Doing a re-power this summer and along with it - finally doing an upgrade of my electronics as well (only 20 years out of date at present...). Because I have a very small console on my skiff it's going to have to be a 9" chartplotter. I've looked over the available info on FMT'S site and will probably go with a Lowrance. Can anyone point me in the right direction as to model, etc. As a commercial operator I'm really interested in longevity and ease of operation for my needs. Any pointers or advice gratefully appreciated... My current depth finder and GPS are from the stone age...
lemaymiami
Chartplotter for Florida Marine Tracks
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First thoughts.. oh fudge - the one you've cited Imac...was my first choice... but it's the "FS" model, complete with transducer for $999 (and there's a $100 rebate from Lowrance) and that's attractive for a guy operating commercially... Appreciate the feedback - and I've already left a message for FMT's tech support.
One of the things about running day after day in all kinds of conditions (with all kinds of anglers....) is that I do try to anticipate all the bad things that can happen to gear when you have absolute beginners on board (and won't comment about all the stuff broken over the years for one reason or other...). 'Nuff said about that -but as a result I do try to keep my gear contained within the perimeter of my too small console... stuff lasts longer that way...
I'm fortunate that I really, really know the places I run routinely (and did learn most of it long before GPS became common...) but I am looking forward to working into new areas (and don't like running aground in places like the Loxahatchee at night with anglers aboard...). Most of what I know about Florida Bay is also very badly out of date (and was learned in a skiff that floated in only six inches of water - not like my Maverick) so in that regard I do need an up to date chartplotter... I've already been running a boat or two with chartplotter and FMT, so I do have some idea of what to expect. I'm also well aware that quite a few have little in-depth knowledge of their electronics - and how to get the best use from them... I'm a bit better than that - but will still need to get serious about learning all the ins and outs of my gear. Yes, I also know that a 12" is far superior to a 9" screen - but for my purposes it's just not on the menu..
Thanks to all who have responded and keep it coming. To give you some idea of my technical skills with electronics - my kids are my tech experts (and the grandkids are probably ahead of me as well) - but I'll figure it out eventually...
One of the things about running day after day in all kinds of conditions (with all kinds of anglers....) is that I do try to anticipate all the bad things that can happen to gear when you have absolute beginners on board (and won't comment about all the stuff broken over the years for one reason or other...). 'Nuff said about that -but as a result I do try to keep my gear contained within the perimeter of my too small console... stuff lasts longer that way...
I'm fortunate that I really, really know the places I run routinely (and did learn most of it long before GPS became common...) but I am looking forward to working into new areas (and don't like running aground in places like the Loxahatchee at night with anglers aboard...). Most of what I know about Florida Bay is also very badly out of date (and was learned in a skiff that floated in only six inches of water - not like my Maverick) so in that regard I do need an up to date chartplotter... I've already been running a boat or two with chartplotter and FMT, so I do have some idea of what to expect. I'm also well aware that quite a few have little in-depth knowledge of their electronics - and how to get the best use from them... I'm a bit better than that - but will still need to get serious about learning all the ins and outs of my gear. Yes, I also know that a 12" is far superior to a 9" screen - but for my purposes it's just not on the menu..
Thanks to all who have responded and keep it coming. To give you some idea of my technical skills with electronics - my kids are my tech experts (and the grandkids are probably ahead of me as well) - but I'll figure it out eventually...
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Just ordered the Lowrance Elite FS 9 and will report out how it goes a few weeks from now... I used The GPS Store and it was $999 (with a $100 rebate on offer from Lowrance if bought before 30 June...). I'll have it in hand in two days but my skiff is going down for a re-power next week so it will be about the end of the second week of July before I'm up and running again... Thank heavens for lure orders (if anyone needs them...).
I won't order the FMT chip until I know I'll have a rig to use it with... then it's back to school for me. Seriously, can't remember the times I've run customers boats -with good electronics - that they don't know how to use... at least not very well... Me, I've long used that simple trip log function as my gas gauge for years and years - and that's a pretty basic thing. I wonder how many reading this have no idea where it is or how to find it -on their own gear...
