First GPS

[Limey Linda]

I am considering buying a Std. Horizon, CP180i chartplotter for $400.00. has anyone got one and what is your opinion?
Thanks.

[Limey Linda]

Nobody got one????

[Kernow Buoy]

Yes got one, so far very pleased, nice solid feel to it, good size viewable screen, well planned buttons and a really nice 'joystick' main control which gives intuitive control (haven't read the manual yet) haven't hit any negatives so far.

[tim griffin]

In the space of 12 months
Got through 4 plotters
2 mushroom ariels
1 vhf fixed (tx button kept sticking ) repaired not replaced
1 transducer
Customer service is good they did exchange the plotters up to the point where they refunded me my money gave me a beaten up one as a gesture of good faith and politely told me that they would rather I not be a customer of theres regarding the plotters.
They have fixed the vhf and sent a new transducer since that so am still a customer .

I have taped around the CP180 unit and over the hatch where you put in the card and the beaten up one they gave me is still working .
When it conks out I have the problem of replacing it with another unit but I will have a very expensive black box fishfinder that will be of no use to me .I also will need to find one with a similar footprint or invest in a new console but that will be expensive as I will have to pay for it.

I spoke to them at length about why they kept conking out and was told that I am the only person they have come across that this has happened to.

I am sure others will give their opinion .
So to sum up
Customer service good Product Poor

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by tim griffin

When it conks out I have the problem of replacing it with another unit but I will have a very expensive black box fishfinder that will be of no use to me.

Tim, if and when it comes to it, I'd be interested in buying the fishfinder and transducer from you.

I had a CP180i on my Rib, which was mounted right on the top of the console, and exposed to the elements. It seemed to handle that fine, but it didn't like being left inside a box full of water for a week, so I've replaced it with a flush mounted CP-300. The CP-300 has been in for a month and a half, and hasn't missed a beat yet.

Other than my CP180i, which was damaged through my stupidity (!), I've never yet had a standard plotter returned, although I believe Doug Innes from Stormforce has had a few problems.

[tim griffin]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Tim, if and when it comes to it, I'd be interested in buying the fishfinder and transducer from you.

Ok
Lets see how long the beaten up one lasts.

When are we going ski ing and can you bring your sled ?

[Limey Linda]

Thanks for the feedback.Just ordered a cp180i at what I think is a screaming price. keeping my fingeres crossed as it will be mounted on top of the console but behind a small windscreen. Due to limited space i will remove the junky cheap compass and buy a hand held as back up. Only one complaint about the product spec. Why the hell could they not design a bracket mount that allows the cable to be fed down the center of the mount. Now I have to drill another hole and seal it up.

[Merlin]

following on from this thread , new boat hasn't got fixed GPS , just a handheld , open up to the forum what should I get , having just purchased new boat don't want to go mad,
GArmin 180c end of line stock on ebay £199 is this £199 down the toilet or sensible buy for a weekend user buzzing around ?

do second hand ones come up etc

any help / advice would be great
thanks

anthony

[walruz]

Merlin.

I can't comment on the 180c but I have the 178 (grey scale). and it has been a good robust piece of kit(2 years use). I have the inbuilt antenna as I figure it is 1 less thing to go wrong.

Ian