Garmin GXM 51

T

tgreene

New Member
Sep 28, 2012
96
Bay City
Boat Info
1990 Sea Ray 260 CC
Engines
7.4 Merc w/Bravo I Drive
I am going to installing a Garmin 740S with a new ducer to match. I was looking at the GXM 51 and I was wondering if the XM Weather is worth it since I will not be putting radar on my boat. I was already going to getting a subscription for XM Radio. I need some feedback please, thanks in advance.
 
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Not worth the cost. Especially now that their subscription model has changed. The GDL 40 seems like a better model from a cost control perspective.
 
To Jim I do agree the cost is very high for what you get that's why I was asking. I was trying to find a solution to meet my needs.

Wow the GDL 40 is a much better solution for what I am looking for especially the price. Thank you both I think this is exactly what I am looking for.
 
tgreene said:
To Jim I do agree the cost is very high for what you get that's why I was asking. I was trying to find a solution to meet my needs.

Wow the GDL 40 is a much better solution for what I am looking for especially the price. Thank you both I think this is exactly what I am looking for.
Click to expand...


Again... $299.00 for the antenna plus $5.00 a day... seems like a ton of $$$. There are some good weather and weather RADAR apps for iphone/Ipad... and android too that are $10 or less... Initially I wanted to go all out on my electronics setup, but in the end I just couldnt justify the expense. Maybe worth a try of a few apps before you plunk down a huge chunk of change. Can always add the antenna afterward.

The argument for XM instead cell phone apps (or this cellular antenna) has always been one of "do you have cell coverage everywhere you boat?" XM is obviously sattelite based, so never usually a problem.

Actually sounds like a good new thread... "What weather apps do you use"... maybe I'll start one.
 
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Jim I appreciate all of your comments, this is really helping me on what direction to go.

This is where I am at, I have a 26' boot that I am putting a Garmin 740S and a new Ducer to match( I know I said this already) but my boat is not setup for radar. I am trying/ like to get some form of weather/radar capabilities that I can tie into the 740S.

As far as a cell phone app you are dead on about lets find out what are some great apps for detailed radar, weather and water conditions. I truly believe that this will be beneficial to all.

The Garmin GXM 51 antenna is a combo sat and xm. Excluding the GPS portion of the antenna and speaking towards the XM side only the antenna comes in at a staggering price of $700(retail) which in my opinion is a bit extreme. I can by an XM antenna for my stereo for 35, module included. That being said it does have the capability to bring large amounts of data such as XM weather and stereo simultaneously. Then you also need to get a monthly subscription at $10, $30 and I think $50 depending on the data you want. Now being it is XM you will pretty much have good reception no matter what.

The Garmin GDL 40 is a GPS/ Cellular antenna which comes in at $300 and I fill to be more reasonable for what it is. This antenna is reliant on AT&T cell towers so that is a negative to this antenna, not because of AT&T but just cell towers in general. It appears that the subscription setup is $5 per day and thats how you get service which could be pretty steep depending on how much you want to use it. Now I did notice that the antenna output max is 2.25w which is easily 4 times higher or more of an output compared to most cell phones today.

So what is the right answer, I haven't a clue? I was almost immediately sold on the GDL 40 but now I just dont know what to do. As far as connectivity both units are NMEA 2000 so thats a no brainer. Any and all opinions and comments are welcome, please help.
 
I have used XM weather for every trip to the Bahamas. I usually make this trip with only my family and no buddy boat. I would not go with out it. That said, it all depends on where and how you boat. As already been stated, most of this info you can find for free or almost free if you are coastal cruising. Good luck, JC
 
I was considering a GXM 51 but after talking to a friend who runs out of Breezy point I came to my senses and decided it was not necessary.
As JimfromMD stated a smart phone or IPad will give me weather radar anywhere I boat. Maybe if you go way off shore it would be different. My cellphone gets service almost everywhere I go on the middle bay and tidal Potomac.
 
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