Is a Garmin G2 Vision card necessary?

[LetsRock]

I recently bought a Garmin 541s and noticed they sell a separate card (G2 Vision) for each specific location. I asked Garmin tech support about this and they really werent trying to sell me one. They said that it is just an enhanced view and will actually plot a "safe" course for you to your destination rather than just a straight line. I wanted to know you thoughts if its worth the money (around $130) or not.

 

[Nehalennia]

I love mine. I'm considering using Garmin's upgrade program to get the bigger map though. The features you get with it plugged in really are nice. Much better than the stock base maps.

 

[33ec]

I have a 4212 garmin--I do not know if the g2 cardis a must but it is really cool! I like it.

 

[JohnEGraham]

Hey, If your boating on the south shore of long island forget about the automatic course due to the lack of water. I believe if it is determined that there is 6ft or less of water ( low mean tide) it will not calculate anything. Having said that it is still a cool addition and well worth the cost. JG

 

[LetsRock]

Hey, If your boating on the south shore of long island forget about the automatic course due to the lack of water. I believe if it is determined that there is 6ft or less of water ( low mean tide) it will not calculate anything. Having said that it is still a cool addition and well worth the cost. JG

Which card do you have JEG? There are a couple different options.

 

[LetsRock]

I love mine. I'm considering using Garmin's upgrade program to get the bigger map though. The features you get with it plugged in really are nice. Much better than the stock base maps.

Do you have the G2 Vision card?

 

[b_arrington]

You probably already have detailed base maps in your 541. The Vision card will not add more detail to those charts but they may be more updated then your current version.

What you will get is:
*satellite imagery - both pics of certain areas as well as images the overlay the map. You can vary the transparancy
* More detailed Mariner's eye view - looks at your course from above and behind the boat. Good for seeing your course and what's "around" you, with range rings. Also includes safe water / danger coloration.
* Auto guidance. Pick a point, set auto guidance, and it will calculate a safe route. As noted, does not work well in waters under 6 feet. Does not replace prudent operation!
* Fish eye view. If you have a sounder, will show a view below and behind the boat. Excellent for staying on top of structure and ledges when fishing - my favorite feature
* Fish charts. Gives "topographical" charts that show where depths change.
* Points of interest. Give more points of interest for local marine services, etc., like a guide book.

All things considered, it's a worthwhile upgrade (for me). I use it mostly for the fishing related features. The sat imagery is good when entering a new harbor as it can show landmarks. The overlay is kind of useless because it slows down the screen refresh rate considerably, unless the opacity is way down, like to 20%.

 

[LetsRock]

You probably already have detailed base maps in your 541. The Vision card will not add more detail to those charts but they may be more updated then your current version.

What you will get is:
*satellite imagery - both pics of certain areas as well as images the overlay the map. You can vary the transparancy
* More detailed Mariner's eye view - looks at your course from above and behind the boat. Good for seeing your course and what's "around" you, with range rings. Also includes safe water / danger coloration.
* Auto guidance. Pick a point, set auto guidance, and it will calculate a safe route. As noted, does not work well in waters under 6 feet. Does not replace prudent operation!
* Fish eye view. If you have a sounder, will show a view below and behind the boat. Excellent for staying on top of structure and ledges when fishing - my favorite feature
* Fish charts. Gives "topographical" charts that show where depths change.
* Points of interest. Give more points of interest for local marine services, etc., like a guide book.

All things considered, it's a worthwhile upgrade (for me). I use it mostly for the fishing related features. The sat imagery is good when entering a new harbor as it can show landmarks. The overlay is kind of useless because it slows down the screen refresh rate considerably, unless the opacity is way down, like to 20%.

Thanks B. It sounds like its more of a nice to have than a requirement. I think I might make the plunge for it.

 

[LetsRock]

I used my Garmin 541s w/the G2 Vison card last season for the first time and I loved it. I was wondering are there any updates (free or not) I should be downloading onto my card before I start the 2011 season?