G2 Chart?

I

interj

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May 7, 2003
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273
It's been a while since I've purchase a GPS. When I purchased my old Garmin I bought the Blue Charts CD, I believe for about $100.

I have a friend looking for a GPS, I recomended Garmin, the GPS (440) is about $350, but then to get the detailed charts it's $300 for the G2 chip.

Are the detailed maps still required? are there other options? $300 seems quite expensive....
 
That seems expensive for G2, but it depends on where you get it and which region you need.

The 440 comes preloaded with U.S. charts, and the data is good enough to make the device safe and easy to use right out of the box. G2 Cards offer more detail, but G2 Vision Cards offer the "bling". I paid $240 for my G2 Vision card, and I don't regret it. It gives me aerial and satelite photos, including detailed photos of marina layouts and entrances and even automatic course routing features. My only complaint is that they sent it on a regular ol' SanDisk SD card, with the over-write lock DISABLED, and a warning that copies cannot be made, and replacements will not be provided if the data is lost. Garmin needs to get their licensing act together, ASAP, but the products themselves are top-notch.
 
Just a question; I've never owned a Garmin. My current electronics are all 2003 vintage Raynav. Quite honestly, I hate the C-Map cards and find them lacking in every way. So, is the Garmin G2 better than C-Map? I have a small Hummingbird with Navionics Gold on my fishing boat. It's good but is in no way sufficient for long range nav or Bahamas Nav. What about the G2?

quote:
Originally posted by interj

Click to expand...
 
I use the 440 without the upgraded charts...works fine. The 'upgrade' is not worth the cost (IMO)

Trying to figure out how to plot on my PC and load to the 440......
 
Like interj said, most of the units come pre-loaded with all the detailed charts you will need. Take note of the model: smaller units are available with detailed coastal, detailed inland lakes/rivers, or no detail. If you get the appropopriate detailed model, an additional G2 card isn't needed.

However, the G2 Vision card is an option. It activates certain features, plus adds satellite images, and includes a detailed map for the card area.
 
A few things to add:

The small screen would make the auto guidance very handy. The standard setup will make a straight line path, whereas the G2 upgrade will plot based on bridge clearance and draft numbers specific to your boat. I plotted a course over a shoal marked on the map, but never saw it (the map scroll and draw feature is VERY slow to refresh when setting up a course - even after the current update).

As far as satellite images - I can get those on my PPC phone, or laptop connected through the phone. A nice feature, but not as nice as the guidance feature (IMO).

What I can't figure out is how to plot on my PC and then update the garmin. Garmin has no information on what is used to do this.
 
The satellite images on a 12" screen are very cool - probably my favorite feature. I can see how a small screen would diminish the value.

The PC plotting issue is the biggest of the "licensing" issues I mentioned earlier. Garmin's MapSource product is one of the best (actually, I think it's THE best) plotting program out there, BUT, it doesn't accept free charts nor the G2 charts you already own on the unit.

They admit it's a problem, but they haven't released a solution.

I have Blue Charts that I bought for units years ago, so it's not an issue for me. However, if I were a new Garmin customer, I'd take issue with having to buy charts twice in order to use their products on a PC.
 
RNBENTON - I've just come across your post - what do you hate about your C-Map charts?? They can't possibly be working correctly if you feel they lack so much! What is the code number on the chart card and the model chartplotter you use it in?
 
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