Finding reliable navigation equipment makes a simple day on the water a safe and predictable journey. A modern cartplotter for a boat is not just a digital map, but a complex computing center that combines GPS, GLONASS and sonar data into a single, understandable picture. Mistaking the choice of device can cost you not only money, but also safety on the water, especially in conditions of poor visibility or unfamiliar waters.
Many novice water utilities underestimate the importance of map detail and CPU response speed when laying out a route. In this article, we will discuss the technical nuances that will help you avoid buying a useless gadget. You will learn why screen resolution and matrix type are more important than the number of preset points of interest.
Key specifications of navigation systems
When choosing a device, first of all, you need to pay attention to the screen-response Cheap models often feature TN panels that fade in direct sunlight, making navigation impossible at clear noon. IPS or TFT arrays provide stable color reproduction and wide viewing angles, which is critical when driving a boat.
The size of the diagonal directly affects the ease of reading information, but do not chase the maximum values without taking into account the size of the cockpit. For small inflatable boats, 5-7 inches are optimal, whereas for boats with a captain's bridge, screens from 9 inches and above are required.
⚠️ Note: Do not buy devices without IPX7 or IPX6 certification, as constant spray and high humidity can quickly disable electronics.
The second critical parameter is satellite support. GPS and GLONASSDual-system receivers provide faster and more accurate positioning, especially in difficult weather conditions or at high latitudes. The speed of updating coordinates also plays a role: for high-speed boats, delay in displaying position is unacceptable.
Pay attention to the brightness of the screen in lumens (Nits). For marine use, this figure must be at least 1000-1500 nits to remain readable in the sun.
Functions of sonar and sonar
The modern cartplotter often acts as the head of the sonar, providing detailed information about the bottom topography. 2D sonar It allows you to see the depth and the presence of fish, but professional search requires more advanced solutions, and many models support the connection of additional sensors that extend the scanning capabilities.
- 🐟 Traditional 2D sonar: A classic display that is useful for determining the structure of the bottom and the presence of fish in the beam cone.
- 🌊 DownVision / DownScan: Down-scan technology that creates a photographically clear image of the bottom directly under the boat.
- 🔍 SideVision / SideScan: Side scanning, allowing you to examine large areas on the sides of the course of movement.
It is important to understand the difference between the frequencies of the emitters: Low frequencies (50 kHz) penetrate great depths, but give a less detailed picture, whereas high frequencies (200 kHz and above) are ideal for shallow water and fish hunting.
What's CHIRP?
CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse) uses a wide range of frequencies instead of a single fixed one, allowing for separating targets that are very close together and greatly improving detail at any depth.
Map types and navigation software
Hardware is useless without quality software and up-to-date maps. Most manufacturers use proprietary card formats, which limits the user's choice of products from one brand. Navionics or C-MAPIt is supported by many different brands of devices.
The cost of maps can be a significant part of the budget, so it’s worth checking in advance whether they are pre-installed in memory or need to be purchased separately. Some manufacturers offer basic maps of the world for free, but port and depth detailing is often lacking.
| Map format | Compatibility | Details | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navionics+ | Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad | High. | Annual |
| C-MAP REVEAL | Lowrance, B&G | Very high. | By subscription. |
| BlueChart g3 | Garmin | Medium/High | Paid |
| OpenSeaMap | Universally. | Low. | Free. |
Connection interfaces and integration
To create a complete navigation system, the cartplotter must be easily integrated with other onboard equipment. NMEA 2000 It's the de facto standard for modern boats, allowing data to be exchanged between the engine, the autopilot, the AIS and the navigator, and without it, you can't have a single instrument network.
Also important is having NMEA 0183 ports to connect legacy equipment, such as old radars or sonars. Check the number of inputs for video cameras if you plan to use a rearview system or thermal imager.
⚠️ Note: When connecting radars, make sure that the cartplotter supports a specific radar model, as compatibility is often limited to devices from a single manufacturer.
Wireless interfaces Wi-Fi and Bluetooth It's becoming the standard for synchronization with smartphones and tablets, and it allows you to map your routes at home on a big screen, and on a boat, you can use your mobile device as a repeater or a remote control.
☑️ Checking ports before buying
Installation and installation of equipment
Proper installation of a device determines not only its appearance, but also the reliability of operation in extreme conditions.Flush Mount) and bracket (Bracket MountThe cut-in layout looks more aesthetic, but requires drilling of the panel and sealing of the joints.
When laying cables, you need to use corrugated tubes and avoid places where the wires can rub against moving parts or sharp edges of metal. All connections should be reliably protected from corrosion, it is desirable to use thermal shrinkage with adhesive layer.
Recommended sequence of actions:1. Disconnect the on-board network (mass tumbler).
2. Cut the hole according to the pattern.
3. Treat the edges of the cut with anticores.
4. Lay a cable with a margin of length of 15-20 cm.
5. Set the device and tighten the cross-cross fastener.
6. Connect the power supply and check the work.
Use only marine fittings and AISI 316 stainless steel fasteners, as regular fasteners will rust in one season.
Popular brands and series
The navigation electronics market is divided among several major players, each with its own strengths. Garmin It is famous for its ecosystems and high-quality radars. Lowrance It is traditionally strong in echolocation technology for fishing, and Raymarine It offers excellent solutions for yachtsmen.
The choice of a particular series depends on your tasks: for sports fishing, the speed of updating the sonar screen is important, and for cruise swimming, the quality of mapping and integration with autopilot. Budget lines are often devoid of touch control, which can be uncomfortable in dynamics.
- 🚤 Garmin GPSMAP: Premium multi-touch screens and excellent radar integration.
- 🎣 Lowrance HDS Live/Carbon: Best in class scanning of the bottom and structure.
- ⚓ Raymarine Axiom: Fast processor and modular expansion system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a cartplotter with AIS support?
If you're planning to go to a place of active shipping or floating in fog, AIS (Automatic Identification System) support is critical, allowing you to see large boats on the navigation screen even if they are not visible visually, preventing collisions.
Can I use a cartplotter in the winter?
Most modern devices operate at temperatures as low as -15°C or -20°C, but LCD screens can have a response delay in the cold. Lithium batteries also lose capacity, so it is better to store the device warmly and take it with you only for the time of exit.
How often do I need to update the maps?
Manufacturers recommend updating maps once a year, as hydrographic services are constantly making changes: new buoys are appearing, fairways and depths are changing.
What to do if the GPS signal is lost?
Check the integrity of the antenna and the cable. Sometimes the problem is solved by rebooting the device, and if the signal is lost in one place all the time, maybe the antenna is shielded by the boat's designs or there is a source of interference nearby.