CPV350 integrated GPS, VHF and hailer CPV350 integrated GPS, VHF and hailer

[Biggles]

Originally Posted by Sarah G

Good plan. Do the Garmin or Standard Horizon have maps on them? I see that they all quote their maps but does the unit come with a map already installed and if so are this rubbish which is why you have to pay a load more cash for the better maps. Then do you have to pay loads to have them updated - like TomTom?

You've hit the nail on the head.

You'll need to buy maps on a Data Card that will on average cost at least another hundred quid and only cover selected areas.

I suppose these companies are in business to make money at the end of the day. And without their R and D we wouldn't have these gadgets. In most cases you seem to get a much better system with marine Chart plotters than your average car GPS. IMHO.

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by Biggles

You've hit the nail on the head.

You'll need to buy maps on a Data Card that will on average cost at least another hundred quid and only cover selected areas.

I suppose these companies are in business to make money at the end of the day. And without their R and D we wouldn't have these gadgets. In most cases you seem to get a much better system with marine Chart plotters than your average car GPS. IMHO.

I'm in the wrong business!

[Jon Brooks]

Garmin use their own "Blue charts" not sure on cost but not cheap.

Standard use C-Map charts.

There is a special running at the mo that when you buy a Standard Horizon plotter you can get the Mega Wide UK and Ireland chart for about £125 (normal SRP is about £265)
This covers all of the UK, ROI and a big chunks of Western Europe.
A local chart may cost you £80 up!!

The Icom M421 has NMEA (GPS data) in only.
The Standard GX-1500 has NMEA in and out.
This mean when used with a SH plotter or a Garmin it will plot in comming DSC Distress calls on the plotter and also the response to DSC "position requests" the Icom M421 can't do this.
Only the M505 and M603 can do this.
GX-1500 has a bigger display than the M421, also comes with the flush mount kit and a dust cover, again the M421 don't.
Also has a big knobb for channel change again the M421 don't.

Hope that helps

[Biggles]

So has Jon flogged you a radio yet ?

Not sure if they are the best in the real world. But price and on paper spec seems okay.

My mates Standard HX 270 E struggles to talk over any distance at times but its ceratinly durable. And waterproof. And for £80 what its more than you can expect.

[Nos4r2]

I did find this guy on ebay that's selling the larger UK bluecharts for significantly less than others once you convert the $ to £.

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Hope that helps

Thanks Jon.

I think I'm coming around the the following:-

Standard Horizon GX1500 Radio
Standard Horizon CP180 with external ariel - not sure if I need the wide maps as will probably only be around the solent, IoW, Chichester but Jon you are the Guru
Think Garmin 160c Fishfinder although know you can get the FF520 integrated with chart plotter but concerned that all reliance is on one product. Also, if I get the Garmin 160c now, I can save up for the radio and chart plotter in one go later as the current radio and GPS does actually work and my bank manager may throw the toys out of the pram if I spend any more money at the moment

Jon how about quoting in a PM although not sure I can really justify it at the moment.

[Jon Brooks]

I have to say the FF520 route is NOT the most cost effective way to do it.
Your route would be sound.

And thank you, I prefer Guru to Love Machine any day!!!!
Always happy to help, if I can.

Sarah we do not offer direct sales but please contact Jimbo, Malthouse and the other trade members here that are SH dealers and am sure they will be happy to sort you a quote......wont you lads?

Could always sell hubby to finance you purchases

[Sarah G]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Could always sell hubby to finance you purchases

You know I asked him but he felt this was a little excessive - where's the commitment I ask you? One little kidney and it would be sorted