[m&mmariah]

We've had our Mariah for one summer season, and have explored all of the local lakes near our home in central California. We'd like to try boating on the Sacramento river delta this summer, but with all its twists, turns and tributaries, we're going to get lost for sure. Thinking about buying a Garmin nuvi 500. From what I've read, it can be used in your car, and on the water if you by an optional plug in card that has maps for inland lakes and water ways. Does anybody have experience with this unit, or any recommendations? Trying to limit cost to somewhere around $400.
Thanks for any advice!

[Dredd]

I was really close to plunking down $400 for a Garmin right before a big boating trip last year. I decided to spend the same amount on a new phone instead (previously had the first gen iPhone) and I've been really glad I took the route that I did. On that particular trip I used a free Android app named My Tracks and it worked out great. It leaves a bread crumb trail for you to follow home and it's cool to see miles traveled, average mph, time moving, time stopped, etc.
There is a nautical specific app out now but I haven't tried it yet. The description doesn't sound that impressive.
Just something you might consider, provided there is coverage where you boat. On the other hand the nautical maps from Garmin do sound really cool, if they're available for waters you frequent.

[Oregondunes]

If you are at all interested I have a Garmin Street Pilot 7200.

I bought it to use on our last boat, but sold the boat before ever using or installing it.

It has a 7 inch screen (BIG) and I bought a shade visor for it off of eBay as well. I down loaded the Inland Lakes Vision — West program on a SD card $99.00

I have the original box, instructions, etc. Brand new except to install the SD card/program.

New this unit was $799. I see you can get them on eBay for under $500 now.

Id sell this one to ya shipped for $450.00 since your so close. (im in Oregon)

Here is a link to it on Garmin's website https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=164&pID=6389

There are a ton of accessories for it on eBay garmin 7200 items - Get great deals on Electronics, eBay Motors items on eBay.com!

You could buy an extra mount and move it from your car/truck to the boat when ever you need to.

[m&mmariah]

Oregondunes -- Thanks, but we're looking for a unit that's a little smaller than the 7200, as well a something that's battery powered and hand held. I thing the nuvi500 fits the bill so far; the 7200 has to be plugged into a power source, if I'm not mistaken. But thank you for your offer -- m&mmariah

[Oregondunes]

you are correct, this bad boy has to be plugged in to work. it has bluetooth and has a mp3 player built in.

[Dredd]

Good deal on a refrub Nuvi 1100 and free shipping to boot:
Buy.com - Garmin Refurbished Nuvi 1100 3.5"" Slim GPS Navigat

Total Price: $59.99

[m&mmariah]

Thanks for the advice everybody.....got a Nuvi 500 from Amazon, plus the western inland lakes memory card (memory card due to arrive mid-march). So far, we're happy with it. It's supposed to be waterproof as well, but we'll do our best to keep it from getting wet. Anxious to see what the inland lakes maps look like.