[Z 202]

Excellent points Bill.

The one time I really needed my depth sounder to work was when I was travelling at speed, and the bottom came up so fast my skeg was already dragging on the rocks by the time the alarm on my depth sounder came on.

I'm hoping the GPS (once loaded with the necesary charts) gives me more of that kind of info, so the obstacle can be avoided before it's encountered...

X2 on an inexpensive replacement compass as well. You may not think you need it, but the one time you do... For me it's like all the other safety equipment on your boat. You may never need it, but if you do, you rather you have it than not.

[180diablo]

Thanks for all the help with this guys.

Sounds like the Uniden depth sounder is the way to go. I will wait for spring time and stop by my local marine supplier and purchase it from them. It's good to know this stuff ahead of time so I don't have to pull the boat out of the water after it was just put in.

I googled some install webpages, so I will take a lookie at them and see what is involved to get it installed.

Im sure the mechanic where my boat is stored can do it.

[aquaknot]

I was at the Toronto boat show as well and replaced my old Garmin 180 with a brand new Garmin 420S. The transducer I'll use will be a thru-hull (no holes). Garmin also had a few excellent portables (with mounting bracket) The only drawback is the screen size and it has to be recharged. I also purchased the Ontario blue chart for the unit ($100.00 boat show rebate from Garmin) Great detail of the trent system. I don't like being in unfamiliar waters without one. The manufacturers are at the show, I talked to them all and decided to stay with a Garmin unit.

[Mark Anderson]

Funny you would mention the depth sounder- I have a 1991 20Ft sx/br and when you turn on the ignition this panel emerges from the top of the dash and gives you the speedo,depth and temp- For my boating( Lake Simcoe) most of the info is useless and parts of the screen ( I think it is a very early LCD Screen ) are just blanked out and there is no data to be seen. It is definately something I want to get rid of . I was thinking of replacing it with the old fashion guages ,ie Speed,engine hours .It would eliminate all the little push buttons that just make it look junky.
If anyone has some ideas or has already dealt with this one please let me know!!
Thanks
MArk Anderson

[180diablo]

ok guys ... this is going to sound TOTAL newbie here ........


If I was to purchase a handheld GPS unit from Ebay from the states,.. is the GPS unit localized to american maps OR would it auto update to where ever the unit is located and work perfectly?

[Z 202]

Without knowing the model I couldn't be 100% sure, but most handhelds will have a North American basemap installed. Typically you can then buy more detailed location specific maps that you upload to the device.

That's how mine works.

Ebay? Have a look at radioworld.ca they've got some amazing deals on right now.

[180diablo]

Actually I have been looking at the same one as you, the Garmin 76cx...

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=220192523726

I believe you said you had to order in the marine disc? I have checked out RadioWorld and so far they are the best price for it @ $299. But if I could get it off Ebay for say $100 less .... I might.

Otherwise, I would rather just order from a Canadian Source for warranty concerns etc

[Z 202]

Reserve still isn't met. You'll have to watch it closely. Depending on final price and the shipping + brokerage fees, you probably won't save $100...

You will want to buy the Blue Chart software. The basemap only shows bodies of water, not the detailed stuff you really want (navaids, depths ports etc...). Radioworld also sells the software at a discount if you buy a GPS, so you may want to factor that in as well...

[180diablo]

Originally Posted by Z 202

Reserve still isn't met. You'll have to watch it closely. Depending on final price and the shipping + brokerage fees, you probably won't save $100...

You will want to buy the Blue Chart software. The basemap only shows bodies of water, not the detailed stuff you really want (navaids, depths ports etc...). Radioworld also sells the software at a discount if you buy a GPS, so you may want to factor that in as well...

Hmmm good points on both comments. You don't pay brokerage fee's on stuff that is shipped up here via USPS. Fedex, UPS, Purolator will not be nice on your wallet if you use them.

How much is the Blue Chart software? After thinking it over I was considering just ordering it in from Radio World and be done with it.

[ShabahZ280]

Bluechart is around $129-159 depending on where you get it.