Garmin StreetPilot /Magellan RoadMate Nautical Use

[ncgarya]

I travel to new cities fairly often for my work. Several times I have rented a car with Hertz's NeverLost system (by Magellan) and have been very favorably impressed. I am considering purchasing the portable Magellan RoadMate 760 for use in my home care as well as when I travel for work (you can't always count on getting a Hertz car that has NeverLost). This unit goes for $1,099 at amazon.com.I have also been looking at the Garmin StreetPilot 2720, also $1,099 at amazon.com (not yet released). Then there is also the TomTom GO (though I'd almost NOT buy this one because it be too embarassing to say the name out loud to anyone). My question is this ... will either of these units be useful on my sailboat. I know the primary use for these devices is for driving directions in a car, but it would be wonderful if either of them could also support nautical charts. It seems a shame to spend over $1,000 for one of these only to find that it cannot be used in both environments. Anyone have any nautical experience with either of these devices? I've read the documentation on each unit as posted on the web and there is no mention of marine or nautical use. Thanks, Gary

 

[Mick]

Street Pilot's

Check out Garmin's Marine chartplotting units, especially the 276C, and 376C. They will do both.

 

[John Dawson]

West Marine 276c Plus

The Garmin 276c Plus mentioned is a great unit, a semi-portable that goes from boat to dashboard easily, with full functions for both. The one with the WM label has some customized software thats even better. It takes another unit plus the transducer to add the sonar.For just a street pilot, the Garmin 430 coming out is pretty cool, with touchscreen and street name references (turn right on Main St, instead of turn right 500ft.)