I will replace a loran with GPS on my boat. I am considering the Garmin 545 model. Does anyone have input about this model pro or con? I also would like input about the upgrade to vision software on Garmin models. Is it that much better to justify the price if you already have the area covered by the pre installed software?
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Based upon my model 492.........
I would think that it is a great choice. I think the 545 is the replacement for the 492. Both have the same size screen, although the 492 is a TFT type and the 545 is a VGA type. I am not sure of the differences. Both have the g2 Bluechart built-in and that is a great feature. The cost of individual chart cards is very high IMO. I haven't cracked a paper chart in the two years I've used my 492 except to verify a chart detail. My wife thinks it's great because she can see exactly where we are on the water in relation to everything else. One suggestion- buy the computer interface so that you can develop routes and waypoints on your PC and then transfer to the 545. Intuitive or not, creating the trips on the unit itself is a pain with the limited buttons. It is much easier with a mouse on a large monitor screen. You will need the Mapsource software (included with the 545 I think) and the Bluechart Americas charts. Garmin offered me a great deal on the Bluechart Americas CD (about $40) to run on the Mapsource software so that the PC and the 545 will display exactly the same chart info.
I would think that it is a great choice. I think the 545 is the replacement for the 492. Both have the same size screen, although the 492 is a TFT type and the 545 is a VGA type. I am not sure of the differences. Both have the g2 Bluechart built-in and that is a great feature. The cost of individual chart cards is very high IMO. I haven't cracked a paper chart in the two years I've used my 492 except to verify a chart detail. My wife thinks it's great because she can see exactly where we are on the water in relation to everything else. One suggestion- buy the computer interface so that you can develop routes and waypoints on your PC and then transfer to the 545. Intuitive or not, creating the trips on the unit itself is a pain with the limited buttons. It is much easier with a mouse on a large monitor screen. You will need the Mapsource software (included with the 545 I think) and the Bluechart Americas charts. Garmin offered me a great deal on the Bluechart Americas CD (about $40) to run on the Mapsource software so that the PC and the 545 will display exactly the same chart info.
545s
Bought the 545s (with internal antenna & sounder) and used it on one trip from Miami to West End Bahamas overnight in rough stormy weather. Mounted on the console under a sunbrella bimimi with pools of water, in rain, it soon lost signal. Next day reinstalled and connected old, external antenna, not covered by bimini, and ok since then. I find the interface confusing and have not yet understood how to use it easily. Can never find way back to features I know are there. Subscribing to XM Weather Radio, Seaman's version, gives LOTS of good info including real time weather radar. The 545 is also one of the few allowing subscription to XM Radio for entertainment. Have not yet checked out the sounder function. The 3-D and underwater views are awesome. Due illness, I have minimal, one-trip, experience with this unit and none since June, 2007.
Bought the 545s (with internal antenna & sounder) and used it on one trip from Miami to West End Bahamas overnight in rough stormy weather. Mounted on the console under a sunbrella bimimi with pools of water, in rain, it soon lost signal. Next day reinstalled and connected old, external antenna, not covered by bimini, and ok since then. I find the interface confusing and have not yet understood how to use it easily. Can never find way back to features I know are there. Subscribing to XM Weather Radio, Seaman's version, gives LOTS of good info including real time weather radar. The 545 is also one of the few allowing subscription to XM Radio for entertainment. Have not yet checked out the sounder function. The 3-D and underwater views are awesome. Due illness, I have minimal, one-trip, experience with this unit and none since June, 2007.
Garmin
You might also want to look at the 478. It has the added benefit of navigating on land. The price is about the same. Check it out at Garmin.com. There you can compare the various features.
You might also want to look at the 478. It has the added benefit of navigating on land. The price is about the same. Check it out at Garmin.com. There you can compare the various features.
492 replacement is the 540
I am looking for a 492 internal antenna to connect to my 545s so I can network to the front of my fishing boat maybe you would like to sell it if so how much
I am looking for a 492 internal antenna to connect to my 545s so I can network to the front of my fishing boat maybe you would like to sell it if so how much
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