Garmin has announced a new marine planning software desktop application dubbed HomePort. After the introduction of this and BaseCamp, perhaps we’ll see a new auto trip planner in the near future. Click here for the full news release.
Garmin intros HomePort marine planning app
October 2, 2009 By 2 Comments
Garmin Colorado 400c review
May 16, 2008 By 5 Comments
UPDATE: I’m recommending the new touch-screen Garmin Oregon series instead of the Colorado. It has a superior interface, along with almost all the other good things found on the Colorado. Read my hands-on review of the Oregon 400t for more information.
UPDATE 2: This model has been discontinued. For more current recommendations, please refer to our handheld GPS buyers guide or our Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.
The Garmin Colorado 400c is the marine version of Garmin’s newest handheld GPS series. As such, it includes BlueChart® g2 coastal charts and a worldwide basemap with aerial imagery. The map detail includes includes shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors, marinas, port plans and coastal roads for the U.S. and Bahamas.
Free nautical charts
September 11, 2006 By 4 Comments
NOAA has a site where you can download free nautical charts for the entire U.S. The charts are in BSB/KAP format, and can be used in OziExplorer. I found this via a post on the OziExplorer message forum.
Garmin GPSMAP 376C review
April 27, 2006 By Leave a Comment
UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. Check out our list of more current marine GPS receivers for alternatives.
The Garmin GPSMAP 376C
The 376C comes with base maps; if you want detailed maps, you’ll have to buy those separately. Garmin is currently updating the 376C with the GPSMAP 378 and 478, which have preloaded land and sea maps, and are expected to become available in late May 2006.
Here’s what others have to say about the Garmin 376C:
Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx review
April 26, 2006 By 5 Comments
UPDATE: The GPSMAP 76CSx has been discontinued. For current recommendations, check out our handheld GPS buyers guide or our Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx
UPDATE: In early 2009, it appears that Garmin stopped using the SiRFstar III chipet due to a patent dispute, substituting a MediaTek (MTK) chipset. While both are high-sensitivity chipsets, Garmin is still fine-tuning the MTK firmware. The switch to this chipset has reduced one of the advantages the 60/76 C(S)x series has enjoyed over newer Garmin models.
UPDATE 2: Here’s my 2010 take on SiRFstar III and the newer chipsets.
read more
Garmin auto / marine units – GPSMAP 378 and 478
March 27, 2006 By 1 Comment
No, these aren’t GPS receivers for your amphibious vehicle. But if you’ve got a pickup truck and a boat trailer, they could be the units for you. Earlier today, Garmin announced the GPSMAP 378 and GPSMAP 478 (pictured at left).
These new receivers have pre-loaded marine AND highway maps for North America. Both units come with a marine mount and automotive kit, so you can use them to drive to the dock and then pop them into your boat. The GPSMAP 378 has 10-meter resolution charts for 3200 inland lakes, while the GPSMAP 478 has charts for the entire U.S. coastline, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Both units come pre-loaded with City Navigator ® NT for highway navigation, and optional XM radio weather capabilities. They are expected to be available in late May 2006 with an expected street price of $1199.99.
Inland Lakes maps released by Garmin
March 17, 2006 By Leave a Comment
Garmin has released Inland Lakes mapping software for the U.S., described by Garmin as follows:
"From small, local lakes to large ones, this software contains highly detailed data for lakes of almost every size in the continental United States. With exceptional detail — including amazing contour lines on most inland lakes plus high-definition shoreline, river and creek channels, islands, boat ramps, campgrounds, rivers, streams, tide stations and predictions, U.S. Coast Guard aids to navigation, a wrecks and obstructions database, and road data…"
Unlike other recent releases, Inland Lakes is to be made available on SD cards, micro-SD cards and DVD, though the DVD version is not available yet. Five regions, shown at left above, are available on individual cards, or you’ll be able to buy the full set of five on DVD. The list price for the individual regional cards is $116.65. No word yet on the cost of the DVD. More detailed information on the regions is available here.
Garmin GPSMap 76Cx Review
February 28, 2006 By 5 Comments
UPDATE: The GPSMAP 76Cx has been discontinued. We recommend the GPSMAP 78s as an alternative.
The Garmin GPSMap 76Cx
Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 76Cx
UPDATE: In early 2009, it appears that Garmin stopped using the SiRFstar III chipet due to a patent dispute, substituting a MediaTek (MTK) chipset. While both are high-sensitivity chipsets, Garmin is still fine-tuning the MTK firmware. The switch to this chipset has reduced one of the advantages the 60/76 C(S)x series has enjoyed over newer Garmin models.
UPDATE 2: Here’s my 2010 take on SiRFstar III and the newer chipsets.
read more
Garmin GPSMap 76CS Review
December 31, 2005 By 1 Comment
UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For more current recommendations, please refer to our handheld GPS buyers guide or our Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.
The Garmin GPSMap 76CS
Confused about the 76 series? Here’s the low-down on the differences. The 76 and 76S have black and white screens, while the 76C and 76CS are color. The 76 has 8 MB of memory, the 76S has 24 MB, while the 76C and 76CS both have 115 MB of memory. Units with an S have an electronic compass and barometric altimeter, while the C units, in addition to color screens, have turn-by-turn routing capability. Finally, the 76CS has recently been updated with the new 76CSx.
14 readers at Amazon gave the GPS Map 76CS
Here are some other resources on the 76CS…
