GPS and Sounder, color vs mono, screen size

[BarryL]

Hello,I plan on updating my electronics before the boat gets launched in the spring. I want to install a mapping GPS / depth sounder. There are many many many to choose from. What are the current thoughts on color vs monochrome? What about display size? I am looking at units from Garmin (GPSMAP 178 Sounder, GPSMAP 178C [color] Sounder), Eagle FishElite 480 and 500C (color), Lowrance M68C S map, Hummingbird, and a few others.The Lowrance is the cheapest at under $400. It's color, but the screen is small (3.5"). From Garmin there is a huge price difference between the 178 mono (under $400) and color (about $700). The Eagle units seem pretty interesting. The mono unit has very high resolution (480 X 480) and a big screen (5"). The street price is about $450. The color unit is only $50 more, but the resolution is much less. Are you confused yet? I am!I'm looking for comments on color vs black and white, and on relative screen sizes.I will be using it for navigating on the Long Island Sound (not terribly difficult) and to 'see' the bottom when anchoring.Does anyone have links to reviews?Any information appreciated.Thanks,Barry

 

[Paul (Affinity C320)]

I Vote for Color

I recently selected the Raymarine RC435i GPS Chartplotter, this for a number of reasons. It has the TFT display (daylight viewable), has internal antenna and uses Navionics Gold Charts. The charts cover NY to SC border and the Bahamas for the same price as those that only give you the Chesapeake Bay. Also has 5.7" VGA with 16 colors display.Best of luck in your selection.

 

[Luke]

Comparing GPS

West Marine has a self-comparison chart for GPS systems. I took a look at all the hand held models earlier today. West Marine has some of the owner manuals on-line too, which is very helpful if you are the type of person who likes to research until you are brain dead (like I do). To answer your initial question though, go with color if you can afford it. Before today I didn't realize how many gadgets a GPS can come with. I knew the basics like setting a waypoint, but some have alarm clocks, course alarms, barameter, altimeter, 'bread crumbing' (sorry don't know the technical term), estimated time of arrival, and even where the nearest Mexican food is from you.My advise is to do your research and try and go a find a store that has them so you can play with it. Then order it online to save $$$.Luke

 

[Bil Thomas]

GPS and other expenses

We have a Lowerance LMS-160 which has the mapping. We primarily use it for long range waypoint travel. We use Nobletec visual naviagtor for close in work and paper charts as well.One item to consider is that most of the gps/plotters come with a worldmap and not a very detail chart for your area. It is usaully an addional expense. If you are using it to travel look to its abilty to revise chart info (mariners notices), and ease of programming. We program the Lowarance directly from Nobletec becasue it is much easier to create and review a route on the computer.Other is the amount of detail. The gps charts generally don't have all of the avalible chart detail loaded. Can make the difference of running agound or not.Best thing is to determine your nees and possible future needs.

 

[John Dawson]

Garmin 182c

Color unit plus software chip plus sounder module plus transducer, is not cheap but a great unit and great company.