Anyone using Garmin GPS V on the water?

[Tom Boles]

I am looking at using the Garmin GPS V both on our boat and in our car. It looks like it might be a reasonable compromise, with the auto-routing capability for land and Blue-chart usage for water.Anybody doing this? Any comments?

 

[Ken]

GPS V

I don't think that you can load the blue chart into the V. You should check the Garmin web site before buying the blue chart, there might be a softwear update in the works. I know the Map76 & 76S can hold street charts but has no auto routing. I know a guy who has street maps of Thailand and Australia on a 76S. He does business in that part of the world.

 

[Tom Boles]

Garmin GPS V on the water...

Ken-I'm still trying to determine what you would see if you loaded a blue chart into a V. It is possible (a software rev did it two rev's ago), and SOMETHING shows up, but I don't know what. I have the question into the cart group at Garmin. I'll let you know w aht I find out.

 

[Tom Boles]

GPS V:Garmin sent me an answer!

the cartography group at Garmin answered me: "You may note, the BlueChart page mentions "limited compatibility" with the V (and other units) and this CD. "Limited Compatibility" means that the BlueChart Americas CD data will load to these units--they will draw and display the BlueChart CD detail properly. However, the "find" function will not be supported (in other words, with this CD data loaded to the V/Vista/Legend, you cannot automatically search for nearest navaids, etc. in the unit, as is possible in most BlueChart marine units). The draw will be fine, though, and most extended text screens will be available. Also, these three units do not support tide tables. Such info can be accessed on the computer. Finally, if you click on a BlueChart navaid with these units, the complete light info may not show (period, etc.) as it can on MapSource and in the true BlueChart "marine" units. The detail will draw great, though, as said."So, all in all it sounds like the GPS V might make a fine multi-use unit. If I buy one, I'll let you all know.

 

[Ken]

Tom if your still watching.

I have the Map 76, got it on Christmas, and it works great. The chart is a chart, I look at my NOAA's of the area and it's the same as the Blue Chart. If you can get that on the V then go for it!