Hello all,

I got a garmin 541s GPS. I have a could questions.

Is there a good recommended GPS for my boat. I am not going to do fishing, but would like to use it for chartplotting and navigation.

Next question, I currently have a depth gauge so, I am a little hesitant in drilling holes in my boat. Can I use this GPS with out mounting the transducer? Is the transducer only for depth information.

Before I install would like to see if there is a better more compact unit for my use.

Thanks

Get an ipad with 4g, download Navionics. Get a RAM suction mount. You will be money ahead and will have an iPad for other use. You will also have a 10" chartplotter for around $700 total installed.

This is what I run on my 382. You do have to pull the iPad if leaving the boat sit in direct sun though as it will overheat if it is really hot outside, but while underway it is not an issue.

With the navionic software can you make it chart your coarse to avoid shallow water?

Is this a alternate unit to the GPS or will there be some limitations
Thanks

There are depth markings in Navionics for most locations. I use it at LOTO. I would not use this approach for major offshore boating, but for situations where you can see land most of the time, this will work and has been accurate and reliable for me.

If you are going out to sea, definitely get a chartplotter.

Sorry for asking but what is LOTO?

Lake Of The Ozarks just simply refered to as LOTO by locals and the frequent boaters around here. Big lake for lots of events and fun.

On your transducer, most of them can shoot through the hull when the layup is solid enough. By using a slow dry epoxy, so that the air can rise out of the mix, the transducer can be sealed agains the bottom of the hull on the inside of the engine bay and it will work well. The Formula hull is solid enough that most installs don't have interference from the hull.
I used plumbers putty to build a dam because the transducer needs a level position. Then put it agains the hull and used a slow dry epoxy to install the through hull for my 242SS.

I am considering a Garmin GPS Map 640 for my 292. Full chart plotter in a small foot print that would work on smaller dashes. Check it out.

Dave

Aqua force I sent you a pm

08 fastech thanks for the recommendation. I will look into this unit.

Have you noticed any features pro / con against the 541 models?

Aqua force,
Also what transducer are you using, the through hull design?

Thanks

I am using a "shoot" through transducer as opposed to a drill through. The Formula hull is a solid layup and not cored or wood layered as some others so it is very good for shoot through installations.
My boat originally came with a shoot through transducer for the Lowrance system so if it is good enough for Formula it is good enough for me.