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#1
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I am looking to get a GPS. I want a capable unit, but don't need all the bells and whistles. I have a good depth sounder (garmin 160 red) and don't care for the combo GPS/ depth sounder units. I have found 3 different units all for under $350. Your comments and recomenndations are welcome.
Here they are - they are all fixed mount GPS / chartplotter machines $325 for a Garmin GPSMAP 420 - requires Bluechart G2Vision card - The card = $173 $325 for a Northstar Explorer 538 - requires C-Map NT+ card - The card = $172 $343 for a Si-Tex 95 CPi also requires C-Map NT+ card again the card = $172 What would you buy and why? Thanks
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1978 V-20 Steplift 1988 Mercury 150HP |
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#2
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Garmin Cause I have always had one and love them, but today they all are pretty good.
NS is great if you spend the cash on a $$$ unit or buy a used one like a 951XD or 941. The new ones are NavMan units.
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1986 V20 ![]() Old Fishermen never die, we just SMELL that way!! |
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#3
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As far as GPS goes, GARMIN is the clear winner. For the money GARMIN makes the BEST GPS out there. There fishfinders though have not impressed me. I know there new black box sounders are nice, but they're also expensive.
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2011 SUNDANCE B20CCR SKIFF, 2011 YAMAHA 90HP 4 STROKE, 2011 KARAVAN SINGLE AXLE ALUMINUM TRAILER, LOWRANCE ELITE-7 HDI, MINN KOTA RIPTIDE TROLLING MOTOR 2000CC HYDRA-SPORT 225+HP EVINRUDE SOLD ![]() AND THE PINK JEEP!!!! R.I.P. http://www.wellcraftv20.com/communit...ad.php?t=11664 |
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#4
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I just installed a 440 Garmin on a customers boat last week, I really liked the unit. Its a little small on the screen size, but it is very clear. I didn't see any reason to add any chips or cards, the data that comes with teh unit is pretty good
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#5
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I have a NAVMAN 5500 with an external ant, now it's Northstar brand. Mine has ben flawless, easy to use, great charts plus you can buy an additional sensor to measure fuel usage.
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#6
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I pulled the string today and purchased a GPS. I thought I would get the Garmin 420, but the mfg rep convinced me to spend an additional $40 and step up to the 440 unit. She said that no additional chips or cards are needed since there is a tremendous amount of data preloaded on this unit. Thanks to spareparts reply, I knew she wasn't just talking turkey. The screen is a bit on the small side, but for the price, I can't go wrong.
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1978 V-20 Steplift 1988 Mercury 150HP |
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#7
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i'll stick to my ICOM Multi 5000 Unit
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1978 V20 Cuddy w/ 225 Johnson. And Several other boat's |
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#8
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I don't think you will be disapointed, it is a little on the small size, but it is extremly clear and easy to use. Most of my customers have Ray Marine C or E series, I constantly hear complants about how difficult they are to use, and the number of software issues they have with them. I have one guy with big Garmin( can't remember what model, but its comparable to the C series) and he loves it.
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#9
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GARMIN is #1
For me, all brands are good, except Mage..., which has the worst customer service of all the brands and things I ever owned. Garmin gear is #1 because it`s user friendly, they do answer the phone, and they really care when it comes to customer support. Furuno is awesome, Sitex is a great company too, Icom products are also A1. For me; Garmin for GPS, Icom for radios, Sitex for depth sounders, Furuno for Radars, and Yamaha for power.
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Make the habit of radio-checking your VHF, and use it. Father God is too busy to come down to help you himself, He sends His Angels. They have no wings, They are just your true friends. |
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