Great multi function GPS Chartplotter

I am very picky when it comes to navigation instruments. When I started searching for a GPS chart plotter for our 29’ Phoenix Sportfish, I had lots of requirements. I looked at all brands available including some priced in the $2000 to $3000 range. I finally settled on the Garmin 182 due to its host of features and ease of use. I purchased the unit online for about $625. My first GPS was a Garmin handheld ( a great unit that I still use as a backup) The basic use of all Garmin receivers is the same so there was very little of a learning curve while getting used to the new unit. I was able to use the basic functions within minutes of turning the unit on. There are five pages of information available and each one can be modified to provide the information that you need (or want). Each portion of the display can be modified to provide one of thirty-four different pieces of information. The display variations are almost infinite. You can make important numbers large and then ancillary information smaller. For instance, on my main chart page I have ten different readouts configured in addition to being able to see the location of my vessel on the detailed chart. While cruising I use this page 90% of the time. Another page is capable of displaying 12 separate bits of information, once again all configurable to you liking. I have one page setup so that the position of the vessel is given in large block letters. This would be useful in an emergency when you would be transmitting your position (no glasses required). The unit even has complete tide tables for north america.

The Blue Chart chip has details that rival any paper chart. You can find the nearest marina, gas dock or grocery store with just the punch of a few buttons and then it even has the phone number. There are multiple levels of chart information that you can select to display thus eliminating clutter. You can purchase the chips for a certain region or Garmin now has a CDROM and a burner so that you can customize the charts you need.

In the past if there were upgrades to the software available, you needed to send the unit in and have the factory do the upgrade. With the Garmin it is as simple as downloading a small program from their web site, hooking up the unit to your computer with the available serial data cable and BAM you are upgraded. In the two years I have had the unit I have upgraded the software several times. The release notes explain what has been fixed and what has been added. Many new features to the unit have been added via the upgrade. It is nice to have a device that isn’t obsolete the day you take it out of the box.

The accuracy of the unit is incredible. Using the WAAS (A satellite based correction system) I routinely get six-foot accuracy. On a detailed zoom of the chart, I can actually see where I back my boat into the slip. WAAS was originally designed for precision aircraft navigation so it rivals differential GPS and you don’t have to purchase any further equipment.

A recent software upgrade added fishfinder capability to the unit. By purchasing the GSD-20 and a transducer you can now have a very capable sonar all in the same device. Very handy if you have limited space to mount electronics on your vessel. One nifty feature allows you to mark bottom structure as a waypoint directly. It sure beats looking at a separate recorder then trying to hit the “save waypoint” button as you glide over a potential fishing hotspot.

Garmin make a unit that has identical features to the 182 but with a larger screen called the GPSmap 232. I am a little sorry I did not opt for that one. Although the 182 display is very readable the added size would make it a little easier to see under “rocking and rolling” sea conditions.

Customer support has been great. The Garmin.com web site has tons of information. You can read or download the manuals for any of their products. This is a great way to learn about the product before you buy. On the two occasions that I need to call customer support, the technicians were always friendly and extremely helpful.

My only real gripe (not really with GARMIN but the whole GPS market) is the lack of a numeric keypad. It is really a pain to have to scroll through numbers and letters to enter waypoints or name them. Keypads are usually found on only the high-end units. I suppose there is a cost involved with that feature but it would be nice to have. One solution is the freeware EasyGPS (available at www.easygps.com) that allows you to enter upload and download waypoints from your PC. It is also a great way to backup your favorite fishing spots.