Garmin 188 or 168 questions

[Runrummer]

I have narrowed my search for a combo GPS/Fish unit to the Garmin 188 or 168, both in mono. I know that overall, the 188 has more bells and whistles, but I was wondering if anyone had any negative comments about it. I have read the reviews on a couple sites and they have all been postive. Any other info - good or bad - is appreciated before I dish out the $$$. Thanks.

[captfearless]

RR,
I had the 188S and it was excellent. All the bells and whistles worked perfectly. Extremely accurate and sensitive with the GPS and transducer sonar. The bluechart chips are really accurate and impressive. Never owned any other GPS, but have been on boats with Raytheon Gps that were larger screens but took much longer to refresh our position.
Steve

[ngirolamo]

188 great, no problems,,

nick g

[wetwater]

Had the 168, slow to refresh the bluecharts as I moved from one chart area to the next and sunlight visibility was mediocre. FF on the 168 is single fequency so in shallow you get some funny readings. Recommend you go with the 188.

[Bad Influence]

I installed the 188c on my friends boat and I want one now. That thing is great. With the color screen you can see it no matter what the conditions. It also has great memory, and runs fast no pausing between maps etc. Much better unit and well worth the cash. I only wish I had the cash!

[Runrummer]

Thanks for all the input - I am going to get the 188, now the search is on for the best deal.

[Runrummer]

To whom it may concern -- ended up ordering the 188 (mono display) with a bluechart chip for $897 -- $750 for the machine, $135 for the chip and $12 to ship. Stores were closer to $900 for the machine and $150 for the chip. Happy with the deal, now let's see if I'm happy with the product. And how much trouble I have with the installation.

[wishin4fishin]

188c and clear as a bell with sunglasses on!!!