Garmin Blue Chart Software - The Hull Truth

woodsrat · 02-12-2006, 07:24 PM

Relatively new to the forum so I would like to introduce myself. My name is Mark from Orange Park, FL. Have a 16ft Baystealth and am strictly an inshore fisherman here in NE Florida.

Had a question concerning Garmin Blue Charts. I use a Garmin GPSMAP 76 when fishing. Would like the opinions of other inshore fisherman if putting Blue Chart on the GPS is really worth the expense. I have software that allows me to transfer waypoints from the computer to the GPS and can get a reasonable picture with the built in basemap of where I am. Is having the extra detail provided by Blue Chart really worth it or just a nice to have?

Appreciate your opinions and responses.

Thanks

jcedot2 · 02-12-2006, 08:01 PM

I have the Garmin GPS 76 and I put the Blue Chart on it. In my opinion it is worth every penny. I was extremely impressed with the detail that it provided. I just recently bought a Garmin GPSMAP 178C Sounder and I am debating between the Blue Chart and Mapsource software. I am not that familiar with the difference...It may be a stupid question. The Blue Chart is definitely worh the money.
Jay Cedotal

SageBoy · 02-12-2006, 09:35 PM

I have the 76 and the 276 and have the software on both. IMHO I believe it's a must. I think if you decide to load the software you will realize why and also why you didn't do it sooner.

Alternate CP · 02-13-2006, 09:50 AM

Were any of you able to upload the Blue Chart disk to your Garmin 76?? I found that I had to transfer info from my desktop computer to the GPS. I'm not that computer savy -- any recommendations?? Thanks

t5miami · 02-13-2006, 03:13 PM

Yes, it is worth it! You should have a paper chart of your area, if you do, the electronic chart is exactly like the paper chart. The detail is much better for navigational purposes.

aubrey · 02-13-2006, 03:25 PM

The Bluecharts have a lot more detail than the base maps. If you know your area really well, maybe you don't need it. But if you venture to new areas or get caught out in low visibility, you will realize the value of that extra detail.
I would think that you could go to a local electronics retailer and they would show you a demo of what is available.
Bethel Marine Electronis here in Melbourne can download the selected Bluechart on to a chip in the store. I am sure someone local to you has that caplability.
Good Luck

woodsrat · 02-13-2006, 04:57 PM

Thanks much for the responses. I sounds like I will be adding Blue Charts to my wish list.