Garmin GPS model 182C vs 188C

[pwelch]

I closing in on a decision about what to buy to replace my old Micrologic GPS. I like both of these units and they both will fit nicely in my dash. While I am tempted to go for the 188C's extra features, I have a fish finder and a depth sounder that don't need replacing. Has anyone else wrestled with this decision? Peter

[mpostgate]

The question is: how much do you want to spend?

I would like to upgrade my GPSMAP 180 with a 182C. I've also looked at the 188C, but I don't need the combo features either, so for me the choice is purely economics.

On the other hand, if you have the extra $ to spend you can buy some redundancy with the 188C.

[Tominator]

Personally I like separate units. When you split the screen it gets small. I upgraded from the 182 to the 2006C. Color is definitely worth the money. If you are happy with your fishfinder you could still use the 188 as a backup. I went with the Furuno 582L sounder.

[FishEye]

I have the 188c and later bought a 320c because of exactly what Tominator said above.

[Waterbug]

I don't like putting all my eggs in the same basket and I don't like split screens. I prefer seperate units so that I can have a full screen at all times. I purchased the 182c and I'm very pleased with the unit.

[blooney]

I have the 188c and enjoy it. I dont mind the split screen. while I like the idea of redundancy my economics coupled with my desire for an uncluttered dashboard influenced the decision.

[Think Tweiss]

Pwelch...The 188c is effectively identical to the 182c with the GSD 20 added...and what luck, they are essentially the same price.

Buy the 182c and then if your current fishfinder doesn't please you any more because it's not color, just add the GSD20 and a transducer and you will have the 188c.

[riprunner]

I have a 188c and it works very well, I also have a seperate fish finder. I agree with the earlier posts that the screen is too small to use as a split screen.