Raytheon chartplotters C-Map or Navionics

[FreeByrd]

I'm going to buy either a Raychart 320 or Raychart 425. Both units have the WAAS GPS receiver. The 320 takes C-Map NT cartridges, and the 425 takes Navionics cartridges. I've used the C-Map cartridges before and was impressed with the detail that included bottom contours, reefs, bouys, etc. I have no experience with the Navionics cartridges. I will use this on all of Lake Erie, and the Western end of Lake Ontario.
I'm leaning towards the 425 based on:
Screen Size 6" vs 4.5 and 320 x 240 pixels vs 240 x 160 pixels.

425 is about $200 less for the unit but probably about the same because the Navionics chart that covers Erie and Western Lake Ontario is $300 so cost is a wash.

Questions:
How detailed are the built in maps in both units - are they the same or different?

How do the Navionics compare to the C-Map cartridges?

Any comments from anyone that has used either unit and/or C-Map compared to Navionics would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

[JWilson]

I have Navionics maps for my Global Map 1600 and X-15. I also have a C-mapNT for a Raytheon 520 and had a Global Map 2000 with a c-map. IMHO the c-maps are the better of the two. The Navionics use meters for the depth countour lines (2, 5, 10) there is a lot of structure that misses. I thought so much of the c-maps that is why I spent the money on the Raytheon even though I already had the GM1600 and X-15. The only advantage I can see of with Navionics is the possibility of maps for smaller lakes.

[whitetips]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-02-01 AT 10:09AM (CST)[p]After thinking about your question I will give you my thoughts on cartridges. They are OK but you must continue to keep buying them depending on where you fish. Buy a unit that you can get a disc and download from a PC and back and forth. I have a global map 2000 5 chl and must use. C-Maps for detail, IMS isnt good enough. I recommend having all the same units in the front as the rear so the information can be passed from one to the other, At this state of technology unless you can download from a PC your buying old technology. This is a good time to upgrade to the best you can get in a color chartplotter.

[whitetips]

check out www.consumermarine.com for specs on chartplotters.

[hooks]

New Raytheon 320 on ebay. Currently its $200 under retail...

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1160876974

[CW]

Freebyrd, I just picked up the 425... seems to be a really nice unit. I haven't used any of the chips yet, but I have seen them in a demo(look great). I just ordered the "Hot Spot" maps for it this morning. I was told by several people that most people just go with the Nav maps and not the C-maps. The reason that they gave was because the C-maps are really expensive- $200-$300, the lakemaps are $25. The C-maps are meant for navigation, but I am told that they are almost too detailed(if that's possible) very cluttered, hard to read.

I will be using the Lake of the Woods map this week... email me Monday and I will let you know how it worked!

[FSHLIMO]

I'm looking to purchase C-Map NT cartridges for North Dakota and Minnesota - anybody know where I can find them? Thanks for the help.

[Bottomfeeder]

Last fall I picked up a Magellan 6500 with c-map nt. First time out we were caught in the fog at night on Big Bay de Noc with extreemly low water conditions. Couldn't see the front of that boat and if we went the wrong way we would run aground. The Magellan was absoutely fabulous. I knew that if I went left, it was bad and if I went right it was good. The next day it helped us find some new areas to fish that were very productive. I have been using it on Winnebago this year and I have found lots of new reefs and humps that have been great. Both the Winnebago cart and the Lake Michigan cart are extreemly acurate. It is almost like cheating (except you still have to find a way to get the fish to bite).

Good Luck

Bottomfeeder

[FreeByrd]

I checked the unit out last night without the cartridge. Not worth much to me without the cartridge from what I could tell by using it for a half hour.

Some things I didn't checkout and will be interested in your feedback.

How easy is it to place an "event marker" icon - (for example when you hook a fish while trolling)?

How easy is it to save a waypoint and name it?
Thanks
Steve
steve199132@yahoo.com

[Michman]

I agree with "Bottomfeeder"! I too have a Magellan 6500 which uses the C-NT map cartriges. The detail is incredible!! One of the posts mentions that the C-NT maps have too much detail. With the 6500 that is not a problem as you can remove any level of detail from the screen you choose. I recently bought the newly released North Channel map and have used it in my Magellan several times around Drummond Island after dark. All I can say is I'm glad I have the Magellan and C-NT on my boat! If your familar with the rocks and reefs around Drummond you'll know what I mean!! Oh, by the way, once you buy a C-NT map cartridge you can send it in and have it updated for only $30.00 for as long as you own the cartridge! Good Luck!!

[Bottomfeeder]

The only problem I have found with the Magellan 6500 is that if you are going fishing with a buddy, even if he has a better boat than you, plan on taking your boat. If you get a c-map, try to talk your buddies into one, or just be resolved that you will always be in your boat. Their boat cannot match your technology.

Bottomfeeder

[walleye bob]

hi steve! i have a brand new in the box never used ray chart 320 that i bought thru the npaa. i think i paid 580.00plus s&h30.00.equals 610.00 thats what i need for it. so give me a call if interested 262-644-5337 thanks robert

[Scott]

>Freebyrd, I just picked up the
>425... seems to be
>a really nice unit.
>I haven't used any of
>the chips yet, but I
>have seen them in a
>demo(look great). I just
>ordered the "Hot Spot" maps
>for it this morning.
>I was told by several
>people that most people just
>go with the Nav maps
>and not the C-maps.
>The reason that they gave
>was because the C-maps are
>really expensive- $200-$300, the lakemaps
>are $25. The C-maps
>are meant for navigation, but
>I am told that they
>are almost too detailed(if that's
>possible) very cluttered, hard to
>read.
>
>I will be using the Lake
>of the Woods map this
>week... email me Monday
>and I will let you
>know how it worked!



CMap carts. can be purchased from Reeds at a very good price. I bought my Erie West Bas and St. Clair maps from them and if memory serves, they were less than 150.00 each. I think 140.00. Worth every penny. I've seen Nav/HotSpot maps of St. Clair in a specific area vs what I see on my GLOBAL Map 2000 with CMap. There is no comparison. The C Map is much more detailed. As far as too detailed? I can turn a lot of the extra notes off with the menu of my Global map. I've never found it cluttered or unable to read. To me, they are just like opening the big charts on my kitchen table at home. If you have problems reading those, you might not want to venture on big water.

The cartridges may be a bit cumbersome, but until I see more detail in the CD and Floppy downloads, I'll stay with the C Maps.