GPS Info

[Kayamore]

We need a new GPS for our 32 ft. sailboat. Any thoughts on the Garmin GPSMAP 640 or any other suggestions?

[Ziggy]

I'd get GPSMAP 441, 541, or 546. They include US and Bahamas charts, NMEA 0183, and NMEA 2000.

[HappySeagull]

I'm sick of Garmins.
I use my cell phone as a handheld and it can transmit nmea via bluetooth to PC. But simple is a usb gps...

[familycruisers]

Yup laptop, with opencpn (or your choice ) , bu-353 puck gps ($28Amazon), that takes care of auto pilot as well w/ usb to db9.

then as a back up, the Evo with MXMariner. Android is incredible, actually with a tablet this can even be a better option. Especially with waterproof tablets out and getting more mainstream. Ten inch screen nice for movie night to.

To heck with proprietary!!!!!!!!!!!! Down with the Empire!!!

[svHannabel]

All things considered, I think the Garmin GPSMAP 620/640 is a good compromise between features, display and price. I also like the portability and the option of bringing it below to the chart table.

Having said that, I'm currently using a handheld (GPSMAP 72 csx+) as a backup and Navionics on an iPad2 as a primary.

[Kayamore]

Originally Posted by Ziggy

I'd get GPSMAP 441, 541, or 546. They include US and Bahamas charts, NMEA 0183, and NMEA 2000.

what's the difference between the 541 and 541s.

[rolandcavanagh]

I wouldn't buy another Garmin. They discontinued chart support for my GPS chart unit 3years after I bought it. I can understand not upgrading the software after a while, but chart support is vital... Now running with obsolete charts until I can afford a different brand, at least a boat $...

[four winds]

Originally Posted by Kayamore

what's the difference between the 541 and 541s.

The s models accept the use of a transducer (s for sounder) for depth and fishfinder display. But it is not always bundled with the plotter.

The "1" indicates NMEA2000 in addition to 0183.

The GPSstore dot com has a good price bundled with a transducer.

I'm pleased with a 441s that was $400 w/transducer. A transom mount transducer that the instructions clearly show how to install as a shoot thru hull set up. Works fine and have redundant depth with an older RayMarine fishfinder next to it at the helm.

Have laptop and bu-353, polarview, opencpn, etc as well.

Much more convenient to create routes on the laptop compared to the arrows and select keys on the Garmin. But still, I have redundancy and small plotter at the helm that is waterproof and daylight readable.

[Kayamore]

Originally Posted by rolandcavanagh

I wouldn't buy another Garmin. They discontinued chart support for my GPS chart unit 3years after I bought it. I can understand not upgrading the software after a while, but chart support is vital... Now running with obsolete charts until I can afford a different brand, at least a boat $...

What kind would you consider getting?

[familycruisers]

Its simple in my mind. Anything that is multi purpose. Plotter, entertainment, internet. Lots of options that way too.

[rolandcavanagh]

Originally Posted by Kayamore

What kind would you consider getting?

Kayamore, I put a laptop running Coastal Explorer on my trawler and love it, but haven't decided what to do about the sport fisher with the now obsolete Garmin. In a few months I'll bet that an iPad app will be more capable, half the price, and with free NOAA charts (I'm testing earthNC Marine, it's getting more robust).

[HappySeagull]

...the Garmin website looks ok, until you try to use it.... There are forums on just (trying) to update Garmin stuff. Worth checking this out, before plumping for one.