Garmin 172? 182? 192? - The Hull Truth

karnog · 04-28-2005, 04:48 PM

I want to outfit my boat with a GPS Chartplotter. I have narrowed it down to a Garmin but am not sure what, if anything substantial, I am missing out on if I go with a 172 B&W. I am very tempted and fixated on wanting color but there is a significant leap in price. Also, it seems Garmin may have finally gotten some image strength, angle and monitor issues regarding their color models in the new 192C.

At this point I want one more for the toy aspect than me getting any real practical use out of it. I will mostly float around in the harbor when I am out. Will I regret getting a B&W 172? Are there enough feature differences to justify the over-double price jump in the 192C?

Then there is the 182 which for all intents and purposes seems to be simply a bigger display.

I know the decision is mine to make but curious on your thoughts.

bbogue · 04-28-2005, 05:14 PM

I have the 182 and like it. The larger screen is big plus. In fact, I'm thinking of upgrading to the 2006c because its screen is bigger still and color is more visible in sunlight. My $0.02. Good luck.

Bill

BottomFisher · 04-28-2005, 05:21 PM

I have the 182c and love it and it is sounder capable but I run a seperate FF also DSC interfaced. I think you will find if only one thing a B&W vs. color the color will not dissappear if viewing at an angle . go to marine store and put the two together and view them from angles . just my 2cents worth,
bottomfisher

swamppro · 04-28-2005, 05:36 PM

Go with the 192c, you will not regret it! You are also getting all the maps you need built in already where the others you will still need to purchase a map.

pwelch · 04-28-2005, 09:52 PM

I am very happy with my 182C, and as you will see from my post elsewhere on this forum, I am still learning how to use it. Having said that, my advice would be to get the biggest display that will fit in your console. I am forever looking back and forth, from the view ahead down to the GPS and the bigger the screen the better. Also, bite the bullet and go with color. I did and have no regrets.

dougl33 · 04-30-2005, 12:16 AM

Get color. Don't even think about a B/W unit. You'll never regret the decision.

Regards,
Doug L.

karnog · 04-30-2005, 09:48 PM

Thanks for all the responses. Had I been able to go forward as I would have after everyone's comments I would have gone with the 182C. Unfortunately as it stands I don't really have a good spot to mount another device so will probably go with a handheld for now until I decide to upgrade to a combination GPS/FF ...maybe next year for that.

At least the handheld I can still use in the car, camping, hiking, etc.