gps selection

looking for input regarding gps selection and mounting. i'm looking at garmins in the $500 range, but since the ff/df that came with the boat leaves a bit to be desired (as in ability to turn on) i may be interested in a combo unit at a higher cost to conserve dash space, as long as it has the ability to go full screen with both the df/ff and the gps.

the vhf is currently mounted inside the cabin, and the ff is on the port dash, but i'd prefer to have it all in front of me.

who's got what gps wise, where is it mounted, and would you recommend it?

SEARCH "GPS"

[bigshrimpin]

Sloppy,
Go with Garmin and the bluechart for your area. Get the biggest display your money can buy and figure out how to mount in on the dash.

[macojoe]

I have been looking at the 176 or 176C Thay have a good screen for the money and can be portable!!

I like the hand helds !! I have a Garmin 12 that I have had for 5 yerars now and it is great!! I take to other boats and hunting!

Good Luck!! What ever you do make it a Garmin!!

???Can I get paided for that line ???

[garbubba]

I have a Garmin 76s and I love it so far. It's portable & floatable, with the additional software (including bluechart) you can do lots with it. I like to be able to take it in the house to program in a route. I have also used it to do some geocaching with the kid & use it in my truck to let me know what's at the next exit & so forth. I can also use it in my skiff.

I paid $299 & I haven't seen a better price since, It's been all over the northwest gulf on three different boats and has compared favorably with many higher $$ units.

It floats, is waterproof, and can interface with your computer, what more could you want.

Doug

I have a Garman 180 mounted on the dash panel.I can still see my tach and other gauges. My fishfinder (Lowrance lcx15 ) is mounted on the port side facing the helm.This works out well for me. Capt K

[reelapeelin]

sloppyhooher...i gotta Lowrance LMS 350a(out of production) it's a great unit...X-15 is their current top of the line black&white unit...with GPS it's about $1000...that's a 7" diagonal screen...good size display in this size boat...Lowrance also makes an LMS 480 sonar/GPS combo...great unit...5" diagonal screen, but about half the price of the X-15...just depends on how deep them pockets go I guess...I've personally had 3 Lowrance units over the years and known of many other units owned by friends...good units...their color screens are fantastic, but ooooooo, they spensive!!!

[stripminer]

Ive got my eye on the Garmin 276c. It is about $600 and is a brand new unit to the market. It is an integrated unit and you can bring it in and out of the boat and use it in your car too.
I just can't bring myself to buy it though. These doggone machines just keep getting better as you spend more and more. AHHH
Ive been getting to my spots for over 30 years without spending a dime on navigation but this sick bug has got me. I see a few overtime shift in my future !! Anyone want to rent a child for a weekend ??

- Tom

[sailboat]

-Have been using a Garmin 276C for three weeks now and it is super!!
-I use it most of the time on the boat because I commute (19 miles each way on the intra coastal) to work by boat on a daily basis.
-It is the only screen that I have found at that size that you can see in the bright sunlight on the dash of the v-21.
-Garmin makes an easy operating system. I have transfered over from Raymarine and am satisfied.
-Be happy to answer any questions on the machine.

[stripminer]

Hey sailboat !

I'm going to take you up on your offer. I am curious to how good the "maps" are that come stock with the 276c? Are buoys and rocks loaded into the machine or do I need to buy the Bluecharts ( $$$ ) and load them in ? Is the screen large enough to use comfortably ? And one more thing, does the arrow ( boat ) always point up and the maps rotate around it or does the little triangle move about the screen?
I found it online for about $600 so far. Oh yeah, have you used it in the car yet ?? how does it work there ?

Thanks,
Tom