Doing a re-power this summer and along with it - finally doing an upgrade of my electronics as well (only 20 years out of date at present...).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...
Chartplotter for Florida Marine Tracks
lemaymiami
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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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Capt. That is one way the FMT chip has changed how I use my chart. Previously I have over 600 waypoints. Most were navigation related, not secret honey hole spots. After I became use to the FMT chip I have since deleted 100’s of navigation waypoints. Many down in the Keys.
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Cheers
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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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I run a Lowrance Elite FS 9. No complaints. Decent resolution. Fast. Touchscreen and buttons to zoom in/out. No issues seeing the screen in direct sunlight. Great unit. My only small pet peeve with the unit is that all of the little screw mounting covers at the corners have fallen out, but not that big of a deal.
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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...
Billfish 14, Tohatsu 20hp, poling & casting platforms, trolling motor
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The 9” Simrad evo unit has the same resolution as the 12” on one axis, and nearly as good on the other. The brightness of the screen is really appreciated outside of twilight hours.
I think you will find FMT setup instructions are very concise and helpful. Good move even for a seasoned veteran such as yourself. I like the ability to get updated chips at a discounted price once you buy the chips initially. I was hoping you would go with the 12” but overall, the ability to run FMT is a huge upgrade in my opinion. BTW - you ran my HPX 18 for a couple of days a few years ago out of Chokoloskee when I was getting started fishing around there. It was an immense learning experience for me with knowledge gained I use every time I’m on the water.
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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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On that rig, a 12" and also a 16" EVO3 wil fit inside the windshield if elevated on an adjustable mount to avoid the compass.
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At this time, the best value in the market is the Lowrance LIVE as it was discontinued earlier this year. You can get a 12" model for about $2k.
Wouldn't having that electronic unit right next to the compass play havoc with the compass?
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Not at all...
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All of the Nav. waypoints will not be needed with an ISLA chart. Having them is required on the general reference charts as the detailed appropriate nav insignt is missing and that is why all of the Garmin users have their screen full of waypoints along with their previous tracks. They use their own data and not the chart itself which is merely is placeholder. That is not the case with ISLA.
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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...
All Technical Support Questions: Info@ISLAmapping.com407-463-7216
Is this where you are trying?
I would keep calling. I don’t always rely on voice mail.
Is this where you are trying?
I would keep calling. I don’t always rely on voice mail.
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We dont have a record of that. Please try again.
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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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Lemay, I called and spoke with Glen for an hour 18 months ago prior to getting my unit. If anything, I think you’ll find it hard to get him off the phone. He is a fanatic about FMT and loves to talk about the program. Good luck man.
“iMacattack, I have the 9" Ti2 now, and I bought a 9" FS for the new skiff. I had it drop shipped to Chittum (Shane needed the power cable for rigging), so I don't know how the screens compare, but I'll let you know when I get the new boat.”
I don’t know if you’re still looking for an answer, but I finally took possession of the new skiff last night, and we ran her for several hours today. I thought I liked the screen on the Ti2, but the screen on the FS is way better. Definitely an upgrade. One thing I noticed— I had a hard case I carried the 9” Ti2 in when I removed it from the boat. The 9” FS is a wee bit wider and I have to remove the knobs to fit it in the case (one of them, anyway).
I don’t know if you’re still looking for an answer, but I finally took possession of the new skiff last night, and we ran her for several hours today. I thought I liked the screen on the Ti2, but the screen on the FS is way better. Definitely an upgrade. One thing I noticed— I had a hard case I carried the 9” Ti2 in when I removed it from the boat. The 9” FS is a wee bit wider and I have to remove the knobs to fit it in the case (one of them, anyway).
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