Garmin 176 Please Help!

Shag · 05-23-2002, 07:16 AM

I searched, looked on the Garmin website, and talked with a local retailer and I am more confused. I am buying a Garmin 176 grayscale and cannot find what actually comes with it. Is the base 176 software enough to navigate with? Do I need blue charts? (I don't care about depth). Is the roads and recreation software enough? I fish inshore and not usually more than about 20 to 25 miles offshore. Also want to be able to use it in the car. Any info would be most appreciated.

Bo

GeorgeP · 05-23-2002, 07:30 AM

My question would be if you are not going to get the good maps to go with it, then there are several units that are just as accurate and a couple hundred cheaper. That said, please don't think I am bashing the 176. It is on my purchase listfor the very near future.

What will I add on? First for me will be Metroguide USA. Then Bluecharts, then Fishing Hotspots.

If you can't decide which add on maps to get, then goto http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/. You can zoom in on your area and see what kind of detail is available in the different mapsource products. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

The only thing that is not available at that URL is the Bluecharts. From what I have heard they are electronic versions of the paper charts and very high quality.

Shag · 05-23-2002, 11:22 AM

Thanks georgeP! I just got back from West Marine and bought the 176 with a bluechart chip of the NC coast. Darned nice machine. I blasted West Marine in a post a few months ago and the replies were correct. Its the people you deal with. I dealt with a very nice knowledgable guy and took about 30 minutes of his time showing me options and alternatives. Very pleasant shopping experience. My wife is now wanting the metroguide.

Bo

GeorgeP · 05-23-2002, 05:42 PM

From what I have heard, make sure you don't try to write MetroGuide info to that chip. It will erase the info. I am going to get the Bluechart CD so I can have MetroGuide and Bluechart on the same chip.
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jon9 · 05-24-2002, 04:37 PM

Shag,

I bought mine today as well from the West Marine store in New Bern, NC. Funny, I kind of off hand asked if there were any sales on, turns out, I got a 10% discount on both the 176 and the bluechart chip.

I have to say, though, that when I put the thing on the console in my walkaround, it was hard as heck to see. It's great out in the direct sun, great in the dark with back light, but under a top, I really had a problem. I'm going to have to use it a bit to really make sure this is the unit for me.

The functionality is terrific. I can use the mount (the part that screws on the dash) from my old Garmin 48 with this mount and the 12 volt power cable also works with the 176. I suspect the serial PC connector will work with my old Garmin 48, I guess itpays to stay in a brand.

I hope you're enjoying yours!!

Jon

Jon