I have a 276c and have to buy unlock codes for my bluecharts I have seen with newer models charts come preloaded does this mean all of the charts are unlocked?

I have the 276c. I was able to use the MapSource software that comes with the unit so I could download and program the chip for the "road" charts. I think the marine charts are locked because of NOAA or whoever charts the waters for them.

The city navigator (road charts) are all unlocked and I unlock the blue charts for the 276 as I need them have done lake michigan and also the florida keys. A interesting thing is I unlocked teh in Bluechart version 6.5 and when I upgraded my bluecharts to version 9 the old unlock codes do not work they are tied to the chart version you have.

But the question is on the latest garmin chart plotters the charts are preloaded into the unit does this mean they are all unlocked? If this is so I would sell the 276c and buy a new one to save all of the money and hassel of unlocking charts.

Certain Garmin units come with all the charts loaded and unlocked. They are a good deal unless you plan on never leaving a small region. Check Garmin dot com and use their "Compare" feature.

I played with a 440 the other day at West Marine and it had a ton of detail preloaded on it (and I'm assuming unlocked). The sales person said I didn't need to purchase anything to go along with it anyway. The only bad thing for you is that they sell different models for coastal waters and inland waters.