I won't order the FMT chip until I know I'll have a rig to use it with... then it's back to school for me. Seriously, can't remember the times I've run customers boats -with good electronics - that they don't know how to use... at least not very well... Me, I've long used that simple trip log function as my gas gauge for years and years - and that's a pretty basic thing. I wonder how many reading this have no idea where it is or how to find it -on their own gear...
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Most of my waypoints are actually much more about navigation than fishing spots… It will be an interesting task. For years EasyGPS has allowed me to download my entire waypoint data onto my desktop and from there directly into a new handheld. Won’t be doing that any more..
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I'm pretty sure I'll be doing the same.. but for now plan on simply keeping that old handheld onboard as a backup for "special situations"...
Some years ago I taught a short free talk on how to use a handheld for fishing at one of my local West Marine stores... My first remarks were always to point out that no matter how much you paid for a gps (this was before chartplotters became common on small skiffs) that all of them had one thing in common... They'd never give you a bit of warning before quitting - usually when you could least afford to have it happen... Hope that's a long time away for my new setup - but spend enough time on the water and it probably will - some day...
Some years ago I taught a short free talk on how to use a handheld for fishing at one of my local West Marine stores... My first remarks were always to point out that no matter how much you paid for a gps (this was before chartplotters became common on small skiffs) that all of them had one thing in common... They'd never give you a bit of warning before quitting - usually when you could least afford to have it happen... Hope that's a long time away for my new setup - but spend enough time on the water and it probably will - some day...
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Thanks for the heads up... I have my new unit in hand and it will be going to Seapower along with my skiff next week right after the 4th... Looked everything over - then got out the manuals. Looks like I'll be using the manual as well as on the water time - to learn how to actually use the unit. Since I'm a contrary so and so at best I'll first be operating without the FMT chip - then add it once I'm comfortable doing the basics. and start the learning process all over again...
Since my dealer will not only be re-powering -but also re-doing my small console's surface they'll need the unit to figure out where to install the new gauges -analog not digital since this a commercial rig (saves $800...), in my case "less is more" although it's no microskiff... Like I said before, I'll have a few before and after pics to post once it's all done to aid anyone that might be considering going down this path themselves...
Since my dealer will not only be re-powering -but also re-doing my small console's surface they'll need the unit to figure out where to install the new gauges -analog not digital since this a commercial rig (saves $800...), in my case "less is more" although it's no microskiff... Like I said before, I'll have a few before and after pics to post once it's all done to aid anyone that might be considering going down this path themselves...
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Thanks.... having someone on board when you're first on the water in a new area is a great benefit I think... and something I do off and on. A bonus for me is that I get to run a variety of boats - from big bayboats with big motors down to microskiffs... If I was working in the Keys I'd be reluctant since every spot there is precious but running the 'glades there's so many different opportunities that most will at first simply concentrate on being able to get from here to there without hitting something in the Chokoloskee area...
Over on the Flamingo side of things it's a real benefit for first timers who intend to fish a few days on their own after getting a headstart from me. At least they know what to look for after a day with someone who runs the area day after day... The area I run in there, is literally 40 miles north to south an 20 miles east to west (from the interior all the way out to the Gulf coast). My average day out of Flamingo is always 15 to 20 miles more than if I'm running from Choko down to Lostman's.. according to my trip log.
Over on the Flamingo side of things it's a real benefit for first timers who intend to fish a few days on their own after getting a headstart from me. At least they know what to look for after a day with someone who runs the area day after day... The area I run in there, is literally 40 miles north to south an 20 miles east to west (from the interior all the way out to the Gulf coast). My average day out of Flamingo is always 15 to 20 miles more than if I'm running from Choko down to Lostman's.. according to my trip log.
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FYI... early on in the process of selecting a chartplotter from the list provided by FMT... I called their tech support number, identified myself and left a message requesting a callback... That was roughly three weeks ago and to this date - no call back at all...
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Bit late now - but will call once the machine is installed, up and running and ready for that all important chip... Only mentioned the no response to let you know what I experienced... Customer service is tough to keep at a high level...
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