Gps/chartplotter for bimini crossing

[Gofish206]

What's is the best simple sub $300 chartplotter for using to cross to Bahamas and navigate GPS coordinates.

 

[swatski]

I don't think you could go completely wrong with the Raymarine 5M. Those should be discounted now as slightly older (2017) model, too. The thing is a brute. Inexpensive (chartplotter only), runs Navionics +, does the strait line/beam ("green line") very well.

It is PITA to program but so what... It is robust - visible in full sun, sunglasses, night, rain - w/ a screen that is designed as a open air marine chartplotter.

I have played with Nav Apps on my iPhone and it can work great. But I would not use it as a primary nav tool in the boat for a trip like Bimini. Learned that many times, something always happens with my phone just when I need it...lol.

I ended up mounting my Dragonfly 5M into the coaming besides the dash - works great for me, day or night.

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[robert843]

Garmin has the Garmin 54CV for $299 right. I think I saw it on another web site for $279 if you show west marine that they should price match it.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/garm...aZPtLeJYtAOI4CL2WW75_1anAn0ii7WIaAm1IEALw_wcB

 

[AndyD]

Garmin has the Garmin 54CV for $299 right. I think I saw it on another web site for $279 if you show west marine that they should price match it.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmin--echomap-chirp-54cv-fishfinder-chartplotter-combo-with-clearv-transducer-and-bluechart-g2-coastal-charts--17984493?cm_mmc=PS-_-Google-_-GSC%20-%20Vendors-_-17984493&product_id=17984493&adpos=1o3&creative=108421554244&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&mrkgadid=3099910292&mrkgcl=481&rkg_id=h-5080018f0d087e006bb3ba263bcae477_t-1520747208&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoY7VBRDtARIsAHWoO-JSTTaTry2-_EgIowI61RIaZPtLeJYtAOI4CL2WW75_1anAn0ii7WIaAm1IEALw_wcB

That’s a steal! I think I paid $499 for the 53 two years ago. It’s a great size for our boats and $279 is a killer deal!

 

[swatski]

That’s a steal! I think I paid $499 for the 53 two years ago. It’s a great size for our boats and $279 is a killer deal!

What about the maps? For me the included Dragonfly Navionics+ app w/chartplotter was a big motivator. It includes Bimini and beyond, but is great at home on my rivers.

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[AndyD]

What about the maps? For me the included Dragonfly Navionics+ app w/chartplotter was a big motivator. It includes Bimini and beyond, but is great at home on my rivers.

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For mine I got the inland lakes only, had to pay extra for a coastal upgrade card for about $150 I think which includes Bahamas.

 

[Gofish206]

What about the maps? For me the included Dragonfly Navionics+ app w/chartplotter was a big motivator. It includes Bimini and beyond, but is great at home on my rivers.

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This is where they all get confusing to me. I want to buy a unit that will be plug and play and ready to navigate bimini with having to buy or update after purchase. If the unit is preloaded with bluechart g2 or navionics+ I would only assume they would have the Bahamas mapping ??

 

[robert843]

This is where they all get confusing to me. I want to buy a unit that will be plug and play and ready to navigate bimini with having to buy or update after purchase. If the unit is preloaded with bluechart g2 or navionics+ I would only assume they would have the Bahamas mapping ??

Bluechart G2 no longer comes standard with the Bahamas charts. Installed mine today.

 

[AndyD]

Bluechart G2 no longer comes standard with the Bahamas charts. Installed mine today.

View attachment 70035 View attachment 70036

Where’d you get that cover for your connext screen?

 

[robert843]

Where’d you get that cover for your connext screen?

It came with the boat when I bought it. If you bought yours new and it didn't come with one I would contact your dealers and ask for one. Dealers forget stuff all the time they almost didn't give me my spare tire or the rear view mirror that comes with the boat either I had to ask for them right before I left when I noticed they were missing.

 

[Sbrown]

I received one with my boat as well

 

[Wisefam22]

Garmin 54cv discontinued at west marine. I liked the 54 as it came loaded with coastal maps... the 53 is identical with inland maps I believe.

Any other recomendations?

 

[Rod5]

Are you sure Bimini island is there? I have the exact same 54cv model yes the large Bahama islands are there with some chart details but not the small Bimini island. The Bimini land mass is there but that’s it no depth charts or markers.

 

[Sbrown]

I have the 54dv and mine did not have detailed charts of Bimini, I had to buy a card. Part #VUS513L. With the card, beautiful charts of the Bahamas and the Florida keys

 

[ClemsonTiger]

Paper Chart and Sextant should get the job done for sub $300....