battery operated chartplotter/gps??

[willyqbc]

I am looking for a chartplotter/GPS that will accept the navionics hot maps chip. I want it for my 15ft aluminum and would really rather not have to worry about packing a big battery and hook/unhook it everytime I am done for the day and pack away the big battery for recharging. Ideally a unit that will run off internal battery power that I can just pick up and take with me would be best. A decent size screen would be nice as well. I know i can get several regular gps units that will accept the chips but something a little larger is what I'm after.
any such gizmo out there??

Thanks
Chris
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[JoLin]

Re: battery operated chartplotter/gps??

I don't think it exists. You can choose either the small-screen, self-contained portables, or you can have units with 4" screens (and up) that require a dedicated 12V power supply and accept external data cards.

Now, if you google 'small 12v battery', or '12V rechargable battery' you might be surprised at what's out there that (maybe) would allow you to use one of the larger units w/o lugging a full-size marine battery around. Maybe fit the whole shebang into a small carrying case? Just a thought...

My .02

 

[Silvertip]

Re: battery operated chartplotter/gps??

Such a unit with internal batteries would indeed be a battery eater. Even if you used rechargables, you would still need to charge them. There are plenty of small gel cells in the 7 - 10 Ahr rating that are about the size of a box of tissue and weigh just a couple pounds. They would run the unit a couple days before needing a charge.