NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

[Homerr]

I'm looking for a decent NMEA capable GPS that will connect to my Standard Horizon Intrepid radio.<br /><br />I've been looking at the Magellan 330M.<br /><br />Opinions/comments?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.

 

[martyscher]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

Not sure about the interface of the 330 with your radio, but these units are decent and well priced, if you shop around.<br /><br />If you look at the specs between the 330 and the 330M, the only difference (other than the color) is the 330M has "more marine mapping including additonal buoys wrecks, etc." Not sure if this merits the additional cost.<br /><br />There is also a 330X, which is a package deal that includes a 330, data/power cable, dash gps holder and Mapsend street software.<br /><br />I'm buying one from Sam's Club for $199, before Their $50 rebate. If you buy one elswhere, Magellan now has a $30 rebate for either the 330 or 330M.<br /><br />I have a perfect working 315 that will be going on Ebay next week.

 

[martyscher]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

I also wanted to add the the 330 and 330M now use the WAAS technology, which stands for Wide Area Augmentation System.<br /><br />It's supposed to bring the accuracy of these units to within 3 meters (for all of you type "A"'s out there)

 

[Homerr]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

Thank you for the info. It's very helpful.<br /><br />I got a bid on E-Bay for a 330M.<br />Maybe i'll get it.<br />If not, I'll look into the 330X and the 330.<br /><br />I don't really need all the extra buoy markers etc... I don't dink around that much in the open sea. I would love to, but not in my little tub!<br /><br />H.

 

[marty_scher]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

If you don't get the Ebay 330M, check out the 330X package.<br /><br />I comes with a power/data cable that screws into the back of the included windshield suction cup gps holder. The GPS then just snaps in/out. Sweet!<br /><br />The mapping software is OK, a step lower that MS Streets, but you can download map files to the 330.<br /><br />Whatever you get get the Magellan site for rebates.<br /><br />They are now owned by onother company, so good thing may happen!

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

Be careful with the Magellans, I hear they are not waterproof, only water resistant. This could bite you if you have a connection cable and moisture gets into the unit.<br /><br />Garmins are fully waterproof, even inside the battery compartment.

 

[martyscher]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

How do they make the water resistant/proof determination?<br /><br />It appears that both the Garmin 76 and Magellan 330 conform to the IEC-529 IPX2 standard, whatever that is.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Spidybot]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

If/when at some time you want to use maps to load from your PC, Garmins BlueChart beats the rest.<br /><br />Even on smaller screens you get real seamaps with all details. And each purchased license is for two installs (get it with a buddy and save 50% !)

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

For some reason, C-Map is the preferred chart system (vs. Garmin's Bluechart) of the sailors I polled here in the PacNW. It might be because the higher end systems (Furuno, Si-Tex, etc) use C-Map, or suspicious type that I am, I suspect most people, in order to justify what item they spent money on, recommend the system they own. In any case, I just ordered a Navman chart GPS and, bought the chart chip direct from C-Map. I like the looks of both systems; I selected a C-Map compatible because it's not restricted to one brand as is the Bluechart.<br />In any case, something is usually better than no system at all.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: NMEA CAPABLE GPS.. Any suggestions?

Sure. Doing your homework before buying is the only way to ensure you get what YOU need.<br /><br />I definately do not need cartridges.. CD's are much more PC compatible