Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

[orion25]

Is there such a thing? I am using a cheap handheld GPS right now on the boat. It serves its purpose but we also need a GPS for the car when we go on trips. I would like to get a GPS that provides turn by turn directions in the car and can handle marine maps. We boat on Wheeler Lake in N. Alabama (fed by the TN river) so that map is a must. Our boat is a Larson BowRider so chart plotting is not necessary. We just need a GPS with a marine map structure.

I have no problem buying another vehicle mount kit so I can put the GPS in the boat. I would prefer not to have to buy extra maps (since the GPS companies think they are worth their weight in gold.).

Or would I be better off getting an Auto GPS like the Tom Tom and getting a good Handheld GPS like the ETrex Vista?

Any advice will be truly appreciated...........

 

[JB]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

I have exactly what you want, orion.

Garmin GPSMAP 276c. Also does battery powered hiking.

There may be a later model that has the same features.

 

[orion25]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

Damn $599, anything cheaper out there???

 

[lncovert]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

I have a Nextar in my car that also has a rechargeable battery. It was $280 at wal-mart 1 year ago. I haven't tried it on the water, but I always see the water on the maps when I am driving by a body of water on the highway.

Damn $599, anything cheaper out there???

 

[JB]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

That price is without the auto navigation, orion.

Maybe you need only a car navigator or only a marine unit.

 

[John_S]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

Dual use or cross-over GPSs do seem to be rather expensive. I believe there will be more offerings and price reductions in the near future. I did come across the Lowrance XOG: which is not released yet. Not sure if I'd be crazy about touch screen though.

 

[QC]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

I have the model before JB's the 176C. It is not as bright as the 276C. The newer model is the 376C they also have a 278, 378 and 478 that do the car boat thing. Anyway, the 176C has been great with that one issue. I use it in the truck, move it to the boat, and with the additional, sand bag weighted mount thing that came with it I use it in friend's boats and on a houseboat we just rented. You can find them for reasonably cheap on eBay with software. Look for the Land and Sea kit, or buy the mounts you want separately.

 

[JC1933]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

Hi Orion 25.

I have the Garmin Vista eTrex HCx I am just learning to us it, not to hard to learn, instructions ar quite good.

This is a new model has just about everything in it screen is very bright and easy to read even in bright sunlight, price is not to high I paid $329.00.

The unit is compact similar to a cell phone.

Hope this helps.... Have a nice day

 

[wire2]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

Same model for $361

 

[orion25]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

After a little more exploring I am thinking about the Garmin ETrex Vista handheld for use on the boat and another unit for the car. Maybe a Tom Tom for the car. The total cost would be about the same. As far as I can tell the Vista has marine maps available and I really do not need a chartplotter since I boat on a Lake that I am learning quite well and there are plenty of people I can ask for info at my marina.

I will keep an eye out for a Garmin GSMAP ### and the Lowrance XOG though since I will most like purchase at the start of next season.

Thanks for the help and if anyone has any further advice it will be much appreciated...........

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

I have the Garmin 478 and it generally lives in the boat, but it goes in the car for long trips anywhere and its indispensable - especially at night. Great unit and I'm sure the 2007 models are even better.

 

[slia67]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

The Garmin Legend HCx has the same capabilites of the Vista, except the barometer and electronic compass, for less money. I just bought the Legend last week because I decided I didn't need a barometer, and if I am moving the unit tells me which direction I am moving so the compass would only be needed if you were standing still. Both units have an "anchor drift" alarm too.



Doug

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Need a GPS for Auto & Marine

Before you buy, do as I'm going to do. Look at the Lowrance H20 C. I bought a Garmin GPS 60 as a starter just to learn and now wanting to up-grade. Now reading in "Electronics and Trolling Forum" here at iboats, the H20 C is lower cost, bigger screen and better maps. Check it out first.