Chart plotter necessary? Or Phone ok?

[jeme]

I am down sizing from a 21 ft center console fishing boat to a challenger 180, I had a GARMIN 4208 and used it in the other boat.

My question is in the Challenger could I get away with my phone and charts or is a depth finder/chart plotter necessary.

If phone, what do you use?

If Chart-plotter depth finder, what do you use or recommend. What fits on a 2012 Challenger?

I know the phone software would have depth but just an estimate and not what is right under the boat. I would also lose water temp with the phone.

I would have a radio and I have sea town and would be in shore in the intercostal.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rcguy]

I installed a Lowrance Elite 5HDI on my 180 Challenger and use it on every trip. Is it necessary NO but I like the charts and other functions of this machine. I also have a smart phone. All I can say is it is a personal preference that I have the Lowrance onboard. Only you can make that choice.

 

[jeme]

Thanks so much. Where did you mount it? Would you be able to share a pic, also where did you put your transducer?

 

[MikeM8560]

ive got a 7" garmin on my centerconsole but my deckboat has a small helm with little space so im planning to get one of these to put on the dash

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmi...VjqACUwEuflYgVcGQfi8NcApnX4-F5nRlKxoCvUfw_wcB

 

[rcguy]

There are pics in an old post on this threadline, "Challenger upgrade pictures" posted 02-18-15. I screwed the transducer on the outside of the transom on the starboard side next to the factory speedometer wheel.

 

[Premix]

The Garmin 44dv is a good size for your boat. I have one on my Speedster. I suspect the OEM Airmar transducer in your boat is the same one in the Garmin catalog. You can likely connect it to the 44dv so it can combine the water depths with your position.

 

[jeme]

Premix thanks. I was unaware that my model Challenger had a transducer? I will know tomorrow for sure after I pick up the boat.

 

[jeme]

Thanks as well. Does anybody have a pic of where this transducer is?

 

[JPass]

Thanks as well. Does anybody have a pic of where this transducer is?

Port side in engine compartment. Very easy to access.

 

[jeme]

That JPass that looks like a dual unit and I have a Challenger 180. I will check the shop manual. But if anyone else can comment I would appreciate it. jPass thanks so much for your help.

 

[JPass]

That JPass that looks like a dual unit and I have a Challenger 180. I will check the shop manual. But if anyone else can comment I would appreciate it. jPass thanks so much for your help.

My bad. I saw mention of a 210 in your earlier post and thought that's what you needed. You didn't mention what year your 180 is, but here's the location from the 2012 model. Looks like it is near the battery.

 

[jeme]

It's is a 2012. Excellent I will check to see if it has one tonight.

 

[jeme]

It's is a 2012. Excellent I will check to see if it has one tonight.

No tranducer in mine, it is a standard Challenger 180. I purchased the GARMIN 44 yesterday and will do a hull tranducer to keep the back end clean.

 

[jeme]

I purchased that one today. Now I have to figure out how to mount it.

 

[Premix]

A lot of people have successfully siliconed the transom mount transducer inside the hull. Since your Garmin 44 comes with it, you might as well try this with the one it came with before buying the actual in-hull transducer. There's some great information about this if you search the web.

 

[Premix]

Although you know the manufacturers preferred mounting location, here's more information.

http://youtu.be/22SzRXa21hg