Suggest a GPS
 

Heading to Florida soon for a trip to the Bahamas. Want to install a GPS/Nav system in my 35' Fountain. Any suggestions from anyone? Thanks.

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

Get as good as you can afford from Garmin.

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

I run a Furuno 18xx. It's easy to use, plus it ties in to the radar and fuel floscan.

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

Garmin 182c or bigger-the best.

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

What ever you get buy the Mapsource BlueChart Americas v6.5 CD-ROM.Runs about $150.00. :cool:

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

I had a Standard Horizon -- now have a Simrad Chartplotter/Depth Sounder combo. Both are color which is absolute necessity.

It uses C_Map cartography which is best of all of them per most reviews. If you have an electronic compass (KVH) it can be interfaced to the GPS and you get double accuracy of both instruments.

You should also get a computer navigation program--like First Mate from www.thecapn.com -- you can plan the trip in advance and upload the routes to you GPS prior to departure. Also get benifit of "taking" trip at your desk before you have to try and spot markers and shoot difficult channels while trying to operate boat and all the electronics.

Check with the marina you are departing from in advance--maybe you can find other boats to "raft" up with for first rip. It sure takes the suspense and mystery out of trip if you can go with an old hand.

Poorsche

www.BOATMAT.com

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

My dad has c-map on his lorance and I don't think that much more about it.Blue chart has computer nav. program.Color is nice but absolute :rolleyes:

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

Got my vote!

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

I have been contemplating a trip from Florida to Bahamas with my family during spring break. Never done it before and some people are trying to talk me out of it. I usually boat the Great Lakes, so it''ll be a haul to get the boat down there if I do it, but I figure it's worth it. Got any pointers? I also thought it would be a good idea to plan it with others in case there are any mechanical problems. By the way, I bought a Garmin 172C. Fits nicely in the dash and easy to use/read/chart.
Kevin

Re: Suggest a GPS
 

Garmin does have some nice units, but they are behind the times at the moment.
I prefer the heavier and more cluky and more expesive Furuno that doesn't break.

You start running far Off Shore and then you need to start not only thinking about how many gallons per hour you are burning but also how many actual miles per gallon you are getting.

Running beside a coastline or a lake is one thing, running off shore is another.