Anybody Got the Garmin GPSMAP 76 Cx ???

[tpenfield]

I just got this unit to replace my Garmin 76, which STB on me last weekend.

The regular 76 was butt simple to use . . . this new one looks like you have to be a rocket scientist to set things up and use it.

The biggest thing so far is that it looks like it comes with no marine navigational maps ??? My old '76' unit had basic buoy information and could be used for marine navigation right out of the box. With this new 76Cx, it looks like you have to shell out another $160 for navigational maps Am I missing something here?

I read the user's manual, but it is highly evasive in this area. So, any voices of experience with the GPSMAP 76Cx out there?? I could sure use some guidance on this. Thanks.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Anybody Got the Garmin GPSMAP 76 Cx ???

dumping this up in the order for possible viewing today . . .

TIA for any guidance on the Garmin 76Cx

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Anybody Got the Garmin GPSMAP 76 Cx ???

I have one for about 4 years, and it comes only with the base map. there are not specific water ways loaded in it, however you can update the maps easy. I picked up a complete North America map set a while back, and load in exactly the area I head to on the unit (WI and FL are all fully loaded on mine)

I would be glad to sell you maps at $160 (you can find them for about 80-110 on-line) Bluecharts are about 120

if you just got it, Garmin allows you to update maps on new product once when you register on-line. however I think that is simply the base-map update.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Anybody Got the Garmin GPSMAP 76 Cx ???

Thanks for the reply.

My old Garmin at least had the buoys and rough shoreline for coastal waters loaded in as part of the base maps. I am wondering if the 76Cx even has that or if I have to purchase maps to get anything in terms of marine navigation.

Also, another feature that I had in my old unit was the celestial tide charting, which seems to be missing from the 76Cx.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Anybody Got the Garmin GPSMAP 76 Cx ???

my 76Csx at least had the major coastal area. small inland lakes and streams were not present until I updated the maps

tide charting capability is in there, at least is it in mine.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Anybody Got the Garmin GPSMAP 76 Cx ???

OK, thanks. I'll have to spend some more time with it. Their earlier models seemed so simple to understand and to use.

Maybe I should load some sort of 'app' to my iPhone instead