Gps suggestions and advice needed

[Nebo]

2 quick questions.<br /><br />1. Do you really need DGPS now or is a standard Gps ok?? or is it better to get the new WAAS?<br /><br />2.I have been looking at some chart plotter models, are they worth the extra money compared to regular track plotters?<br /><br />I am looking to sell my boat within the comming year and therefore dont really want to spend a lot on a new gps, just looking for a good unit to carry me through this season. I am undecided on whether to go with the chart plotter or just the standard track plotter. I am leaning toward the chart plotter and have read up on a few brands but am really new to Gps. I am partial to Furuno, but have seen a few other brands that may make me reconsider, price being one of them as previously mentioned.<br /><br />Furuno, Garmin, and Lowrance are a few models that I am looking at. The 1650d chart plotter from Furuno, the 182c and 2006 models from Garmin, and the Globalmap 3000 and 1600 from lowrance are the particular models.<br /><br />I am not familiar with Garmin, but see that it gets a lot of reccomendations. Any imput regarding these models or brand names would be greatly appreciated<br /><br />Thnx

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: Gps suggestions and advice needed

I have a Garmin 162. It has a chart plotter and is all you would ever need. It cost me around $400. I think you could get away with one without the plotter.

 

[JB]

Re: Gps suggestions and advice needed

Howdy, Nebo.<br /><br />Like the Snatcher, I have a Garmin 162. It suits my wants very well. Mapsource BlueChart (salt) or Fishing Hot Spots (fresh)firmware is superior to anything else on the market, at any price.<br /><br />If boaters really NEEDED GPS, DGPS or WAAS the waters would have been empty until a few years ago. Get it clear in your mind that you are shopping for a WANT, not a NEED.<br /><br />What you want will suit your boating habits, budget and environment. You know those, we don't.<br /><br />Electronics seem to make almost no difference in what you get for a boat. Don't expect to get back any of what you invest in electronics when you sell. You would probably get the same price stripped as loaded.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Gps suggestions and advice needed

Look hard at the hand held Garmin GPSMAP 76. It has a lot more memory than the GPSMAP 162, plus you can take it on trips in your car, shore fishing, etc.<br /><br />Then, when you sell the boat, you keep it.<br /><br />I have one I use on my boat (with the bluecharts) and it works great.<br /><br />It does everything the GPSMAP 162 does, but has a smaller screen.

 

[wyattm]

Re: Gps suggestions and advice needed

SEADAWG,<br /><br />Do you have external antenna hooked to your G-76, or does it work okay with the build in ant.?

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Gps suggestions and advice needed

The internal antenna seems to work fine (usually +/- 9 ft. accuracy in open areas. with WAAS activated). <br /><br />My wife sells them to local people in our area (she can't get much of a discount on them, so it does not make sense to advertise for her). Last fall, she sold 13 units (mostly eTrex Legends and GPSMAP 76 units). So here is an interesting story for you.<br /><br />I put in our mailbox as a waypoint, into each unit, to test them out before she sold them. Out of these 13 units, they have all been accurate to within 11 feet of our mailbox. Unbelievable, huh!<br /><br />What that tells me is that WAAS is very accurate, and you can transfer waypoints between units with a high degree of trust.

 

[bleepyou]

Re: Gps suggestions and advice needed

I too will be trading up to a larger boat in a year. After 2 mo. of research I bought the 182. Got the external cause the next one's gonna have a cabin and I plan to take it with me. The Blue Chart is scary cool. I negotated some tricky water at nite and it was right on. The scary part is, one moonless nite I used the chart like a video game steering thru some shallows without really looking at the water. But I gotta say one of the neatest thing is the tide data. You can find out he tides for nearby locations instantly. I follow the change or plot strategy that way. Garmin Kicks Ass. Komander Ken

 

[RJS]

Re: Gps suggestions and advice needed

I'm a Garmin man too. You can't beat the price. Bluechart is excellent and considerably less expensive competive charting systems...WAASUP<br /><br />Screw Lowrance!!!!!!!!