chart plotter/gps Help!!

[matt4704]

:huh: I need to invest in a chart plotter/ gps system that I can later add weather, radar, etc too...For now I just want the basic unit. With so many out there I can't pick one. I Just want one 500 or under, and that is user friendly..any suggestions???????

Also before anyone says this has been posted in the past, I have checked past post and cannot find an answer.

 

[tobnpr]

You're not going to find an MFD for $500 or less that will interface with all the peripherals you want.

I believe Garmin might have a small screen plotter/sounder model in that price range.
To get a radar feature you're more in the $1500-$2000 range.

 

[tdschafer]

Check this one out:
http://www.boaterbarn.com/garmin_gpsmap_3205_chart_plotter_59755_prd1.htm

I am considering it as a backup and interfaceing it with my 3006 using this:

http://www.boaterbarn.com/garmin_gms_10_network_port_1360_prd1.htm

The 3205 is $485.00 from this site which is the cheapest I found doing a quick search. It is a discontinued model that will be gone once they sell them all. You would have to call Garmin and find out what Radomes are compatable as well as the sounder and weather modules as well as their availability.
Todd

 

[JeffMendenhall]

Unfortunately you are looking the wrong time of year for a deal. I determined my requirements and was looking for either a Garmin 3206 or 545/6. I found a brand new 545 on Ebay for $500. Has everything I need and I believe meets your requirements. There are better deals, but very small screens.
My eyeballs need a bigger screen these days.:grin:

 

[Nehalennia]

I have the Garmin 545s and it works great. You won't be able to add radar to it though. It will do XM weather and a sounder and GFS10 if you want fuel flow.

 

[tobnpr]

That discontinued 3205 is a helluva deal at that closeout price.
If you don't mind the small screen it definitely fits what you're looking for.

 

[CSR_Admin]

I can sell you a 3205 for $485 too. Its a nice little unit. Its old technology but still compatible with most of the newer garmin peripherals.

 

[tdschafer]

Sorry Jim,
I just did a google search for cheaper units. I didn't mean to send business elsewhere.....:smt009 Todd

 

[matt4704]

Thanks guys...I decided to go with the garmin 441s for now...Found it online super cheap with an in-hull transducer...I'll upgrade to a radar unit after I get some repairs done...Hopefully this will get me in some deep water...Thanks for the help!

 

[CSR_Admin]

Todd, no problem at all. I realize people google stuff like that. Whenever there is leftover stuff like that cheap it means a distributor has bought it all up and any dealer has access to it.

Matt, have you played with a 441? I try to talk people out of them because at least 50% of the buyers send it back, and another 25% complain. The screen is just too small. Especially on a 27' boat where your head is not 18" from the unit. We just put a 541 on a 27 Four Winns and its hard enough to read from the helm seat. Before you commit, I suggest playing with one.

 

[matt4704]

Ya, I drove over to Wm last night to play with it..I agree it is small, but it seems to have what I need for now....I am in the middle of doing a couple thousand in maint to the boat, sooooo Im having to watch my pennies for awhile...Prob next year I'll throw it on ebay and go wild with a bigger unit..Toys Toys Toys...

 

[charlg]

I just installed a 3205 in friend's 220 SD. It is a very nice unit and capable of add-ons.