.

There is a trick to mounting the antenna to the back of the unit though. It only works if you mount it on the left side. If you mount it on the right, it never acquires satellites because the EMI from the unit confuses the antenna.

Ferdinando posted 12-29-2005 12:31 AM ET (US)     Profile for Ferdinando  Send Email to Ferdinando     
Ok, I went down to my local West Marine to get some information and yes I now want a chart plotter. I kind of liked the Garmin 172C which I think I might spring for. West is asking $579 down here in San Juan, I'll take a spin through the net to try and get it cheaper, any coments are always welcomed.

Thks,

Fred

bigjohn1 posted 12-29-2005 08:06 AM ET (US)     Profile for bigjohn1  Send Email to bigjohn1     
Fred, I presume you are from PR since you mention San Juan. When I was researching a chartplotter purchase for here in Guam, I learned that C-map was the only cartography format that covered the charts for Guam. What this meant was that if I went with a Garmin unit last year, I could only use the built-in world map on the unit. Trust me, you will eventually want a chart card for your locale once you learn the ins and outs of whatever unit you purchase. Make sure the chart for the island is available in the format now supported by Garmin.
Perry posted 12-29-2005 01:19 PM ET (US)     Profile for Perry  Send Email to Perry     
John, Garmin's Bluecharts cover most of the Pacific including Guam:

http://www.garmin.com/cartography/bluechart/region.jsp?RegionPK=7003& cd=Pacific

As well as Puerto Rico in the Atlantic:

http://www.garmin.com/cartography/bluechart/region.jsp?RegionPK=7001& cd=Americas

Ferdinando posted 12-29-2005 02:08 PM ET (US)     Profile for Ferdinando  Send Email to Ferdinando     
Bigjohn/Perry

Yes I am in PR. I did find out about the Garmin charts which do cover PR, (Southeastern Carribbean)and they look great. I think I'm going to go for the Garmin 172C with the chip. I'm looking at pricing on the net as West Marine down here sells the unit for $579 and $180.00 for the chip.

Although I do see lower prices on the net shipping charges
are astronomical but their still better then West even with the shipping. I'll keep you posted once I make the purchase.

Thks for your help,

Fred

Chuck Tribolet posted 12-29-2005 06:24 PM ET (US)     Profile for Chuck Tribolet  Send Email to Chuck Tribolet     
Perry: yep, little tiny chartplotters.

Ferdinando: find some one who will ship it USPS Priority
Mail. Same as in the US to/from PR. Bearing Buddy's plant
is in PR, and they ship USPS from PR. 3.80 for the first
pound, IIRC. Try www.tvnav.com. Darryl there has pretty good
prices and a good return policy.


Chuck

where2 posted 12-29-2005 09:45 PM ET (US)     Profile for where2  Send Email to where2     
Bang for the buck, I'd get the Garmin 188C from Boater's World. 16 color chart plotter/sounder combination, closeout priced at $599. Boater's World offers "International shipping" as well...

If you're dying for the 172C (256 color chart plotter), $479 plus shipping.

Normally, I wouldn't recommend a dual function unit, but dash space is limited on the Montauk. We have a 188C at work (25' BW Frontier), and I actually like the combination unit.

Ferdinando posted 12-30-2005 12:28 AM ET (US)     Profile for Ferdinando  Send Email to Ferdinando     
Chuck:

I went with your advice, I purchased from TVNAV, 399.00 with internal ant and only 20 bucks for shipping, $419.00
total. I saw shipping quotes up to 70 dollars which is crazy, I also asked for the chip for the South Eastern Carribbean area. If my wife finds out I'm dead.........

Thks to all again for all your help and advice.

Fred

bigjohn1 posted 12-30-2005 07:22 AM ET (US)     Profile for bigjohn1  Send Email to bigjohn1     
Perry, thanks for pointing that out. Looks like I now have more options than I thought.
Chuck Tribolet posted 12-30-2005 10:10 AM ET (US)     Profile for Chuck Tribolet  Send Email to Chuck Tribolet     
I suspect the $70 shipping folks think that PR is a foreign
country.


Chuck

Ferdinando posted 12-30-2005 12:02 PM ET (US)     Profile for Ferdinando  Send Email to Ferdinando     
Chuck:

You would not belive the amount of sales lost to firms in the states because they think that PR is a foreign country. We have US currency, US Postal service, UPS, Fed-X,DHL. You name it. I called the other day to purchase a boat cover that was 249 dollars and the broad that answered told me that the shipping to PR would be as much as the cover!!!!!!. Talk about dumb.

I bought the cover from Cabelas for $139 dollars and $14.00 to ship.... Anyway it's their loss.

