Is this a good chartplotter?

[navychief]

Positive and negative feedback is appreciated!

http://www.jr.com/garmin/pe/GAR_GPSMAP478/

 

[jason78]

I think it depends on what you want to do with it. The one you referenced appears to be a combo marine/land unit therefore you probably won't get all the features you would with buying a marine-specific unit. For that price you could get a Garmin GPSMap 5xxS series (xx number depends on what map you want loaded) and have a larger screen that can be read in the sunlight and also a sounder, water temp sensor, etc. I have a friend with a Garmin GPSMap430S and an considering the 530S for myself very soon. www.BOEMarine.com seems to have the best prices for this stuff. You can get it 5% cheaper on Ebay but may have trouble with returning it if you have problems.

If you want a basic marine GPS without all the bells and whistles that can be used on land- looks like a good unit. If you like Garmin and want everything else for the water look at a Garmin 4xxS or 5XXS GPS.

Hope this helps.

 

[RollerCoastr]

It's a very good unit. I have one that I use a backup. As burlwell mentioned, it depends on your needs.

The battery life is impressive, as is the brightness of the screen. Its redraw and input response is fast, it gets and keeps the GPS signals as good if not better than many other units. (it has even acquired signals while in my living room)

It has Garmin's famous user-friendliness and ease-of-use.

The small size of the screen hasn't been an issue when navigating because the screens are so clear and intuitive. There have been many times when I've used it instead of the built-in because I can place it anywhere on the dash.

The screen IS an issue when in "Automotive Mode" and when plotting courses. If I use it in a car, I always enter the address well beforehand. It's just too cumbersome to "up-arrow" through the alphabet to spell a street name etc.

Course plotting isn't as bad, but I still avoid it. I prefer to plot on my computer and push the courses up via USB.

 

[navychief]

Well folks, this is what I settled on. The Garmin GPSMAP 440 Portable GPS Marine Chart Plotter with 4" QVGA Display and Satellite-Enhanced Worldwide Basemap. Here's the link.

http://www.adorama.com/GPGGMAP440.html

The only part I think I will hate doing is installing the swivel mount. Does anyone have any lessons learned in doing this install, especially with the 2008 240 Sun Deck? I'm sure the electrical is pretty straight forward...hot and ground.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.:grin:

 

[ANYTIME]

...http://www.adorama.com/GPGGMAP440.html

The only part I think I will hate doing is installing the swivel mount. Does anyone have any lessons learned in doing this install, especially with the 2008 240 Sun Deck? I'm sure the electrical is pretty straight forward...hot and ground.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.:grin:

Chief,

You might try using Velcro initially to see how it works, looks and fits. I am using it to attach my Garmin GPSMAP 492 and it works like a charm...so, I am just leaving the Velcro on the dash. The 492 is my backup GPS, I have a Raymarine C80 as the primary.

As a note....I, too am a Navy Chief, retired in January of 1978 from SSBN-633.

Sam
RMC(SS) US Navy - Retired

 

[comsnark]

Nice unit.

 

[JohnEGraham]

Hey, I have that unit. Just installed the shoot trough depth sounder. Can't wait to check it out. I picked up a DVD on the operation not much help. Basic stuff.
I was able to download the newest updated software for free ( just by scan disk card ) Piece of cake. John G.

 

[Tonka Boater]

This is how I mounted my Lowrance unit on my old 2008 240 SD.

 

[Nehalennia]

I used stainless steel rivots and mounted mine (Garmin 545s)on the left side of the helm.

I now have a stainless clamshell covering the wires into the helm.