Garmin GPS unit? Which model for the lake?

GoodMamaRich · 04-29-2024, 03:01 PM

Looking at navigation! Any thoughts on the best Garmin GPS unit for the lake? Any features that you recommend? Our boat is an older 26' bowrider. Tired of trying to see chart/features on the cellphone! We never leave the lake so just for use here.

radioman · 04-29-2024, 04:08 PM

Make certain to buy a unit that accepts a Bizer Mapping Program. The larger the display the better, if you have the room and find a unit with an external antenna as it will be more dependable with adverse weather. Contact Bizer directly for the best current model and most current software chip. A good GPS unit will really make your life easier and safer.

GoodMamaRich · 04-29-2024, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radioman

Make certain to buy a unit that accepts a Bizer Mapping Program. The larger the display the better, if you have the room and find a unit with an external antenna as it will be more dependable with adverse weather. Contact Bizer directly for the best current model and most current software chip. A good GPS unit will really make your life easier and safer.

EASIER and SAFER! That's the plan. We are super cautious to the point it is incredibly stressful. I am hoping the right unit will make things more enjoyable for all.

tummyman · 04-29-2024, 06:12 PM

Go to Bizer web site. They give you a link to search Garmin. Not many are available per their site.

thinkxingu · 04-29-2024, 06:24 PM

We've got a 50DV from 2014 that works perfectly, so I'd just recommend the newest version.

I don't think much about the different map options as Garmin's has served us without issue.

Edited to add steal of a deal right now.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Descant · 04-30-2024, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoodMamaRich

EASIER and SAFER! That's the plan. We are super cautious to the point it is incredibly stressful. I am hoping the right unit will make things more enjoyable for all.

Sent you a PM.

brk-lnt · 04-30-2024, 03:06 PM

Bizer has been the go-to for a long time, but I don't think most modern MFD's support their electronic charts.

I would suggest a 9" Raymarine Axiom, along with a Navionics chart. You can go to the Navionics web page and see the level of detail they have for Winnipesaukee, and I think you'll find it more than sufficient.

You could go with even a 7" Axiom, but they are a tad small, IMO.

The Raymarine MFDs are more responsive than the standard Garmin units (plus they are based in NH).

ishoot308 · 04-30-2024, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Bizer has been the go-to for a long time, but I don't think most modern MFD's support their electronic charts.

I would suggest a 9" Raymarine Axiom, along with a Navionics chart. You can go to the Navionics web page and see the level of detail they have for Winnipesaukee, and I think you'll find it more than sufficient.

You could go with even a 7" Axiom, but they are a tad small, IMO.

The Raymarine MFDs are more responsive than the standard Garmin units (plus they are based in NH).

Agree on the Navionics chart. The level of detail and their support is second to none!

Dan

rick35 · 04-30-2024, 06:39 PM

I use Navionics on my Garmin but find that the markers are smaller than I'd like. I also use the Navionics iphone app and like the feature it offers to make the markers bigger. But the screen is smaller and there's no night mode.

04-29-2024, 03:01 PM	#1
GoodMamaRich Junior Member Join Date: May 2022 Posts: 2 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Garmin GPS unit? Which model for the lake? Looking at navigation! Any thoughts on the best Garmin GPS unit for the lake? Any features that you recommend? Our boat is an older 26' bowrider. Tired of trying to see chart/features on the cellphone! We never leave the lake so just for use here.

04-29-2024, 04:08 PM	#2
radioman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 213 Thanks: 6 Thanked 75 Times in 50 Posts	GPS Units Make certain to buy a unit that accepts a Bizer Mapping Program. The larger the display the better, if you have the room and find a unit with an external antenna as it will be more dependable with adverse weather. Contact Bizer directly for the best current model and most current software chip. A good GPS unit will really make your life easier and safer.

04-29-2024, 06:24 PM	#5
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 5,965 Thanks: 1,154 Thanked 1,965 Times in 1,213 Posts	We've got a 50DV from 2014 that works perfectly, so I'd just recommend the newest version. I don't think much about the different map options as Garmin's has served us without issue. Edited to add steal of a deal right now. Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk Last edited by thinkxingu; 04-29-2024 at 06:56 PM.

04-30-2024, 03:06 PM	#7
brk-lnt Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Down Shores Posts: 1,939 Thanks: 533 Thanked 568 Times in 334 Posts	Bizer has been the go-to for a long time, but I don't think most modern MFD's support their electronic charts. I would suggest a 9" Raymarine Axiom, along with a Navionics chart. You can go to the Navionics web page and see the level of detail they have for Winnipesaukee, and I think you'll find it more than sufficient. You could go with even a 7" Axiom, but they are a tad small, IMO. The Raymarine MFDs are more responsive than the standard Garmin units (plus they are based in NH). __________________ [insert witty phrase here]

04-29-2024, 06:12 PM	#4
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 782 Thanks: 233 Thanked 631 Times in 228 Posts	Go to Bizer web site. They give you a link to search Garmin. Not many are available per their site.

04-30-2024, 06:39 PM	#9
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 711 Thanks: 56 Thanked 170 Times in 104 Posts	I use Navionics on my Garmin but find that the markers are smaller than I'd like. I also use the Navionics iphone app and like the feature it offers to make the markers bigger. But the screen is smaller and there's no night mode.