Well I'm just waiting for my new toy to arrive.

Thks again to all.

Happy New Year.

Fred

Chuck Tribolet posted 12-31-2005 09:08 AM ET (US)     Profile for Chuck Tribolet  Send Email to Chuck Tribolet     
You will never surprise me with the geographic impairment of
the average American.

"Do I need a passport to go to Hawaii?" was one of the worst.


Chuck

Ferdinando posted 01-02-2006 09:19 PM ET (US)     Profile for Ferdinando  Send Email to Ferdinando     
I just thought about this question. Will a chartplotter affect a compass.

Fred

whalerwanter posted 01-02-2006 11:38 PM ET (US)     Profile for whalerwanter    
Yes, it can if it has an internal antenna. Try to keep them as far apart as possible.
Ferdinando posted 01-08-2006 03:11 PM ET (US)     Profile for Ferdinando  Send Email to Ferdinando     
Well rcvd my new Garmin 172C on Fri, perfect condition, thks Chuck your suggestion was right on the nose, very good prices and excellent service. We should have a place in this Forum to "advertise" (to ourselves) outstanding services for all our members to know about when we want to purchase boat related items. At the same time advertise places that do not provide our members good services so that we know to not purchase their.

My total savings compared to West Marine:


PR tvnav


Garmin 172C $579.00 $399.00

SE Carib Chip $180.00 $125.00


Shipping 0 30.00

Ttl: $759.00 554.00

Savings $205.00

Worth waiting 6 days for.

Thks,

Fred

LHG posted 01-08-2006 03:49 PM ET (US)     Profile for LHG    
I just saw that the new Lowrance units have the GPS receiver built right in to the display unit. Not having to install a separate receiver sure makes sense to me. For a small boat like a Montauk this sure seems like the answer.
jimh posted 01-08-2006 04:29 PM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
These days a GPS receiver is about about the size of a quarter--all on one chip or two. Every cellular telephone has one built into it, now, due to federal regulations. I don't there there has been a GPS/SONAR combination made in a long time where there was a separate box external to the display for the GPS receiver. It is just about universal for everything to be in one box.

See AGPS: http://www.gpsworld.com/gpsworld/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=12287

Chuck Tribolet posted 01-08-2006 10:45 PM ET (US)     Profile for Chuck Tribolet  Send Email to Chuck Tribolet     
The Garmin Networked system (3010/3006/3005) use a separate
GPS receiver, as does the Humminbird 900 series. And it is
a RECEIVER, not just an antenna.

But I think maybe LHG was referring to antennas, and thinking
that it was nice not to have to mount the antenna.


Chuck

jimh posted 01-09-2006 12:53 PM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
On a small open boat I agree--built-in antennas make more sense.

Marine electronics is now entering a new phase, the networked instrumentation era. In this new approach there is one shared high-resolution display terminal which acts as a display server for connected network peripherals that need to display data. This approach is probably beyond the small boat market, unless you really like to spend a lot of money on your small boat's electronics.

The large size, sunlight readable, high-resolution, networked display devices cost more than the original price of some smaller Boston Whaler hulls, e.g. several thousand dollars. I don't think this is in the realm of most small boat owners, although it could be for some.

Most small boats don't have networked display technology. They just have a combination GPS/Chart Plotter/Sonar that is all in one box. This has been the most common arrangement for several years. Larry has a five-year old (or older) Lowrance device where the GPS receiver(s) are in separate boxes. (He has a satellite receiver and a terrestrial differential receiver box and external antennas for both.)

LHG posted 01-09-2006 02:23 PM ET (US)     Profile for LHG    
As Chuck indicates, I was talking about the antenna, which I thought, at least for Lowrance, was a new introduction in the permanently mounted marine units. I think it also includes the WAAS feature too.

My old units have external antennas and an external DGPS antenna, a real relic, but still seem to work OK. I have given up trying to keep current on both Marine electronics and outboard engines. Instead I used the money to purchase my Classic 21 rib sided Outrage.

Chuck Tribolet posted 01-09-2006 02:33 PM ET (US)     Profile for Chuck Tribolet  Send Email to Chuck Tribolet     
LHG, essentially all modern GPS units are WAAS-enabled. It's
pretty much just some firmware to do it.


Chuck

chopbuster posted 01-10-2006 03:26 PM ET (US)     Profile for chopbuster  Send Email to chopbuster     
A suggestion to your post.

"I have a 1998 Montauk and I want to buy [an inexpensive]console mounted GPS receiver. Any suggestions, Garmin, Furuno, etc. Thanks, Fred"

Try A Garmin 72 0r 76C/76CS, all are portable, light-weight, will float and are mountable.

K.I.S.

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