Re: gps/depth combos
 

SG I was looking at the garmin splits myself, what sold you on the 188 and what transduceser set up are you thinking about?

Re: gps/depth combos
 

Nice purchase S_G. Wise move going for the larger unit. With more screen area, the effects of the split screen will be less noticable. I had the older version (GPSMAP 180) on my last boat and really loved the screen size. The newer software is much better though.
I think Garmin's user menu navigation is the easiest to use. Some of the others that I've looked at required too many key strokes to get to important menu levels. Most of Garmins are readily accessable. That's important when your bouncing out in open water. You don't want to be fumbling and trying to get to the correct menu page for what you're looking for.
Probably came with the Arimar P66 Transducer. Arimar makes most of the transducer used in the industry. They are very good units too.
Did you buy the Bluechart Cartography with the unit? I think it's well worth the price.
Best of luck with it. I'm sure you'll be happy. Let us know and I'm sure many will want to know your mounting solution too. 8)