[upthesaukee]

Here is a copy of the email I sent to Bizer as feedback for the V2 map I got recently.

Hello Stewart:

Thanks for your prompt service on the download for the Garmin V2. It uploaded like a dream. A few comments

Unit: Garmin Steetpilot c550. Usually acquires signals very quickly and is easy to change from Lake map to Street map. If I had a blue tooth phone, it would be even better, but that will be coming down the road. Easy controls.

Software: As you have already noted, the buoys are not colored due to the unit being primarily an auto unit. If you zoom in enough, you can see the RW or BW or FLxx, giving you ample opportunity to visually locate the markers or slow down / stop until you do. We have only gone out on the eastern end of the lake, and only for a few short trips. Last evening, just after supper, we went out for a ride, and came out of Alton Bay from Parkers, around Clay Point and down by Kenniston Island. In that area, there are a few rocks that are not marked by the Marine Patrol, but you have shown them by RCK...thank you. In short, the software currently is operating as I thought it would. Particularly nice are the "safe routes" , ie: Alton - Wolfeboro. Also, the lines that delineate shallower water parallel to shore. When zoomed in enough, this feature does not seem to "clutter" the map, in my opinion.

Using the unit with the software. 1. There are no breadcrumbs like on other GPS units. 2. I selected my dock as a favorite before leaving. Out in the middle of Rattlesnake, Treasure, and Ship Islands, heading southwesterly, I selected go to: Dock, and the unit advised me to drive south to route 11, then turn left! Where is that amphibian car when you need it. 3. Unit does not do well in direct sunlight, usually requiring me to take off my sunglasses. Unfortunately, I do not have a place that is shaded on my "dash". 4. The Garmin windshield mount does work nicely on Gelcoat! 5. I have been using it just on battery power, and find that in that mode, doing a lot of changes such as zooming in and out seems to use a lot of additional battery power, as does having to keep it up at 100% daytime bright. Might have to add a 12V outlet.

Bottom line: as you so aptly warn, I do not use the unit and software as my primary means of navigation. I always have my Bizer laminated 11x17 chart next to my seat for easy reference, and slow down to find my marks as necessary. The unit will be a great assist, especially at night to help find a few of those pesky markers, or spot Moose Is or Ship Is., or when in unfamiliar territory. With a marine unit, I can only imagine how wonderful it can be. With an auto unit, understand your limitations and use it as an assistance tool, and it will pay for itself in a season or two.

Thanks Stewart.


Hope this helps others with their choice of units, features, and drawbacks. I just could not swing getting up into the $600 range for a Marine model, and wanted to be able to use it on land as well. My wife can make use of it at least once a week in the summer, and so having one that can do both weighed heavily on my decision. Safe boating to all.

Dave