Garmin Montana 600 v GPS78sc

[ctva]

I am looking to buy a handheld plotter for two reasons, firstly as a standalone unit for use on RIBs for day and night work but also as a backup for when out in the boat. I've narrowed it down to these two units (I currently have an old trusty GPS76 which is great but does not support maps as it's too old, got it in 2000).

Has anyone got any experience of either of these two units and what thoughts on their use?

Many thanks

 

[dingdongs]

i bought a 78s and then found out that another card had to be purchased from garmin for a cost of £160 to get better more detailed maps just to bring it upto a chartplotter level which i already had.total cost was mounting up and ok for the bag and kicking about in the bottom of the rib.
depends on what you wish to use it for as 4 the montana it looks too chunky but can be used in the car too.if you have to purchase seperate data the costs will start mounting up .
have a 555 s too for a 20 ft sportsboat which i believe is a better product and quality than the 78s and sonar capable for your rib and has a better screen which is clearer whilst moving at speed.use that all the time but as the 750s has a good deal on just upgraded that too.look here; http://bluev.co.uk/garmin-gpsmap-750s---special-offer-until-29912-827-p.asp

 

[TSB240]

Vtc

I am looking to buy a handheld plotter for two reasons, firstly as a standalone unit for use on RIBs for day and night work but also as a backup for when out in the boat. I've narrowed it down to these two units (I currently have an old trusty GPS76 which is great but does not support maps as it's too old, got it in 2000).

Has anyone got any experience of either of these two units and what thoughts on their use?

Many thanks

I am very pleased with the Montana. I use it as a stand alone on small yacht..it is easy to see in bright sunlight. I am also a user of open cpn and have easily transfered routes and tracks between it and notebook. It is mounted on the marine mount and is linked into a NASA repeater. I also use it for anchor watch and find having it directly to hand very useful. The battery will last for 4 hours in normal use on one charge
I find it will keep anchor watch and track logging for over 6 hours on standby.
We also use it as a car sat nav.
Gets a big thumbs up and much more user friendly than old 72.