Offshoreonly.com - GPS Blue Chart software - worth the $$ for a handheld GPS?

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GPS Blue Chart software - worth the $$ for a handheld GPS?

Looks like the Blue Chart software is now available for my GPS (Garmin GPSMAP 76). Was wondering how valuable this software would be for my small monochrome display GPS unit...... I have the Roads&Recreation CD, which includes some waterway information like bouy location, etc (lets me set waypoints on the water, etc)....... The only reason I'm interested in the Blue Chart is because it has depth contour information - good info to have when travelling in unfamiliar waters............ Just don't know how readable the depth information will be on the rather small display of the GPSMAP76.

Feedback welcome.

thanks,

Mark

Hey Mark,

I'm in the same debate with myself right now. I'm looking into buying a garmin 162 or 176 and when I demo'd the units at boat-us, both with and without bluechart software, I noticed a world of difference.

If I'm going the GPS route I've found that in my waters, I would not want to be without the bluechart info. It is tremendously more detailed and displays nearly everything that would be found on the corresponding NOAA official charts.

Without bluechart installed, I noticed a whole variety of channels and islands that were not represented. The big decision maker for me was also the depth info. Very important in our area. :cool: