Suggestions on Dinghy Electronics

I don’t understand why this has to be so difficult…

I am in the process of renovating the dinghy on our new-to-us boat, setting it up to be both a tender for the big boat, as well as a fishing platform in good conditions. In case you’re interested, I’m tracking the progress on my blog: https://mvcesc.wordpress.com/category/projects/fishing-dinghy/


One of the additions I’m making is a fishfinder with GPS plotting capabilities. This is on a dinghy, so I want it to be small (4 or 5 inches), and relatively cheap (sub $300). I will not be flush mounting.

Now, the hard part. I also want the ability to display AIS targets and DSC sources via NMEA 1080 data inputs. This is an almost impossible spec to search for.

I did find the Garmin Echomap 42Cv that has all the capabilities (https://buy.garmin.com/en-SG/digital/p/577144#specs ) but it requires a Bluechart SD ($75+) to work in our area. And what’s the difference between the 42Cv, the 43Cv, the 44Cv, and the 45Cv other than price?

This is just about the point where I threw up my hands and opened up the browser…

My own solution is to mount a second station on the dinghy, where I mount the small (5"?) humminbird plotter/sounder that I already own, that lives on the flybridge. The second station kit was only about $150. Includes the T-ducer, GPS antenna, deck mount and all wiring.
For AIS I have my cellphone, running Boatbeacon, a $10 app that is in real time. No, doesn't work without cell coverage, though my chances of getting away from cell coverage get less every year.

I have a Raymarine Dragonfly 4 mounted to my console, then I went with the iCom M400BB. I have a Walker Bay dink.

Raymarine: Dragonfly 4DV and 4DVS | Raymarine by FLIR


iCom: M400BB VHF Marine Transceiver - Features - Icom America

I flush mounted a raymarine a65. I got for $350 on a close out so I thought why not. I thought it was over kill but i’m Surprised at how handy it has become. I even run all my outboard data to it.

I know it’s not what you are looking for, i’m just suggesting you might use the display more than you would think so go for more not less.

I use my iphone in a waterproof case, nav software shows you depths and contours in addition bring up the browser for AIS if you want. I have the full suite on my sportfisherman, but the truth is knowing where you are relative to structure is what its about, not "finding" fish.