On Apr 22, 4:56*pm, Wayne.B wrote:
On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:18:15 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote:









I'm thinking on the idea of ditching the harts and going with a
Garmin.

I'm think of going with something like this...

I don't really feel like spending huge dollars and this would be about
my limit, I Don't know anything about them, does this seem like a good
model? and are the charts automatically renewable, or do you have to
buy an update?

BTW, This 2owuld be used for running on the Ohio, Tennessee, and
Cumberland rivers, including lake Barclay and Ky. Lakes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200-Rebate-G...PS-Chartplotte...

Thanks!

===

I'm not familiar with that particular model of Garmin chart plotter
but most Garmin products rank fairly well for ease of use. * The
downside is that you need to buy one or more Garmin chart chips, and
before you do that, you should check to make sure they have chips for
your area. *That particular model uses something called BlueChart® g2
Vision cards that I am not familiar with.

If you already have a laptop computer you may not need anything but a
small handheld GPS for backup and use in a dinghy. * With the addition
of a $30 USB GPS, an inexpensive inverter, a free software download,
and free chart downloads, you are on the air with a full featured
navigation package with route planning, waypoint setting, track
plotting, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BU-353-Waterproof-USB-Receiver/dp/B00...

http://opencpn.org/ocpn/

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/download_agreement.htm

There are other Garmins that you might consider. *Here's an EBAY
listing for a used 192C which is an older unit but has good features:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-GPSMAP-192C-GPS-Receiver-/160785717540...

It uses chart chips that cost about $100 or so. * You should check on
chart availability for your area before buying any plotter.

Wayne I see what you're talking about using the cheap laptop etc.
That might work...