GPS and Chartplotter what's the differance?

[cyberfighter]

I've been debating whether to purchase a chart-plotter or not, seeing I already have a Lowrance LMS-520c GPS with Navionics fishing hot maps inside.

The chart-plotter unit I'm looking at is the Hummingbird 955c at 500$ US plus the 2-300$ more for platinum maps.

Would I gain something from the Hummingbird chart-plotter?
Or should I just purchase the same type of maps for my Lowrance and I'll have pretty much the same functions as the bird?

I want to navigate to lake Ontario from Ottawa and would be relying on my electronics to get there.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: GPS and Chartplotter what's the differance?

I want to navigate to lake Ontario from Ottawa and would be relying on my electronics to get there.

The best thing about the Great Lakes is
"If you get lost, just pull in somewhere and ask directions"....

 

[cyberfighter]

Re: GPS and Chartplotter what's the differance?

The best thing about the Great Lakes is
"If you get lost, just pull in somewhere and ask directions"....

LOL Right but I'm to proud to ask for directions, that's why I have a GPS


*** After looking up my lowrance GPS model online, it would appear it already has Chart-plotter capabilities!
Great! saved 500$!

 

[jhebert]

Re: GPS and Chartplotter what's the differance?

A GPS is a global positioning system that costs about $50-billion to create and maintain.

A chart plotter is an electronic device or application that shows your current boat position on an electronic chart. You can get one for about $400.

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: GPS and Chartplotter what's the differance?

I use this on a old lap top works great. cost 12 bucks, plus 21 dollars for the gps/usb ant for the pc. instant chart plotter, u can plug your Lowrance into the laptop and not buy the usb antenna

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOAA...X&its=C%2BS&itu=SI%2BUA%2BLM%2BLA&otn=4&ps=63

 

[MajBach]

Re: GPS and Chartplotter what's the differance?

A GPS is a global positioning system that costs about $50-billion to create and maintain.

A chart plotter is an electronic device or application that shows your current boat position on an electronic chart. You can get one for about $400.

That's what I thought too. So is my 76 CSx with Bluechart maps in it a chartplotter?

How come Garmin has a third category: sounders? Sounders appear to meet your definition of chartplotter but garmin has both chartplotters and sounders and I cannot see the difference.

 

[jhebert]

Re: GPS and Chartplotter what's the differance?

...is my 76 CSx with Bluechart maps in it a chartplotter?.

Many chart plotters have integrated GPS receivers. Or use external GPS receivers to get position information.

SONAR devices, such as depth sounders or fish finders, are sometimes integrated into combined instruments. A very common combination is:

--GPS receiver
--Chart plotter
--SONAR with rasterized display