Garmin 551s or an alternative?

olisquire · 13 March 2011, 12:28

I am looking to buy a new chartplotter and believe that a Garmin 551s is suitable for what I want (compact and reasonably priced), but wondered if there are any alternatives? I have noted the 556s but didn't know if the extra money was worth the extra features?
Thanks in advance.

Dirk Diggler · 13 March 2011, 15:10

http://boatmad.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=551

BogMonster · 13 March 2011, 20:26

I went for the 556s. I've not seen a 551 but I had the same choice and figured the extra screen resolution on the 556 was worth it. Chart and sounder readout plus some numbers is a lot of info to fit on a wee screen! I have to say it's not that usable at high speed though - everything is a bit small and if you're wearing gloves the buttons are fiddly (so you have to take them off).

Quite pleased with it though, got chart, AIS and sounder all in one display and since I moved the sounder it works much better.

Channel Ribs · 14 March 2011, 07:40

As Boggy rightly says, the extra resolution does make a difference on the 556 and if space is tight there is no better way of getting a large range of data on screen. The 620 is a delightfully compact option too.

If space is less of an issue have a look at the 750 - really stunning value for money!

Unless you want broadband radar and downscan sonar, I don't think there is a multi function chatrtplotter that can compete with Garmin at the moment.

BogMonster · 14 March 2011, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Unless you want broadband radar and downscan sonar, I don't think there is a multi function chatrtplotter that can compete with Garmin at the moment.

Unfortunately I now do...