GPS map nav for lakes

[martyscher]

Looking for info on a handheld GPS with mapping, that can load some decent lake maps, especially inland US lakes.<br /><br />I have a Magellan 315, but an willing to spend a little more if the unit has useful lake maps.<br /><br />Any input is appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

Howdy, Marty.<br /><br />I have a Garmin GPS12Map hand held that I have used for several years. I have local maps uploaded into it from Garmin's Mapsource CD for US Roads and Recreation. It gives good shoreline detail and shows all ramps, campgrounds and Marinas.<br /><br />It doesn't show the detail that Garmin's Fishing Hotspots CD does, and the GPS12Map wont take those maps.<br /><br />I also have a Garmin GPS162MAP. That is a fixed mount unit that will take the Fishing Hotspots maps and shows detail of depth and even finer detail of shorelines, as well as hot spots and fishing advice.<br /><br />I believe that the Garmin GPSMAP 76 or 176 will take the FHS maps.<br /><br />Go to http://www.garmin.com and check them out.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

I love GPS! When you check out the Garmin site try to get a GPS unit that is also WAAS ready. This will greatly improve the accuracy of the unit. With WAAS enabled it is good for about 3 meters of accuracy.<br /><br />JB..FYI I too use a Garmin 12 and I also have the Terrain Navigator software in my computer. I have downloaded via cable from GPS to computer and Computer to GPS. This gives me a better picture of where I have been when hunting (walking my rifle ) and fishing (best way to kill Summer time). I can also pick an area where I would like to go on a map and actually get there! The GPS 12 is good for about 15-50 meters of accuracy.<br /><br />Trout Season starts this weekend!!!<br /><br />Bob

 

[martyscher]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

Thanks for the replies everyone.<br /><br />The Garmins are a little too rich for my blood (just got the boat!!)and don't appear to have lake maps for Colorado USA.<br /><br />Sam's club has a Magellan Map 330 with cables, holder and map software for $199 with $50 rebate. <br /><br />It won't buy me much on the boat over what I already have, but it does have WAAS technology, and is more usable on the road.<br /><br />Great price though!

 

[vinhawk]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

I just bought a Magellan meridian marine. I'm very impressed with it. It shows bouyes, marinas, mooring bouyes and more. If you get the optional software it will show even more. The cheepist place I have found for any GPS is www.thegpsworld.com and I have shopped everywhere for the best deal.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

I have the Magellan 320 which is the same as yours but has marine navigational marks, marinas, etc. Additional info can be uploaded from a cd also. I'm satisfied for the price.

 

[dwarrick]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

My boat came equipped with an Apelco 7000 chartplotter but I worked for a Marine store for a while and ended up buying a Garmin 176C color unit they retail for about 600 but they also make a 76map unit that is about 349.00 which is the first one I bought. The Inland waterway CD maps are pretty good. My Apelco is great because it it has a 6 in display but it is way out dated after 3 years. You could check Ebay for a garmin 76 Map it is a sweet piece of equipment. with a larger display than to one you have. This year I am pulling my Apleco off an replacing it with my 176C. By the way both gamin units work well on the road.<br /><br />Just an Idea

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

My wife sells GPS units, so I have had the opportunity to play with a lot of them. In my opinion, the best hand held for the money is the Garmin GPSMAP 76. For freshwater, you can load it with the Fishing Hotspots CD, or for saltwater, you can load it with the BlueChart CD. They have a $50 rebate deal going on now too.<br /><br />It is super accurate, easy to use, waterproof, floats, etc.<br /><br />The Garmin eTrex Legend will do the same things for about $100 less, but the screen is very small.

 

[495v]

Re: GPS map nav for lakes

Seadawg, I too am in the market for a gps. I've been looking at the 76 model you describe and the GPS III plus. What is you opinion on this unit? What kind of price can you get me either of these units for? Thanks for the assistance.