Plotting Systems - resources for cruising sailors

A Course Through the Chart-Plotter Shoals

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Features Comparison By Ed Sherman
A Course Through the Chart-Plotter Shoals

Features of 10 chart-plotters compared, with advice on choosing a plotter and a data-card/data-chip format. Screen visibility, display size, power consumption, antenna type, waterproofness, and more are discussed. 6 pages with photos and features table.

[Cruising World, March 2003]
- Order the Cruising World back issue

Big-Screen Chartplotters Under $2,000

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Comparative Tests

Three plotters from Standard Horizon, Lowrance, and Si-Tex, all under $2,000, are evaluated for day and night viewing and for user interface. 4 page with photos and table of specs.

[Practical Sailor, 1 May 2005]
- Less expensive chartplotters tested

Furuno vs. Garmin

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Comparative Tests

A comparison of the leading networked marine electronics systems, the Furuno NavNet and Garmin Marine Network. Ratings are given for both 7" and 10" displays as well as depthsounder performance. 5 pages.

[Practical Sailor, December 1, 2004]
- Preview the Practical Sailor back issue

Chart Plotter/Sounders

[Article]

Comparative Tests

Four combination chartplotter depthsounders from Simrad, Furuno, SiTex, and Garmin are evaluated for installation ease, day and night viewing, and ease of use. 6 pages with photos.

[Practical Sailor]
- The Simrad - Furuno test
- The Garmin - Si-Tex test

Networked Systems: Furuno vs. Raymarine

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Features Comparison

A walk through the capabilities of what currently is the highest level of instrument integration, allowing monitoring and complete control from more than one location. 4 pages with photos

[Practical Sailor, 1 April 2003]
- Preview the Practical Sailor back issue

More Than Meets the Eye

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Comparative Tests By Ed Sherman
More Than Meets the Eye

The author put eight chart plotters (from Furuno, Garmin, JRC, Magellan, Navman, Northstar, Raymarine, and Simrad) side by side, fired them up, and came to several surprising conclusions. 5 pages with photos and table of test results.

[Cruising World, November 2004]
- Order the Cruising World back issue

JRC PLOT 500F vs. Lowrance LCX-19C

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Comparative Tests

Combination plotter sounders are becoming as good as their stand-alone versions. Two are rated for visibility, usability and accuracy.

[Practical Sailor, 1 July 2004]
- Preview the Practical Sailor back issue

Electronic Charting Software Comparison Chart

[Site]

By Marine Computer Systems

Features and price compared for the CAPN, MaxSea, Offshore Navigator, Raytech Navigator, and Visual Navigation Suite chart plotting systems.

[Marine Computer Systems, Portland, ME, USA]
- Chartplotters compared

ARC Survey

[Site]

Each year the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers asks its participants to evaluate (Reliability, User Friendliness, Value) various pieces of equipment. 59 boats evaluated 5 models of charting software from Raytech, MaxSea, Sea Pro, Tsunamis, and Maptech.

[Yachting World, London, UK]
- Gear survey home page
- See the evaluations