GPS

[Mel,]

Quite sometime ago I asked about getting a GPS. Someone on the forum, also a pilot gave me reasons to buy the Garmin 176C which they had used in the airplane as well on the boat. Before I take advantage of West Marine's 176C package, I'd like to know, not having operator exp. of one, how does it work for finding airports, etc. I'm sure it won't be like the old Magellan SkyBlazer XL, which gave me all the airport Data, like the one button "Nearest Airports", but if it would at least give a heading/direction to one near your route of flight would be acceptable. Mostly now I'd be using it on the boat having lost my "Medical", but at times would be flying with my wife and/or son across country to most of the Western and Midwest states. If any other pilots/sailors out there is really familiar with the 176C, I'd really appreciate some info, more than I can get on the Garmin Website, or a Marine dealer which tell you how good it is, but not really any details as to what it will/won't do. Being fairly new to sailing bigger boats, I'd like a little more info. Tnks, MBE

 

[mrbill]

76s - not too bad either and cheaper

I picked up a 76s on ebay (new) this year. ($299) seems to work pretty good.the 176 was my prefered gps, but best deal was around $500, (600 for color).but the bluecharts were another 100, (also ebay). add in some 12v cords... anyway, I've been happy with the 76s, but its even a smaller screen tha the 176.

 

[ScurvyDog]

Love Garmans products

While I have not flown with the Garmin 176c, I have operated almost every other of thier GPS units. I have used everything from thier GPS 12 unit (flying beavers in norther canada) to using the high end units in such as the 430, 530 and even the odd flight management system in biz jet. It seems all of the Garmin units tend to be user friendly and with some simple reading of on screen mesages and practice most people can pick up on the basic operation quickly. That said,,, After thousands of hours flying and many seasons of sailing under my belt, I find the high end GPS units full of junk that most people don't use (or can't remeber how to). The more the features the unit has, the more complex it is to use, even for simple features. I personally have a Garmin 195 and 12xl. On my sailboat I use the Garmin 12xl. While it has a smaller screen, it does everything a sailor needs. I have now put some 3000 nautical miles sailing on it in the past 2 seasons!