| Author | Message | ||
     86129squids |
Hey folks- I know this topic has been covered a few times already, but I'm trying a tweak on it: I'm getting ready to put my boat in the water for the first time this Sunday, and I'm needing a good GPS unit- I'd really like one that's good for both lake/river use and road use- given that I've never used one, kinda old-fashioned that way, I DO realize the benefits of having one. I'm a noob for boating (at least on my own), and I'm looking for every which way I can set myself up for success- seems a GPS would be essential. Thanks in advance for your input, friends! I'll be scanning CL for what's out there in the meantime- with some good advice hopefully I can pick the right rig... Oh yeah- gotta find a good radio unit too, got a basic one, but gotta upgrade that as well. | ||
| Sifo |
Garmin Nuvi 500. Not too expensive and waterproof. You will have to purchase water maps for use on the water though. Additional maps will have to be loaded on a micro SD card or purchased that way. Work well on the bike. Should work fine on the water. If it's lacking features that you just need to have then go to more expensive units. | ||
| 86129squids |
Given I'm a noob, I doubt I'd be looking for "features"... kinda like my cel phone and laptop. I appreciate certain "features", but require functionality. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
You want a chart plotter/sonar. Lowrance makes the Elite 5. You can get them for about 500.00. Not only will you get a sonar for depths, but a GPS that's capable of running micro SD cards with lake info like contour lines, landings and water hazards.  | ||
| 86129squids |
Thanks! Just working out the basics... come Sunday, I'll probably just have gas, packed coolers for food/bev, some fishing tackle and bait, and my good ole noodle to figure it all out. That Lowrance unit looks pretty cool, just gotta find one for 1/5 or 2/5 that number. | ||
| 86129squids |
Update: I picked up a "factory reconditioned" Magellan Roadmate 3045-LM from my local Ollie's Outlet (LOVE that store BTW) for $80, with a 15% discount... not had the time to fiddle with it and learn much about it, but the price with a discount seemed nice. CL had very few listed around here, and all of them even used were more than what I just got. Anyone know much about this unit? My ace is that Ollie's has a 30 day "no hassle" return policy, so I've got plenty of time to test it out... | ||
| 86129squids |
OK, got the thing charging, but I'm wanting to update the unit with my laptop's Ubuntu OS- been looking around online and haven't found a way to do this. Of course the owner's manual has little to no good information about such technical matters. I could use the GF's laptop which runs Vista, but I'd really rather be able to do it with my computer... lost patience waiting to talk with someone at their 800#... Anyone got a clue about this stuff? Halp! |
