Help with gps decision

[Woodyq]

Did a thread search could not find anything.

So we have an 18 ft Larson, we are fair weather boaters, don't stray too far out. Boat on Lake St Clair (ON and MI), boat in waters around Ft Myers FL, also did Charlevoix and Torch Lake this summer (absolutely beautiful!).

In Lake St Clair we like to go out to the "grassy", shallow area, sand bar where lots of boats congregate. In Ft Myers we like to go to Cabbage Key etc. but we do not have any navigation tools other than a marine compass.

Anyway looking at a Garmin GPSMAP 76 handheld and a Garmin GPSMAP 421 which is a mounted unit.

Would really love some feeedback. My wife and I are not techies!!!!! Son says 421 and son-in-law says 76 is all we need.

I've looked at a bunch of stuff on both on the internet and my head hurts!!!

Thanks in advance.

Woody

 

[TimBobCom]

Re: Help with gps decision

I use a 76 and I have been happy with it. I do drool over the mounted GPS (like the 421) though since they have a much larger and easier to read screen. The 76 will work, the 421 just may be a little nicer for you, it's really a personal call. I like the 76 because it is portable, I can use it in my truck, in a canoe, on a hike, etc.

One thing to think about, you will want some kind of mount for the 76, I think I spent close to $50 on a Ram mount for my windshield so I can move it back and forth from the truck to the boat.

 

[JimJam]

Re: Help with gps decision

Garmin has come out with a new model line 78 to replace the 76 series, You should be able to get a 76CSx heavily discounted. With either model you will need to buy a Bluechart G2 for depths/contours/chart details. Buy the Micro SD card (not the CD or download) so it is transferable to other units.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Help with gps decision

What would you like to use the unit for? If all you want it to do is provide lat/lon coordinates so that you can tell the rescue people where you are, the handheld is perfectly adequate. Using the handheld for navigation, except in a pinch, is not very practical because of the small screen size.

The mounted unit's larger screen size makes it a more practical choice, and a lot more fun to use, although you apparently already have a good handle on the fun part of boating which is a good thing. Additionally, you may expand the 421's functionality in the future should you wish. The NMEA2000 connectivity allows for a variety of smart sensors to be added to the unit, such as water temp, depth, and speed ... all in good time. Either way, keep having fun!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Help with gps decision

I've got a handheld Lowrance and I've used mounted Garmins and mounted Magellans. The handheld stays in a drawer for emergencies only. Go with the fixed mount if you can. I know I'm much happier with it.

 

[RicMic]

Re: Help with gps decision

I've got four GPS's, including the one in my phone. The advantage of the handheld, is that it is handheld(small). Thats the disadvantage of it as well, the bigger the screen on a GPS, the easier it is to use. If you going to use it in the boat, you will need to have a mount for it and probably a power cord also. I would go to the store and have a knowledgeable sales person demonstrate your options, some units are just way more easy and intuitive to use.
I spent a lot of time on Lake St. Clair, did you know that even though it has a pretty short boating season, its one of the busiest CG zones in the US? I have been out there several times when without warning the wind changed and the fog blew in so thick that, I could barely see the bow light on my 16'
from the center console! I navigated it for years, day and night,fog, rain etc. with only a compass, BUT a GPS would have saved me some gas!