Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

jason5975

Cadet
Joined
Apr 11, 2009
Messages
20
I want an entry level chartplotter / sonar (around $500 or under). My dilemma is that I don't know how good the "preloaded" maps are. I see that some chartplotters don't take sd cards and some do, but are the preloaded maps good enough to navigate coastal waters and see depth contours, etc?

Can anyone recommend a unit that fits the bill?

I have been looking online for hours - I am so confused about all the different maps/ charts available I have a headache.

Help!

-Jason
 

capt sam

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 14, 2009
Messages
878
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

$500 will get you a basic combo unit, make sure all cables and antennae/transducers are included. Garmin has downloadable maps that are good but are another $130, the stock maps are decent. Look for a good used unit, people upgrade all the time.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,154
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

Look around and see if you can find a Garmin GPSMAP 420 or 520. Should run @ $450 - $550. Comes with the coastal maps already loaded. No other maps to buy unless you want 3D or bathy charts. The Garmin Base maps are equal to Navonic gold charts

FYI I'm running a 4208. The charts supplied on the unit are excellent. Never bothered getting the Vision 2 chip. Since the maps are pre-loaded the only reason I need to use the SD slot is for software updates.
 

jason5975

Cadet
Joined
Apr 11, 2009
Messages
20
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

THanks for all the advise guys. Timdan94, did you mean you bought the unit with the software on it, or bought the unit and the software separately? And dingbat, does the Garmin 420 or 520 have sonar also do you happen to know?

THanks again guys
-Jason
 

timdan94

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2008
Messages
480
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

THanks for all the advise guys. Timdan94, did you mean you bought the unit with the software on it, or bought the unit and the software separately? And dingbat, does the Garmin 420 or 520 have sonar also do you happen to know?

THanks again guys
-Jason

I bought them separately
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,154
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

THanks for all the advise guys. Timdan94, did you mean you bought the unit with the software on it, or bought the unit and the software separately? And dingbat, does the Garmin 420 or 520 have sonar also do you happen to know?

THanks again guys
-Jason

Look for a 420s or a 520s if you want sonar as well.
FWIW: The Garmins have a CANet interface. You can add fuel flow and a variety of other add-ons to the unit.
 

catfish hunter

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
40
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

I just bought the Humminbird 595c unit. Im very happy with it! The GPS is really nice and easy to use. Has the built-in Unmaps. You can check out the humminbird website for the list of lakes on the unmaps. The color screen makes it very easy to see. The only thing I wish it had is the dual beam like the 580 has. I bought a refurbished unit on ebay for $330. Has a SD card slot so you can download the Navionic hotmaps premium.
Another one I looked at was the Humminbird 587Ci Combo. Has the color screen and dual beam for around $450. Check them out!
http://store.humminbird.com/humminbird-products/legacy/595c-combo/prod406320-1.html

http://store.humminbird.com/humminb...mbos/500-series/587ci-combo/prod407350-1.html
 

Pat Curtis

Cadet
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
29
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

I bought a HB 597ci at BPS's Spring Classic for $500. It freakin' rocks!

The local Gander Mountain has a 787ci (display model) for $429.
 

Turkeyflacx2

Cadet
Joined
Apr 11, 2009
Messages
16
Re: Help w/ GPS/ maps/ chartplotter!

I absolutly love my Humminbird 787. I got it for 439.00 shipped to my door from Nerds.net. It was over 100 bucks cheaper then anywhere local or Ebay. The basic map isnt bad but it has an SD slot. I know the Lowrance units and the new 700 series Humminbirds have 2 SD slots also for around what your looking to spend.
 
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