Chartplotter for less than $200

[JonnyBoats]

Here is a fellow who put together a nice chartplotter for less than $200.
http://sailingscamper.blogspot.com/2005 ... harts.html

He used free software available here:
http://www.sping.com/seaclear/index.htm#PC

and free NOAA charts available here:
http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/Index.htm

A really nice feature of this setup is that the chart corrections can be downloaded for free on a weekly basis from NOAA, so that charts can be kept current at no cost, something most high cost chartplotters don't support.

Here is a photo of his setup:



You can also read more about it at:
http://www.panbo.com/yae/archives/001219.html

[Figment]

Very low draw on the battery.

;)

[Challenger949L]

Would the gps receiver, being in the cabin, cause any problem with it picking up signals?

[Matt B.]

Would the gps receiver, being in the cabin, cause any problem with it picking up signals?

Probably not.

Large amounts of concrete are a problem, as is smaller amounts of steel, but the structure of a boat cabin, especially a fiberglass boat, are not likely to cause even a small issue. With a modern receiver - less than two-three years old - the chances of a problem are even lower.

[Figment]

Aren't units intended for mounting (like the one pictured) generally configured for external antennae? I know the one on my father's boat has an external.

I've never tried to use my handheld from inside the cabin.
On my race boat, however, the "navigator" sometimes finds the cockpit a bit crowded, and seeks refuge in the cabin. He plugs an external antenna into his superduper garmin handheld and suction-cups it to the outside of the coachroof.
I think it works without the external, but it's more accurate with the external because it "sees" more satellites, or something like that.

[Summersdawn]

I have noticed no difference with my handheld GPS inside or outside my cabin. It works great either place.