Chartplotters

[Old'sCool]

You probably won't find a new gen. plotter you're happy with for that $$. The Garmin 478 is very nice, loaded with all the charts/maps, can be used on motorcycle, boat, car, or carried....but a very small screen. I opted for an outdated 2010 and am very happy!! I can actually see the screen. Sometimes BOE will make a package deal and is a Seacraft fan.

[dlb511]

Yeah, I know the money kind of limits me, but i just can't afford more. Garmin seems to be the most popular from my research, but they have a bewildering list of models and the numbering system for the models does not correlate to any set of characteristics that I can figure out. When I read the descriptions, about all I can understand is the size of the screen and some are mapped for freshwater and others are for salt. What about a built-in antenna versus an external? Does a built-in have a lot of problems, or is the difference negligible? I will just be using it inshore so best resolution would be a consideration, I don't need a lot of extra bells and whistles. I would like color because they say it is much easier to read and my experience agrees. I have no problem with buying an obsolete model if I can find one and it will fill my needs.

[Miles Offshore]

i am using an obsolete 192C garmin that although has a small screen is really a nice little unit i have not had any problems with at all. I am sure you might be able to find one in your price range leftover maybe on ebay, BOE etc. good luck-