GPS Magellan MAP330M

[Bill Bowman]

Ok, This is the first of three questions for the group today.Have an opportunity to pick up a Magellan MAP330M GPS for a decent price ( less then $200). Any one have any opinions??We want it both for navigation help as well as checking speed. We do not race, but would like a better feel for speed to figure out when we will get to whereever we are going. Do the GPS's do boat speed well??Thanks, Bill Bowman, H23 - Muskegon, MI

 

[Gary A.]

Love Mine

Hi,I have two, a 330 and a 330M. I really like the GPS. It seems to grab and hang onto signals and works really well inside my boat as well. I adapted the car mount by adding one of those plastic 1" rail mounts. The 330M sits nicely on the top of my pedestal guard and is easily read from the helm. Be sure to check for the latest SW upgrade from magellan's web site. The last two have added really good new features to the base unit. Best of luck, Gary

 

[Jim Rushing]

Magellan

Bill, I used up some American Express travel points this winter for a 330M. I use it both for my boat, car and sometimes when I fly my small plane. Because the memory is only 8 mb, you can't load half the country into at one time. However, using the computer and the mapsend Street disc, I can download the particular areas that I will be using it in. I am using it on an inland lake, so I can't speak about the preloaded marine data. Sure is sensitive and as they say, accurate to a few feet. As for boat speeds, it is very accurate and sensitive. I used one last year off of California as a knot meter when the impellor stuck on the sailboat knotmeter.

 

[Bill Bowman]

GPS Questions - Thanks

Thanks for the info on the GPS. Lots to choose from. Cabela's has the unit for $189, I think. Have only seen some demos - Garmins not Megellan.How to the maps come out, enough detail to be usefull? How often does the speed update, or do you use it?Bill BowmanH23 - Muskegon, MI

 

[Gary A.]

Maps and Speed

The built-in map is very good for major roads throughout the US. The 330M has most of the day markers for ICW and channel entrances (at least in my cruising area of coastal North Carolina). As mentioned by Jim, downloading the detailed maps using the CD can make a big difference in the street detail for a particular area, but also provides additional detail regarding coastlines while navigating on the water. The speed seems very accurate and is updated quite frequently. Test this with a walk. Stand still and you'll notice the speed reads 0, start walking and you'll notice an almost immediate change in the speed display.

 

[Ken Koons]

330 M versus Meridian Marine

How does the 330m stack up against the Meridian Marine?