Garmin Blue Chart Chips

Post by **Redfin** » July 23rd, 2007, 9:06 am

Got a new GPS Combo-178C, looking at buying the blue chart chip, anybody got it? do you like the added info it gives? is it worth it?

thnx!

ropeman · Post by **ropeman** » July 23rd, 2007, 2:46 pm

I don't know an answer to your question, but I have one just like it. I decided not to get the topo map with my Garmin Vista, now I want to see if there is a chart for it.

It would be nice to find one of just this area.

Post by **Eerman** » July 23rd, 2007, 5:33 pm

I don't the detail on the 178; but, I wouldn't want to do without my BlueChart on my 172

The CD and a blank chip is also a nice option.

whendrix · Post by **whendrix** » July 23rd, 2007, 7:52 pm

I started out with the 172 without the data then got the data card liked what I seen but I have been totally satisfied since I went to the 172c with the data card. Especially like the fact that shows all navaids when zoomed in shows oyster and sand bars.

Found alot of the features very useful around Lanark reef and also when wanting to find deeper holes around oyster bars.

Post by **birddog** » July 23rd, 2007, 7:56 pm

At a minimum, you need the chip. Bluecharts and the Mapsource software would be even better.

leonreno · Post by **leonreno** » July 23rd, 2007, 8:04 pm

We have the 172C, and used it without the Bluechart for awhile, got the bluechart and it is a great improvement. It really helps you navigate and find reefs, holes, drops, etc... Without it you could enter a waypoint and go to that waypoint, but with the chart you can just drive around a reef and stay where you want without having to guess where it is and how deep you are. Get it, you'll love it.

By the way we got the preprogrammed card, easier to use, but does have the limitation of not being able to use it with a computer to keep track of you waypoints. But we wanted simplicity and we fish mainly inshore.

Post by **sundown** » July 23rd, 2007, 8:25 pm

I got Mapsource and Blue Chart vs7.5 that I use with my 172....hate to think of going fishing without it....got too many waypoints..need to go in and purge some of them occasionally..

Post by **Redfin** » July 23rd, 2007, 9:51 pm

sounds like i need to get her!
thnx al!!

whendrix · Post by **whendrix** » July 24th, 2007, 6:06 am

No RF the data on a Pre programmed card is not transferable to a blank card.

Post by **Redfin** » July 24th, 2007, 8:54 am

thnx whendrix!

Seachaser · Post by **Seachaser** » July 26th, 2007, 10:20 am

I have the same model and with mapsource it is night and day. Also get the adapter that lets you hook up to a computer. You can do all kinds of stuff. After you download the maps to gps, it will show you the depths, contours, creek names, bird racks, some oyster bars, etc. It is the cat's meow.

Supa Fly · Post by **Supa Fly** » August 7th, 2007, 8:32 pm

I agree with these guys Redfin. I have the mapsource software with bluechart, and it's much better than just getting a chip. Chips are way too limited.

Post by **Redfin** » August 7th, 2007, 10:27 pm

Supa Fly wrote:I agree with these guys Redfin. I have the mapsource software with bluechart, and it's much better than just getting a chip. Chips are way too limited.

u think it may have helped me last Friday night... or less Jack woulda been the key???

Supa Fly · Post by **Supa Fly** » August 15th, 2007, 7:58 pm

I don't know how much a gps would have helped you, but less Jack couldn't have hurt.

You need to post that story in it's entirety!