need recommendations on GPS

[Fishermark]

I currently use a handheld GPS which is complicated to use (it is an Eagle Explorer). I am considering a fixed mount GPS with chartplotter. I have only just started looking, but I notice a big difference in price between the color ones and the greyscale. Is there a noticible difference in practical use?<br /><br />Here's a link to one I am considering. Any thoughts about it either good or bad?<br /><br /> Garmin 182

 

[JB]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

Hi, Fishermark.<br /><br />I currently use a Garmin 162 and like it a lot. I use it in my truck and my boat, but wish for a 182 for these reasons:<br /><br />The higher resolution color screen is easier to read in daylight.<br /><br />It has a lot more memory, which means I could download more fine detail maps from my Mapsource CDs, and I could carry plug-in cards for wherever I wanted to go.<br /><br />For about $400 more, I think it is worth it, but you may not.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

Fishermark, I recently went through the same search, settled on a Navman 5100 with external antenna. I was sold on the warranty and fuel sensor (optional). Would love color but the budget would not stretch. Good luck. Aldo

 

[mattttt25]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

i'll second jb's response on the 162. i have one w/ external antenna. really like it. lots of features, easy to use, and a great deal- especially here on iboats. whatever you choose, do your research on the web for price. i've seen gps systems go for up to a $250 range in price.

 

[Boatist]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

FisherMark<br />I agree with JB also. I will not buy a non color unit from now on. They do not give you any more information but so much eaiser to see. I think much safer in the car. The mono units with the light just right are easy to see also but not offten the light is just right. Also your fisrt mate would not be able to see it. I have a Garmin GPSMAP 76 and it works great but hard to see in the car. Presonaly I think that Lowrance has the best base maps. The high priced detail maps are pretty good but none have the detail of a paper chart. Offshore all the charts are pretty good but inland lakes in my area not many have detail charts. If you take care of your unit and do not leave it out in the hot sun on day not in use should last at least 20 years so for me now that the cost of color has come down color is the way to go. Before you buy go and see what kind of detail their base map has. A big difference in what the free base map has from unit to unit.<br />If interested in Lowrance units you can download emulator to your PC and try it at home before your buy. Only difference from the actual unit is you use the mouse to hit buttons instead of your finger.<br /><br /> http://www.lowrance.com/Software/PCSoftware/demos.asp

 

[18rabbit]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

My experience with GPS/chartplotting is litmited to:<br /><br />- Micrologic handheld, small screen, big text GPS only.<br />- Icom fixed mount, 4” monochrome screen, GPS/chartplotting<br />- Simrad fixmount, 10” color screen, GPS/chartplotting<br /><br />All the units are significantly different. None of them are comparable with each other.<br /><br />All GPS is good. There is not a lot of difference between the plotting functions. Color isn’t necessary for GPS but makes quickly identifying plotting references a whole lot easier.<br /><br />Boatist is right…color does not give you more information…but the brains work differently with visual color stimulation than it does was monochrome. Mechanically, your eyeball is happiest with monochrome shades of green. (Now there is an argument for evolutionists…left nekked walking thru a jungle, what color would you be subjected to? ) If you expect to be staring at the display for log periods, monochrome has its advantages. If you want quick references, contrasting color. I don’t know about that Garmin but some color displays have a monochrome function to facilitate both viewing applications. Anytime you get into color displays, bigger is better.<br /><br />I suggest you make an evaluation of ergonomics a part of the selection process, regardless of color or monochrome. I believe this is important.

 

[acc]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

Eagle has some product emulators that you can find at their website.....This could help you learn more about how to use the one you currently have...... <br /><br />You will find that there is not a lot of difference in the level of complexity between manufacturers and models....If you cannot use the one you have then you might have the same problems with any other....

 

[Fishermark]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

Thanks to all. I plan on going to the local marine store and "eyeballing" various models. I have used a couple of different handhelds, and I just find mine more complicated than most.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

Just got back from West Marine - I really like the looks of the Garmin 182C - I think I will go with the color. It has a nice clear, easy to read (and see) screen. I plan on going offshore at night, and I like how bright the screen is in the dark or sunlight.

 

[kalan2000]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

My advice would be to buy the largest display you can afford and go color if you can. It's great to have all that GPS data, but it's useless if you can't read it while underway. <br /><br />To test it's readability in a boat, hold the unit at arm's length and jump up and down. If you can still read it, you'll be able to see it OK on your boat.<br /><br />I tried this with the Garmin Map 76S and found it was a challenge to read in the store. I bought it anyway and have the same problem on the boat, but it's better than not having any GPS. Sometimes I have to slow the boat so I can read the GPS.

 

[scott i]

Re: need recommendations on GPS

look at the plotters from Standard Horizon. best warranty (3yrs) and standard is offering rebates on the <br /><br />CP150C -$50<br />CP160 -$80<br />CP170C -$50<br />CP1000C -$100