GPS Unit - recomendations please.......

jmt

jmt

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Hi - I have predominantly boated in an area I have known since my youth. We are starting to venture further afield occasionally and I am thinking of a GPS unit. (Thinking I might get one for Christmas rather than more socks etc.!)

I am looking either at a handheld like the Garmin 76CSx or equivalent or an similar feature set and price fixed rather than handheld unit (someone reccomended a Lowrance unit, but can't remember which model).

Thoughts on handheld v's fixed and models would be welcome.
Do I have to install seperate aerials etc. for a fixed unit?
Is there any differance on map detailing etc. between units etc.

Thanks.
 
I am very pleased with my Garmin 276C, very detailed and accurate info (f.e. wreck names), I used to use it in the car aswell as on the boat. I don't know any others, so I could not compare. but a read on this forum other positive comments on this Garmin,
The only regret I have is that Bleucharts are quite expensive, and for the price I payed for Europe roadmaps you can buy a complete Tom Tom today
 
Garmin are the class leaders and good value too for what you get. Recommend one of the following depending on the screen size you want and price bracket. Nobody else does portables or hand helds anywhere near as good as these guys.

GpsMap276C (portable)
GpsMap76Cx (hh)
GpsMap60Cx (hh)
GpsMap550 (fixed - new G2 Vision)
 
I am very pleased with my 76CS and I also had a 178C using the same maps... obviously there are differences in detail between different manufacturers but the detail between the fixed and handheld Garmins is the same... they both use the same Bluechart maps... it is just that you can't see as much at once!

I now have a fixed Lowrance which is good but I still miss my 178C... it is a lot to do with what you are used to IMO /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I still have the 76CS... wouldn't ever get rid of it! Still use it as my standby unit on the boat but also load up the road maps and use it in the car and when walking. Great unit /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
You can get excellent value fixed plotters that have a built in antenna, so all you need is to wire in 12v power. Something like the Standard Horizon CP-180 is an excellent buy and you can get massive charts for 150 squids. These models will also grow as you need them to, you can ass whistles and bells 'til they come out of your ears.

If you want powerful and pocket sized then the Garmin eTrex range is top notch, as has been mentioned the charts are pricey but if you get them on PC CD version you can plan at home as part of the deal.

Any questions, please drop me a PM.
 
I have had a Garmin Map76 handheld for about five years now. It's still a great unit. I have also had various fixed Garmin chartplotters.

The initial cost of Bluechart has, for me been somewhat offset by the fact that I was able to upgrade to 2007 charts for $75.

Inevitably one is pushed towards sticking with a particular brand so that the same software can be used on more than one set and so that you don't have to spend time learning the quirks of different systems.

One of the things I like about Garmin is that I can work out routes on a pc and transfer them to a chartplotter card. About 12 months ago, Garmin seemed less than enthusiastic about continuing to support this type of application and I thought everything was going to be based on pre-programmed chartplotter cards. But now Garmin appear to have rediscovered their appetite for allowing dvd based data to be transferred via pc's to chartplotter cards.
 
I have a Lowrance 5150C fixed unit with external aeriel.

It is fab! It was recommended to me by another Forumite.

I got mine here

It is great value with the extra wide area chart - you will never need anything else.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Yes agree. Aside from the more intuative menu's on the Garmin plotters, it is their PC integration that leaves other vendors behind. RayTech, Navplanner and PC-Planner NT are imho very poor compared to MapSource.

I'm not really concerned about garmin shifting from CD/DVD chart downloads to pre-programmed SD cards or pre-loaded plotters, as long as they allow a mechanisim to see the same charts on a PC for planning and management of waypoints, routes and tracklogs, but without having to repurchase a PC version of the charts.

Even onboard the night before a long passage I use my PC to review and edit routes rather than the plotter and then save the route to a data card pop in the plotter and away we go. PC screen allows a bigger picture view and has a keyboard for typing names, etc. This has been one of Garmin's strengths.

Many consumers find burning maps onto user data cards awkward, but can manage waypoints ok on a PC. If Garmin release a proprietary SD card reader than G2 Vision charts could be viewed on a PC for passage planning. Doing this on a plotter is too award especially when your not at the boat.
 
Thanks All for the comprehensive responses.

Looking like in simplistic terms that if I want to use out of the boat, get a handheld (e.g. 76CSx) or if I only want on the boat, then can get a fixed marine only product which will have similar features with the main benefit being a larger screen.

Is that the main difference? Any others? Any recomendation on equivalent marine fixed unit?
 
That's it really - screen size, and best way to judge for yourself is to eyeball some in the flesh (ie in store or pals). If you've got a reasonable sense of direction (ie spatial relations aptitude) then you'll cope with smaller screen sizes, but if not some folk prefer a bigger picture of what's going on. To be honest all you really needs is waypoints and a route to follow, the chart adds situational awareness, OR an on screen colour chart allows one to do ad-hoc navigation by eyeballing the screen (ie not pre-planned). The portable 276C is a great compromise between hand held and fixed as the screen resolution and quality are excellent. Probably garmins top seller in the marine sector.
 
One further point about portables. If you get one, make sure that it can operate off the 12v feed on your boat, as well as from batteries - because it will devour Duracells voraciously. Similarly, look for a package with a dash mount for the portable and a lead with a cigarette lighter plug on it. I have a Magellan Sportrak, which has both, and it's a good compromise for a small mobo. I agree, however, that Garmin is more intuitive and their after sales support is legendary so that may well be the way to go.

I use sticky-backed velcro to attach the mount to both car and boat, thus avoiding (a) only being able to use it in one place and (b) drilling additional holes in both.
 
Further to my previous post...

The Garmin 76CS can be run off 12v... we have a lead for the car and one for the boat so we don't have to remember to swap!!!

Also, the other difference between hh and fixed (apart from screen size) is, that if you choose the right model, the fixed can have fishfinder/sounder info too which is a huge help if you do any fishing. Even if not fishing the fishfinder allows you to get a reasonable idea of the shape and consistancy of the bottom with a little practice... useful when anchoring.
 
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