gps preference

Tagster · 11-28-2001, 03:06 PM

I have a Magellan 320 that I attempt to use when fishing. In theory it has bouy markers and waypoints preloaded into it. I even bought the instuctional video and I just can not figure that bad boy out.

I have heard that Garmin makes a more user-friendly gps.

Any thoughts?

fishbait · 11-28-2001, 03:09 PM

I figured out how to run my Garmin small hand held. That says alot for Garmin..

Threemuch · 11-28-2001, 03:55 PM

I have owned a magellan and a garmin handheld and the garmin user interface is much easier to use.

I like the Raytheon 620 plus chartplotter. Now all I need is the 1500 bucks to get one. And a boat to put it on!

Champagne taste on beer money. Milwaukee's Best money.

Vinny · 11-28-2001, 06:17 PM

If a remote steering system (such as a Navmatic) is a consideration, you will want a GPS that has an output that is compatible with your remote steering system. I was reading a Navmatic manual which specified the interface as NMEA 0183.

I'm new to this stuff, but that spec only reqired a two wire installation to the Navmatic. I don't know if there are other interface specs for boat navigation system, which one is most common, or easiest to use.

BlueWater · 11-28-2001, 06:36 PM

Tagster-
I have the garmin gps 76 and It is a hands down better unit than the 320. My brother had a 315, like the 320 but with out the bouy markers, and took it back after seeing and using my gps 76. The 320 is cheaper than the garmin 76 but the 76 is worth (sp) the extra. The Map 76 would be an even better choice if you can pony up the extra funds.
BlueWater.

fish_on · 11-28-2001, 08:17 PM

Gart sports just had the Garmin GPS III on sale for $99 reguraly 400. It is top of the line.

Thick-N-Thin · 11-28-2001, 09:10 PM

Tagster,

Bluewater is right. I too own the Garmin GPS 76. It has all the markers for bouys and is very user freindly. I also use it as the GPS reciever for my Bottom Line chart plotter/Depth Finder. I find the screen is larger on GPS 76 and can be easily viewed if mounted on your dash in the boat or truck. It's worth the extra money for a GPS 76. I purchased my GPS 76 at www.gpscity.com. They have great prices, service and a huge selection of accessories too. No...I don't have any affiliation with GPS city. :smile:

Tagster · 11-29-2001, 08:01 AM

Thank you very much for the help...I really appreciate it. I wish that I hadn't already bought all the mapping software and usb interface cables. Plus the mount and dc adapter for my boat. Salesman at GI Joes in Tualatin said that it was much better and easier to use than the Garmin. Apparently that was about a $400 lie.

Has anyone gone through the gps class at Fishermans?

Is it worth it? Or maybe I should just start fresh with a Garmin...

Fish Hunter · 11-29-2001, 08:10 AM

Guess the salesman's mouth was moving.

Like my Garmins. I haven't taken any classes. Took me about six hours of checking out the features to feel comfortable with my first GPS. I would have needed that six hours with or without the class.

plug cut · 11-29-2001, 10:11 AM

Take a look a the Lowrance Global Map 100. I bought one at the Portland Sportsman Show from Fishermans' Marine last winter for $199. It was the best price I had found. It has a CD with all US navigational charts and streets, 2MB memory and cables to hook up to your PC and a cig. lighter power cord. It works great and is very easy to use. :smile:

Tagster · 11-29-2001, 11:06 PM

Anyone looking to buy a quality Magellan 320 gps with preloaded bouy markers? I can give you a hell of a steal on a great product!! Just ask the guys at GI Joes!!

I will even throw in all the accessories that I "had to have"

:depressed:

Tag

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: Tagster ]</p>