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On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 14:12:11 GMT, (Tom) wrote:
I'm in the market for a new GPS and would appreciate advice and
opinions from the group. I'm not sure what features are available and
which are important. I've done a fair amount of searching and have not
found a comprehensive listing of features for all units - only
listings by individual units. I'm more interested in knowing which
features the group finds necessary or convenient rather than
recommendations of individual units but would appreciate hearing about
favorites as well. I know I want a large screen as my eyes aren't what
they used to be - I know I want mapping - # of waypoints is
unimportant as most have thousands and I don't think I want to go to
that many places. I noticed a couple of smaller units are suitable for
auto use as well as marine and some give audible directions - this
could be handy in my travels if anyone makes a larger unit. Thanks for
your time - look forward to hearing from the group.

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You don't say what size boat or what your budget is, but those are
both important parameters in the selection process. For a smaller
boat/lower budget, I think both the Garmin 182 and 182C are good
values. Basically the same unit but the 182C is color. I have the
182 at my lower helm and it offers decent readability, mapping and
course tracking (electronic bread crumbs). Make sure they have a
"Blue Chip" for your navigation area.

If you have the space and budget, the 10 inch displays offered by
Garmin, Furuno and RayMarine are all good solid units that can be
integrated with radar and fishfinder capability with the right
options. Practical Sailor recently rated all of these units and gave
the nod to Furuno based on slightly better screen visibility and ease
of use. All 3 are nice units however. I just installed a Furuno
1833C on my upper helm and am very happy with it.