Marine Electronics Forum - Gramin Built-in maps vs. Bluechart cards

3 questions..

Had a 2010c in my last boat that I loved. Looking for a smaller (read less expensive one) for my current boat. Checked out a few at West Marine - Is the built in data as detailed as when you buy the units that require the cards? Didn't appear to me to be, but maybe it was the screen size....

Would also like one with the built-in antenna - would my bimini top frame (3 feet away) have any negative effect?

Any recommendations for a good web source??

Thanks
Bob

Most of the units have a built in base map with not much detail. You need either the CD and MapSource, or the chips.

Be SURE to get your unit from Jim at BOE Marine. (http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/home.php?bid=2&partner=thehulltruth)

Try John at www.tightlinerods.com. Prices are great and ships next day like everyone else. Actually uses the units and knows his stuff :thumbsup:

HOTSPOT - 6/23/2006 2:39 PM Most of the units have a built in base map with not much detail. You need either the CD and MapSource, or the chips. Be SURE to get your unit from Jim at BOE Marine. (http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/home.php?bid=2&partner=thehulltruth)

this used to be the case but is not necessarily the case now. some of the units come preprogrammed with the new g2 charts with 'full navigational data'. the cd-rom with g2 charts is not offered at this time. there are also pre-programmed cards with the g2 data that offer some extra features (such as aerial photos and extra coastal road detail) compared to the built in g2 cards, but according to garmin, the built in charts have all the data pertinent to navigating on the water. the unit you were looking at may have had the detail level set lower than your preference. there are several settings for detail level (i.e. 'least, less, normal, more, most' at least i think that's all of them).

bottom line, if you buy one of the new plotters with the built in g2 charts, you do not need a card or cd-rom.

Thanks!!!!!