touch screen chartplotters

petes · 23 September 2013, 15:37

First to say hi! It's my first post on here! :-)
I'm about to kit out a new boat with a chartplotter. I am one for good basic quality. I was quite happy with my gps72 for years. But will admit lately I do like the convenience of a chart plotter.
I am tempted by a touch screen one.. The garmin gps750 looks to do everything I want. The touchscreen would seem to make controling it a lot easier than the old rocker switch. .But what is it like in the real world? Are they reliable? Anyone had any real experience with a touchscreen?
I got a budget of around £600 any suggestions would be great!

andyjcox1 · 23 September 2013, 17:20

Hi Petes, I am in exactly the same position. I did look at the Garmin 551 and the Standard Horizon 180i, however on playing with them at the boat show having the larger screen will be really handy. I sill prefer C-map charts but the Garmin 750 looks like a good all round package for the money. Would be interested in how it stands up in the real world.

I also want to flush mount it on a GRP console, any thoughts on the best way to cut the hole. I was going to drill a number of holes and then join the dots with an electric jig saw.

Andy

petes · 23 September 2013, 17:38

I'm sure not many of us would go back to button style mobile phones now after having a touchscreen. They seem reliable enough I suppose, but the touchscreen phones I've had do have the odd wobbly moment and require a reboot....!!!! not sure I'd want that at sea if caught out in bad conditions and relying on it to get home..?
As for cutting the hole for flush mounting. I usually cover the area in masking tape and drill a few holes as you said. Last time I used a pad saw, basically a fine hacksaw blade with a handle. It was a lot more gentle than the jigsaw and caused no chips in the gel coat..
Pete

Maximus · 23 September 2013, 17:44

The Garmin is a Great Piece of Kit! and works well in The real World...and on a RIB!

(See previous threads)

Bushrider · 23 September 2013, 17:51

Used the 720 during the Round Ireland on my Searider. Really nice plotter and like it very much but in strong rain you´ll be surprised that the plotter changes pages - or even worse - settings .
Other guys on the RI with touch screen plotters confirmed the same .

Jeff Hutcheon · 23 September 2013, 18:04

Chris Caton and I looked at the touch screen at a boat show, a rep on the stand advised against them on an open rib, ie getting wet and using gloves etc.

Bushrider · 23 September 2013, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Hutcheon

ie getting wet and using gloves etc.

as for my 720 a wet screen or using gloves was never an issue ..

Portholme · 23 September 2013, 19:38

I had a 720s on one boat and a 750s on another. I found them to be excellent although, as previously stated, heavy rain can cause a problem.

petes · 23 September 2013, 19:52

You guys with the touchscreens that have experienced issues in heavy rain, would this put you off having another touchscreen plotter?
I know from my own experience even a bit of condensation on my touchscreen phone can cause an odd response. If you've ever tried answering your mobile in the bath you'll know what I mean!! :-)...
Pete

willk · 23 September 2013, 19:58

AFAIK, most touchscreens have a function that "locks" the screen in it's current mode - so you can navigate in rain/spray without issues. You just need to "unlock" it afterwards.

The RI was VERY wet in parts, mostly the legs we were on

Starovich · 23 September 2013, 20:09

cant comment on marine ones, but my 2 garmins have never failed me on my Motorbikes. Commute all year round and never had an issue, gloves, no gloves rain or shine.

Had a 6720 and now a nuvi.

Portholme · 23 September 2013, 21:20

Petes I did buy another one after knowing the rain affected it. Wasn't aware of the locking facility willk mentioned. I'm going to check that on Saturday.

Chris Caton · 23 September 2013, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Hutcheon

Chris Caton and I looked at the touch screen at a boat show, a rep on the stand advised against them on an open rib, ie getting wet and using gloves etc.

yes, I remember it well, good advice at the time, I've been very happy with the Garmin 4008 so far

landlord · 23 September 2013, 21:34

I have the 750s, great piece of kit

boristhebold · 24 September 2013, 08:28

Ive been looking for a while for a new chartplotter, have decided on the hybrid approach as in touch screen and buttons of the Raymarine E7, that way if im wearing gloves wont be an issue. Best of both worlds.

gotchiguy · 24 September 2013, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Ive been looking for a while for a new chartplotter, have decided on the hybrid approach as in touch screen and buttons of the Raymarine E7, that way if im wearing gloves wont be an issue. Best of both worlds.

Gloves work with the 7000 series garmin touchscreen, just not the older 5000 units

As willk says, locking out the screen can be a really useful feature. We have found a few times with our 7012 that it was needed to stop it doing funny things due to rain. You press the power button and then lock touchscreen, I assume it will be the same on the 700 series

Cookee · 25 September 2013, 07:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Ive been looking for a while for a new chartplotter, have decided on the hybrid approach as in touch screen and buttons of the Raymarine E7, that way if im wearing gloves wont be an issue. Best of both worlds.

As far as I know only the Raymarine units have the hybrid facility where all functions can be utilised by buttons and touchscreen, they have made great improvements in recent years and they are now up there with Garmin and the others. They have also upgraded the NMEA use to include fuel usage data from the engine(s) so you can throw away the fuel sender and just use your plotter.

ncp · 25 September 2013, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

As far as I know only the Raymarine units have the hybrid facility where all functions can be utilised by buttons and touchscreen.

I thought the Simrad NSS line allowed for for touch and button input also.

Cookee · 26 September 2013, 07:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncp

I thought the Simrad NSS line allowed for for touch and button input also.

I think they share some DNA!

Mr Flibble · 26 September 2013, 08:11

The only issue I have with my Lowrance HDS7 Gen 2 Touch is trying to touch a point on the screen when the boat is bouncing. I usually have to throttle way back to be accurate enough. Other than that I've had no issues with rain affecting it and I come from the land of rain.