Does chart plotter screen size really matter?

[rbw156]

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]

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]

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]

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]

What model # is your Lowrance?

[brucehawsker]

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

[RibRoy]

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]

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]

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]

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