which Garmin?

terraplane · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:45 am Post subject: which Garmin?

I may be outfitting a new boat.
Icurrently have a Garmin 182C with Blue Charts for the Chesapeake

I'd like to stay with Garmin..i find it user friendly and easy to navigate.

I'd like to stay in the $1,000 range.

Can anyone give me advice?

terraplane

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:20 am Post subject: Re: which Garmin?

McMike · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:35 am Post subject: Re: which Garmin?

As long as we're jumping into this topic feet first, let me add to your question. What about integrated products, such as the 4210? The unit itself is pricy, but when you consider it's the only display you have to buy... I've noticed I don't see a lot of people with Garmin radar units, though...

Thanks for letting me jump in!

Mike

Wefings · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:39 am Post subject:

We use the venerable Garmin 498C often as it represents good value . They have tried to "obsolete" it ,but they keep being available and we keep ordering them and installing them. Its preloaded with all coastal charts and has a 500 watt sounder . Its a color unit. I have one on my 25 C Dory and have a 198C [about the same w/no charts but smaller]on my 13' Boston Whaler.
Marc

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:51 am Post subject:

Tom, THIS looks like a great deal on the 498C, complete with transducer for under $500! Thumbs Up

Charlie

Wefings · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 12:04 pm Post subject:

That be the one !

Valkyrie · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 12:07 pm Post subject:

I'll second the 498C!

When we ordered our boat I insisted on this unit because it has all of the coastal charts for the US already loaded, which is a great feature, not to mention the savings.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 12:39 pm Post subject: Re: which Garmin?

In boxing, they call this kind of opening "leading with your jaw"!!!!

RJD Wannabe · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject:

Looking at that unit, it's hard to justify the megathousands for some of the "integrated" units. Especially as chasing tides is much of what we do chasing sturgeon in the delta.

terraplane · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject: garmin

Nick,
Were the "aleady loaded charts" the blue charts? I had to purchase the chip for the Chesapeake when i got my 22 from Cutter. Are they already integrated in this unit?

(Look forward to seeing you guys in June...my field awaits your rig)

tom

Valkyrie · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:42 pm Post subject:

Tom,

I just checked my manual (Valkyrie is not in the driveway, right now) and I have the 198C, not the 498C, but it does have the coastal charts loaded. I believe that they are the Blue Charts. Wefings mentioned that his 198C does not have the charts loaded, but ours does.

On our trips to the Chesapeake and Great Lakes the loaded charts served us well. I'm not sure at what point the "coastal" part maxxes out, but they work well in the Great Lakes and our sea trials and exploring the Chesapeake on subsequent trips, including Langford Creek and long runs up the South River.

We also have the Furuno 1715 radar, which is not their bare bones economy unit, but a step or two up the line. We have it as a non-integrated unit, separate from the GPS, for redundancy and find that they work well for us, besides being much less expensive than some of the big integrated units. El and Bill have gone a similar route.

We are really looking forward to the CBGT and seeing your new boat. What's the name going to be? Sally's Other Sister?

Regards,

Nick
"Valkyrie"

thataway · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

I have the 492 (same as the 498, but no sounder). It has the Garmin charts of the entire US--I have used it on East and West Coasts. The charts are very good. I don't have any personal use for the 3 D or aerial photos--and that is what you will get with the newer units.

I have a chip for all of BC from US to Alaska ( 49X does not come with the Canadian charts. It does not really do well in Lake Powell or inland lakes, but you can get the chips for those. I use a Lowarance which has Create a map Topo for Powell, and it is good enough for spotting the canyon openings.

The linked 498 thru Tiger GPS is "out of stock"--I have found this frequently to be the case--Marc, where do you get your 498's?

I personally perfer the separate Radar, Fish finder and Chart plotters.

You will not get the radar capable unit for less than 1K.

Wefings · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 5:45 pm Post subject:

Possible point of confusion ..... base map versus preloaded "Bluecharts" The difference is the detail . The base maps will show you where you are . The detail charts will have spot soundings and bouy data and such .
Bob, we buy them through a wholesale company called Wintron . They dont sell retail . They WILL [not Wintron,the 498C] disappear someday and I think if someone wants one , they oughta get one soon . Its not practical for a dealer to tie up a bunch of $ [or any] in electronics , especially "obsolete" ones even if they are good . Ill check availability tomorrow . BTW electronics are a "public service" that boat dealers offer these days . The advertised internet prices [even "vaporware" pricing like the one posted earlier ]are so close to what we pay , its not worth spending time on . Theoretically , boat dealers are supposed to be able to make a living .
Marc

Valkyrie · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 6:14 pm Post subject:

Marc,

Thanks for the info. My 198C definitely shows detail.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

RonMac · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:38 am Post subject: garmin gps/sounder

Check out (getfeetwet.com) new and if you dont mind reconditioned units : 540S/ 579.00, 540 with sounder black box/ 540.00, 540 alone/ 399.00. I got the 540 with sounder box will support XM weather plus radio and the g2 vision maps. You can pay 1100.00, 1200.00 for the 545 versions with updated display screen. The 540 seemed like a good idea to me but Ive been married for 40 yrs Im not sure how many brain cells I have left. I purchased a 2730 for my motorcycle from getfeetwet 2 yrs ago.