nav. charts

Phantom · 01-15-2019, 03:27 PM

MAXUM -- we have the 53CV, which I think is essentially the same thing in a different package.

The "Stock" Chart is at best "okay" a lot of missing spars-- it will get you around the Lake in a pinch-- but we didn't like the lack of detail so opted to get the detailed LakeVu ULTRA SD card ( from Watermark Marine) as we are frequent night boaters.

After the upgrade -- AWESOME !!

It does take some time getting use to the functions/ controls … it was not as simple and intuitive as previous Garmin's we have had.

Very first tip is to dig deep into the menu settings and find (god knows how I tripped on it) the setting to ENLARGE the map view print/font to maximum -- this will allow reading the actual FL numbers and surprisingly all Black-Red Tops are associated with a number as well.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/576160

.

tis · 01-15-2019, 07:26 PM

Does Duncan make charts any more? Is Bizer the only show in town?

dt5150 · 01-16-2019, 08:38 AM

i run a navionics hotmaps platinum card in my lowrance. i wouldn't be without it frankly.. has every buoy, marker, etc along with depths accurate to within 1-2 feet. it also has shore info as well, marinas, gas docks etc.

MAXUM · 01-16-2019, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

MAXUM -- we have the 53CV, which I think is essentially the same thing in a different package.

The "Stock" Chart is at best "okay" a lot of missing spars-- it will get you around the Lake in a pinch-- but we didn't like the lack of detail so opted to get the detailed LakeVu ULTRA SD card ( from Watermark Marine) as we are frequent night boaters.

After the upgrade -- AWESOME !!

It does take some time getting use to the functions/ controls … it was not as simple and intuitive as previous Garmin's we have had.

Very first tip is to dig deep into the menu settings and find (god knows how I tripped on it) the setting to ENLARGE the map view print/font to maximum -- this will allow reading the actual FL numbers and surprisingly all Black-Red Tops are associated with a number as well.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/576160

.

So did some checking on this, Garmin just released their G3 maps... also the preloaded maps can be updated online - in fact it's pretty easy to do with the unit I got since it has built in WIFI can hook it up to my phone and download the latest updates on the fly. I assume they all work the same.

Since you already bought the "premo" maps probably doesn't matter per say but I believe even the ones on the SD cards can be regularly updated. I'll probably be fine with the preloaded maps - the only time I'll be out in that boat after dark is going back and forth from Island to Mainland and I can do that pretty much blind. In fact I did that a couple times at night in the fog which was a bit sketchy... this would have been a nice to have! It's amazing how messed up you can get at night!

anticd70 · 01-16-2019, 09:05 PM

Buy a Bizer chart and download Navionics to your phone they are a winning combination. Also keep it slow with your head on a swivel looking out for markers and you will be fine.

arthurbreault · 01-17-2019, 08:45 AM

Thanks for all the help will be picking up a BIZER chart. Gps and chart plotters are grate, but you can't beat a compass and a paper chart. Looking forward to getting my feet wet. In R.I. we launched on Patriots day weekend, is that to early for the lake?

Art

MAXUM · 01-17-2019, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arthurbreault

Thanks for all the help will be picking up a BIZER chart. Gps and chart plotters are grate, but you can't beat a compass and a paper chart. Looking forward to getting my feet wet. In R.I. we launched on Patriots day weekend, is that to early for the lake?

Art

Maybe - maybe not. Pay attention to this site as there will be an official ice out thread, typically the lake is ice free the latter part of April.

Descant · 01-18-2019, 10:51 AM

It usually takes a few days after ice out to be clear of debris, trees, branches, docks and bob houses. A good wind blows most of it to shore, and as the water level drops, it becomes lodged on shore. Kindly, caring, shorefront landowners clean it up. If you come across something that presents a hazard, call Marine Patrol and they will have it removed. MP is our lake ambassador. They do all sorts of wonderful things, plus law enforcement. If you drop by HQ in Glendale, they'll do a courtesy safety check for you.

Barney Bear · 01-19-2019, 05:19 PM

The operator of a boat over 25 HP in New Hampshire must have a New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate or similar certificatifrom from another state. 🐻

arthurbreault · 01-20-2019, 11:56 AM

All the information I can get is well appreciated, thank you for the help. I have a certificate from the coast guard that I successfully completed the boating skills and seamanship course. I think this will work. I understand that boating on a lake (even one this size) presents it's challenges. Not all boaters follow the rules of the water. Unfortunately this affects everyone.

Thanks for the help, Art

01-15-2019, 03:27 PM	#1
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	MAXUM -- we have the 53CV, which I think is essentially the same thing in a different package. The "Stock" Chart is at best "okay" a lot of missing spars-- it will get you around the Lake in a pinch-- but we didn't like the lack of detail so opted to get the detailed LakeVu ULTRA SD card ( from Watermark Marine) as we are frequent night boaters. After the upgrade -- AWESOME !! It does take some time getting use to the functions/ controls … it was not as simple and intuitive as previous Garmin's we have had. Very first tip is to dig deep into the menu settings and find (god knows how I tripped on it) the setting to ENLARGE the map view print/font to maximum -- this will allow reading the actual FL numbers and surprisingly all Black-Red Tops are associated with a number as well. https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/576160 . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

01-18-2019, 10:51 AM	#8
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,479 Thanks: 1,390 Thanked 1,667 Times in 1,086 Posts	debris It usually takes a few days after ice out to be clear of debris, trees, branches, docks and bob houses. A good wind blows most of it to shore, and as the water level drops, it becomes lodged on shore. Kindly, caring, shorefront landowners clean it up. If you come across something that presents a hazard, call Marine Patrol and they will have it removed. MP is our lake ambassador. They do all sorts of wonderful things, plus law enforcement. If you drop by HQ in Glendale, they'll do a courtesy safety check for you.

01-19-2019, 05:19 PM	#9
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 498 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	Important Requirement The operator of a boat over 25 HP in New Hampshire must have a New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate or similar certificatifrom from another state. 🐻

The Following User Says Thank You to Phantom For This Useful Post:
MAXUM (01-15-2019)

01-15-2019, 07:26 PM	#2
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,844 Thanks: 764 Thanked 1,474 Times in 1,029 Posts	Does Duncan make charts any more? Is Bizer the only show in town?

01-16-2019, 08:38 AM	#3
dt5150 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 401 Thanks: 4 Thanked 107 Times in 72 Posts	i run a navionics hotmaps platinum card in my lowrance. i wouldn't be without it frankly.. has every buoy, marker, etc along with depths accurate to within 1-2 feet. it also has shore info as well, marinas, gas docks etc.

The Following User Says Thank You to MAXUM For This Useful Post:
Phantom (01-22-2019)

01-16-2019, 09:05 PM	#5
anticd70 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 46 Thanks: 6 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Buy a Bizer chart and download Navionics to your phone they are a winning combination. Also keep it slow with your head on a swivel looking out for markers and you will be fine.

01-17-2019, 08:45 AM	#6
arthurbreault Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for all the help will be picking up a BIZER chart. Gps and chart plotters are grate, but you can't beat a compass and a paper chart. Looking forward to getting my feet wet. In R.I. we launched on Patriots day weekend, is that to early for the lake? Art

01-20-2019, 11:56 AM	#10
arthurbreault Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	All the information I can get is well appreciated, thank you for the help. I have a certificate from the coast guard that I successfully completed the boating skills and seamanship course. I think this will work. I understand that boating on a lake (even one this size) presents it's challenges. Not all boaters follow the rules of the water. Unfortunately this affects everyone. Thanks for the help, Art