New GPS - looks like a good deal but should i wait till spring?

[Jdr01930]

I'm looking at getting a Garmin GPSMap 441s.
This season is over, so I don't really need it till spring.

Local West Marine store has it sale for $439.99 ($100 off)

$100 off is s big discount, but a lot can happen between now and spring.

Should I jump on this deal, or hold out for even better deal over the winter/spring/boat show season?

Is garmin likely to drop retail price as this unit becomes "older"? I don't really know what the trends are, so looking for advice from the more experienced marine electronics shoppers...

 

[320Bob]

Check with Jim here at BOE Marine before your buy. His prices are among the lowest around and many times will ship for free. I've bought items from him at prices lower than anyone else on the net. Call him at 866-735-5926 and get a price.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Agreed Jim at BOE marine matched the $439 Price at West Marine for my 441s back in Feb. $439 isn't really a great deal. West Marine runs that price all the time. I'd wait for something better.

 

[rondds]

WM is typically higher priced than anyone else, even when they are running a "sale." Do your homework.

 

[MonacoMike]

There is not much markup in electronics, you would have to work pretty hard to get a better deal than Jim when he beats the WM price. MM

 

[Woody]

Here's a lower price http://www.electronic-supercenter.com/products.php?product=Garmin-GPSMAP-441s-4%252dInch-Waterproof-Marine-GPS-and-Chartplotter-with-Sounder-%252d%252d-4ACDIO002XZFIZX01%0D%0A

 

[300SR]

West marine will price match to,to shop around and print the cheapest and bring it to WM

 

[Bugsy24]

I would wait.... it's going to be a LOOOONG Winter! Your season is ending and alot of new Units will be coming out after the new year!! :thumbsup:

 

[MonacoMike]

I would wait a lot of new Units will be coming out after the new year!!

Why would that be? Haven't all the major model changes been announced and featured in the boating mags? Wouldn't expect much change between now and then.

To the OP: If you get it now you could rig a 12v connection and use it in simulation mode at home to learn how to use it. MM

 

[MLauman]

West marine will price match to,to shop around and print the cheapest and bring it to WM

I never could see the point of rewarding West Marine for requiring me to scout their competitors for them. It's like they're saying "we're going to rip you off unless you call us out on it".

 

[rondds]

The sometimes add on shipping to the competitor's price and then match it. They did that to me on something -can't remember what.

Rewarding them makes sense if they send you a dollar value coupon. So you beat them at their own game. Small victory!

 

[MonacoMike]

I highly value WM. The boating industry needs a major retailer to anchor all the various aspects of the sport. MM

 

[dpmulvey]

You are going to get real tired of squinting at a 4" screen real fast. Buy the largest screen you can afford with features that will fit your needs and fit your boat.

I have a 5 inch Std Horizon and that is way too small.

In addition, your engine has Smartcraft. You may want check into Northstar and Navman (Both now a part of Navico) as they had a partnering agreement with Merc and could display engine data on it's screen. Don't know if that's still true or not, but it would be a nice feature to have as Smartcraft is proprietary and all other engines ride on the NMEA 2000 backbone.

There are probably a lot of used 6-12 inch units out there.

Don't get me wrong, Garmin is the name people most recognize in the GPS world.

I'm just saying what is going to give you the most bang for the buck.

HTH

 

[Billfletcher]

I also agree WM is a good resource and they have everything, but, I just bought the garmin 640 as a back up to the unit on my boat. Reg price 1000, sale price, 800. Looked on line a few minutes ago and found it for 650. Have you ever tried to return a faulty electronic device to WM? The first 640 I bought was broke. Garmin on line tech support agreed and said bring it back to wm. I had to argue with the store mgr as he insisted I return it to gamin. They both point figures at each other and you get stuck in the middle. Anyway, wm finally relented and i got a 640 that actually works now and I love it.

 

[MonacoMike]

I also agree WM is a good resource and they have everything, but, I just bought the garmin 640 as a back up to the unit on my boat. Reg price 1000, sale price, 800. Looked on line a few minutes ago and found it for 650. Have you ever tried to return a faulty electronic device to WM? The first 640 I bought was broke. Garmin on line tech support agreed and said bring it back to wm. I had to argue with the store mgr as he insisted I return it to gamin. They both point figures at each other and you get stuck in the middle. Anyway, wm finally relented and i got a 640 that actually works now and I love it.

My store is great, never hesigtate to call if a particular store manager is not providing top shelf service. That is what I understand the corporate management want them to do. I bought the WM extended warranty with onsite replacement. That way if it fails on a trip I just get a new one automaticaly.

As for size, I wish I had a bigger screen on my 270. But the OP has a deck boat and the 441s is probably about right. MM

 

[dpmulvey]

...As for size, I wish I had a bigger screen on my 270. But the OP has a deck boat and the 441s is probably about right. MM

Then we will agree to disagree.

Deck boat = somewhat fast

330 = not so much
=======================

330 not so much speed w/ 5+" screen says "BLECH"

220 with so much more speed and 5+" screen says "BLECH" and "Did you see that shoal at 000/360...... OOOPS!