Does chart plotter screen size really matter?

rbw156 · 21 June 2005, 19:46

I'm looking to purchase a chart plotter. It seems that prices rise exponentially with diagonal screen size. Is 5" sufficient? Clearly 6" is better, but is it worth the extra 20%? Also, reading a unit in a shop is somewhat different to reading at 40 knots in a force 6! Your thought please.

Richard B · 21 June 2005, 19:55

You get 20% more diagonal upgrading from 5" to 6", but much more area... do the math, as they say.

Yes, buy as big as you can afford and as big as you can safely mount on your RIB. No good if it sticks up vibrating in the wind!

brucehawsker · 21 June 2005, 20:00

There are two issues - plotter physical size and plotter resolution. Then you have to consider operator - eyesight - do they need reading glasses, are they inside a salt smeared Gekko mask. Then the ambient conditions - is it pissing down and the rib is climbing mountains with repeated prop scream and crashes.

Bluntly, in adversity, I love my 10" Lowrance. I can stab at it from the helm to ZIN or ZOUT very quckly and work out where I am going / have gone.

The largest you can afford / fit - every time. It was my one big 'unneccesary' expenditure and I love it....

Richard B · 21 June 2005, 20:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by brucehawsker

I love my 10" Lowrance.

I love your 10" Lowrance too, Is it a sin to covet thine neighbour's 10" plotter?!?

rbw156 · 21 June 2005, 20:38

What model # is your Lowrance?

brucehawsker · 21 June 2005, 20:46

7000C I think. And I have a 330C mounted on top of the console acting as depth guage and repeater for COG, Speed

RibRoy · 21 June 2005, 21:08

Love my Lowrance 10' too ( 7500 ). Use it with split screen. North up on big window to locate were I am. Course up on small window to watch what's in front of the boat. Have 70 hours so far this season, and no malfunction yet.This and the Ullmann seats improve safety and is the best investment I have ever done on my RIB !

Regards

Roy

pettal · 22 June 2005, 11:21

Yup size does matter.....any girl will tell you!

I have a small garmin colour plotter and whilst I can read it, one of my mates who boat handles is as blind as a bat and can't make head nor tail out of it.

So I now wish I'd gone for one slightly bigger. Roll on Xmas!!

bandf · 23 June 2005, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by brucehawsker

I love my 10" Lowrance.

Couldn't agree more - I run an LCX-104C on my 5.4 Searider and wouldn't be without it.

Bilge Rat · 23 June 2005, 12:46

Sorry chaps have to disagree with you, size doesn't matter, its what you do with it that matters

danny · 23 June 2005, 14:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandf

Couldn't agree more - I run an LCX-104C on my 5.4 Searider and wouldn't be without it.

Have bought the same a few weeks ago and would never buy smaller again.

Maybe it's more exspensive but as I am also nightblind as a bat and couldn't see the difference between an elephant and bouy at night without the plotter.

Have had several smaller ones from Garmin to Navman and Geonav. Now for the first time a 10 inch screen is a luxury if you travel a lot.
Main thing that's very nice about the big ones is that you don't have to shift the screen to see what's up ahead. That always takes a lot of time and isn't easy when your in rough water. It gives a hell better overview.

Try to find the models from last year like this one. You should be able to find them for around 1200 pounds. Then you have the plotter/fishfinder complete with transducer and gps transmitter.

Great deal.