Best stand alone GPS for under $500?

[Sunshine]

In your humble opinion, what is the best GPS unit and why?

I'm looking for a dash unit without sonar for under $500.00. I want:

1. WAAS Technology
2. Great mapping technology
3. Icon ability
4. Fishing Hot Spots map ability.
5. Good looking screen, Good Resolution.
6. Fast updating
7. Best bang for the buck
8. Good Plotting
9. Tracks well at slow speeds
10.Easy downloading
11.What am I forgetting?

[Phil T.]

I think that www.westmarine.com sells a Garmin dash unit for your price limit. Garmin isn't the only brand to offer WAAS, but they are among the few that promote the feature. If another brand appeals to you, check the maker's website contact to learn if they offer WAAS technology in that model.

[KANNON KARES]

I used to have the Garmin, was very impressed with it, very easy to use and does not need to drill or cut hole in your boat because they have one with an internal antenna reciever built right in. I think it was $379 not bad for all it could do. hope this helps Kannon

[bob oh]

Sunshine, don't know if you've been to a West Marine shop or not, but I was there Sunday and the electronics manager spent about 45 minutes with me on the various Garmin uits. He put in the various maps and showed me several features on several models and now I am even more confused :-) Actually he was a lot of help and if you have a shop nearby where you can get a look at the units with the maps installed you will learn a lot. Don't know all of the models but he did say that Garmin is planning to add sonar to several of their units late.

[Wild Bill]

The Garmin 162 with internal antenna can be had for 355.00.Twenty bucks cheaper than one with external antenna.Can one with internal antenna pick up signals JUST AS GOOD as one with external antenna?Any comments from anyone who has one of these units?

[Sunshine]

Where do you see them for $355?

[FreeByrd]

Sunshine,
I replied to someone else's post about WAAS GPS units. I really like my new Garmin 2010 which is their top of the line. As long as you get the "Bluechart" capable units you basically buying the same technology. The higher end units basically just have bigger screens with better resolution. I think they have 4 or maybe 5 new units that support the Bluechart mapping. Make sure the resolution is acceptable before you buy. I definitely wouldn't buy one without seeing it in action. I know mine has download capability but I don't see myself using that. I bought one bluechart chip that covers the area I fish (all of Lake Erie and Western Lake Ontario - think it has Sag Bay, St. Clair, Detroit River and Niagara River too). I don't want to have to fool around with downloading stuff. I put the chip in turn the unit on and go fishing. This may not be practical for the waters you fish and you may need downloadable maps?

I'd definitely wait until the spring sport shows at this point. Get the newest technology and get show special prices.
Good Luck,
Steve

[Dbl]

I believe I already replyed to you in an earlier post, but the Garmin 162 sounds like the only unit you will find in that price range that will fit all of your requirements with the exception of icons.

[moreyes]

Yes it will mine will work behind the windsheild of my truck, one other thing I always thought you had to have clear view of the satelites but mine will actually pick up a couple in my garage with the door shut believe it or not, great unit go internal gives you the option to use it in another vehicle.

moreyes

[bracketpro]

hey sunshine! this is robert from bracketpro. i have a brand new in the box raytheon raychart 320 waas and everything you mentioned. it does use c-map however. it retails for between $850.00-$950.00. first $500.00 takes it. if interested give me a call at 262-644-5337. thanks and merry x-mas

[punch1]

I've seen the Garmin 162 for $379.00 with built in antenna and $399 for the one with the external antenna at Reeds Sports. (Reeds has free shipping). Here's the link:

https://www.reedssports.com/Cgi-Bin/Webc.exe/Catalog/st_prod.html?p_prodid=2252&p_catid=812&sid=1m2j9A4n

It's $399 plus shipping for either one at Cabelas and $449 plus shipping at Bass Pro Shops (Bass Pro does include one Fishing HotSpots regional download though)

Finally Coastal Marine sells them price-matched down to $349 plus shipping at: http://www.coastalmarineonline.com/order.asp?Pics=&Part=GMN.0100019100.

Good luck!

[Wild Bill]

Sunshine,
Go to www.tvnav.com
You will find that unit for $355.00 with internal antena. I'm pretty sure it also costs about $10.00 for shipping.

[Walleye daddy]

I've owned a Garmin 162 with the internal antenna for almost 2 years now and It's a great unit. Never had any problems with reception. It has a great white light for night viewing- very user friendly and I also use it with the waypoint technologies software package on my pc.
I would say its probably one of the best deals out there for a standalone unit. Good luck

[Suzuki]

Garmin Map 76