tophatyachts.com

Hi all,

Finally updated my handheld GPS with a GME chart plotter. Wondering where others have fitted theirs? I presume you are better off to be able to operate it from the cockpit, so I am thinking about making a shortened lower washboard and flush mounting the plotter into it. The reason for making a shorter one is to enable access to the cockpit when using the plotter. I could fit the lead to a cig lighter fitting so it could be removed easily. When not in use it could be stored with my spare washboards on the v bunk side of the main bulkhead.

The alternative is mount it permanently to a shelf in the cabin, where it would be out of harms way but difficult to reach and see or perhaps use a hinged fitting on the side of the cabin entrance(but I hate the thought of taking up space and swinging about when things get silly).

So what do you do?

Cheers,
Mark

What model GME did you buy? I note that Whitworths are advertising these plotters with free Australian East Coast charts - did you get onto this bargain? I have given consideration to buying one myself, but I am currently leaning towards an Ipad for the navigation, with other apps to provide essential info, such as tides, weather, anchor drag etc.
I would be interested to hear from other TH owners who use an Ipad as to how succesful these have proven to be as a stand alone plotter.
Cheers,
Kevin
Wayward Lady,
Mark 111, Williamstown, Vic

Hi Mark,
we just fitted a new GARMIN 551 chart plotter (which came with all australian charts and Garmin have a promotion that gives you free updating to 2D mapping). After lots of moving it about we fitted it to just inside (and well to port) the entrance way roof. From here it can swing around into the cabin or can be seen from the pushpit. Fitting the wash boards lock it away. If i sit to starboard it is in full view and in reach of controls. It is also out of the weather (not that this is a problem) and is linked to the DSC radio.

I can send a photo if you want?

Dave

Hi Kevin,

I bought a GME Gplot 5.6" screen online from CHSmith marine and yes it came with CMAP MAX Aust wide card. This package would have cost about $1100, 6 months ago but can now be had for about $700-750. I love my iPad and had thought about using it but went for the water resistant, dedicated chart plotter instead. If I had a bigger boat I would have a chart plotter at the wheel and an iPad below at the nav station, but on the Tophat I think a chart plotter or iPad with a handheld GPS (and paper charts) as a back up is enough.

Cheers,
Mark

Hi Dave,

Can you post a photo of your set up or send it to me. What do you think of my idea of flush mounting it in a small lower washboard? (I like the idea of being able to see it and being able to control it from the cockpit)

Cheers,
Mark

Will do mark,
I am going out to the boat on monday and take the photo then.
I would not put it in the wash boards, keep them clear of wires and stuff. They are a high use item and get moved about alot, more chance for some thing to break.
Dave

The washboard would be a dedicated, 8" high, lower board with Plotter flush mounted that I would only use when the chart plotter was required. The power wire could be safely directed to a cig lighter fitting I have near the cabin entrance. When the chart plotter was not required this 'special' washboard would be stored below and the normal washboards used. I am however still tossing up about mounting it on a shelf in the starboard side of the cabin that I could still see (but not access) from the cockpit.

One other querie; do you use an external aerial or reley on the chart plotter's internal aerial?

Cheers,
Mark

I had a speed log that did not work and I replaced it with a window behind which I mounted my chart plotter [a gift from Cruising Helmsman!]. I made up up hinged support that I can swing back to get to the controls. Works very well!

Nice set up Phillip, but I have bulkhead mounted compasses on both sides of the companionway, so it wouldn't work for me. Do you find the plotter useful when cruising?

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,

One of the problems I have with that plotter [it's a Magellan FX324 Mapcolour] is that I only have a few SD cards, of course none where I normally cruise!


I use it for speed, distance travelled and direction only and where possible put in a waypoint so that I maintain a course close to the rumb line. It is very easy to see, especially at night.

I am considering replacing it with a new plotter, possibly one with an echo sounder as well. But before that I will install one of the new cheap AIS units. Just have to work out how to see the info [maybe on a small laptop?]