Buying a GPS tonight...need some advice..

[steve-hamilton]

just looking for some advice as to which GPS i should be looking at.

Yesterday, for my birthday, my girlfriend, parents, and grandma, all put money into a Fishing World gift certificate....

I have around 400 dollars to spend....

I'd like a portable one, that will be used in the boat with a ram mount (i think that is what they are called). I know there are all kinds of chips you can add, so i guess i'd want one with the abililty to add them...but only so much cash at first...

Anyone have any preferences, or suggestions for someone who would use it under my circumstances...

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[pafishin]

Steve,

I have a Garmin GPS 76. It does the job for me. I liked the Garmin's over the other brands.

Mike

[trapperdirk]

Ifinder H20 is one I've been looking at .

TD

[roughrider]

You can't go wrong with garmin. I also have a handheld and use it alot. Make sure you have plotting for trolling and displayed ground speed. Add a compass to the boat to coordinate direction. Example,when you want to return to a saved waypoint,punch it in,it will give degrees and distance,check compass heading and go,roughrider

[steve-hamilton]

basically, its all going to be a new learning experience for me...

i've been told garmin are the best to go with...

[Grappler]

Garmin GPS map 60c I've had it over a year now & love it!!

Purchase MetroGuide Canada for the roads & your all set.

Grappler

[steve-hamilton]

grappler, upon browsing the garmin site, and reading reviews and specs on about 20 different models, that model was one of my top choices...

[Tomcat]

Hi Steve:

I purchased a Garmin 76 four years ago and I have been very happy with the user friendliness of the unit. As well, any time I was stuck, I telephoned the Garmin techs (toll free) and received quick easy to understand advice.

Regardless whether you get a handheld or a stationary unit, I'd recommend you spend enough money the first time to get all the features you think you'll ever require. Even at $500 or $600, they are expensive enough toys to replace if you're not happy. The Garmin web site provides an easy Garmin product feature comparison - see http://www.garmin.com
Its well worth the few minutes it takes to compare various products. As well, in order to bargain effectively on price, before you go to buy, check out prices for the unit you want at the following web sites:
http://www.prairie.mb.ca/
http://www.gpscentral.ca/index.htm

[scuro]

ifinder...can't beat the price and quality. The other consideration is that most boats are loaded with Lowerance fishfinder/ gps combo. If you upgrade in the future and you have a Garmin you won't be able to use their maps in a Lowerance.

[steve-hamilton]

im keeping that model in mind....although i dont think i've seen it at fishing world...

i did just buy a new fishfinder last year, an Eagle Fishmark 320...dont think i'll be upgrading for a few years anyways...

i thought about buying a gps/fish finder combo last year, but i wanted a portable gps ...

[Icemanstan]

im keeping that model in mind....although i dont think i've seen it at fishing world...

i did just buy a new fishfinder last year, an Eagle Fishmark 320...dont think i'll be upgrading for a few years anyways...

i thought about buying a gps/fish finder combo last year, but i wanted a portable gps ...

I bout one at la baron and it is a ifinder H20 the are the best one for your first time use of a GPS you well not have any trouble figuring out the location and the buttons on this model I read everything I should no about this unit before buying it so you are getting first hand experience from someone that has it. The best buy ive done in years .

[jbarker]

I have the etrx legend and can't complain. Already has most roads on it

[DV_8]

I have the Garmin GPS Map76. Great unit. Comes loaded with North America map. Can be loaded with the blue chart maps which are great for fishinng. Spend the little extra cash for a better unit. Recommend getting one that can be loaded with extra maps. If you do some hicking or hunting or even alot of driving, I suggest you get a portable one. I bought mine at www.gpscity.ca and no one could beat their price plus you can buy extended waranties. Check them out! Good Luck!

[steve-hamilton]

i purchase all my stuff from my local tackle shop (i never buy online...) even though i may pay more, i always support the locals (still never been to BPS)...

anyways, i took the advice of a few on this board, AND the Fishing World guys, and i ended up going with the Lowrance IFinder H2O...when i talked to the guys from FW, they recommended me go with the Lowrance, as their maps, the Navionics are far superior (their words) to the Garmin maps...They sold the Garmin 60 but not the 76...

I ended paying 600, no tax for both the IFinder H20, and the accompanying Navionics Gold Great Lakes/Trent Map...

Floats and is 100% submersable...

thanks all,

Steve

[Jale]

nice little toy you got there now...

Go out and enjoy