Opinions: Garmin GPSMAP 478

[Nimrod]

Looking to buy a Garmin GPSMAP 478 to have as a backup and to use during deliveries. Any opinions on it - good or bad? Any other models I should be looking at?

Anyone have one for sale??

Thanks!

[Shortfin]

Paul I have owned the 276c for 4 years running

it is the best thing i ever purchased for nav and road work

it has got me from the Key's to Maine

we even throw it on the 18 foot CC and use it for fishing

Garmin has a software that allows you to see your self realtime on the laptop as well for times when you would like a bigger screen and the sea conditions will warrant a lap top being out

The Map Source / Bluechart software that i run on my pc allows me to estimate deliveries from my desk and if i chose to up load and or download routes for referance later

The 478C has internal charts and sat weather capabilities , i would like to upgrade at some point

I have not found a better system for my needs

[Seaker]

After seeing and using Shortfin's on our way up from SC when it was time to change out the tower GPS I really wanted to add weather and didn't want to spend another 1K to upgrade to a newere furuno version below. At the same time I got the call to deliver a MY and found I needed at portable.

The call was easy went wtiht he 476C added the XM hockey puck ant for another 300 and never looked back. I mounted it in a cradle on Seaker and remove it to a bean bag when doing a delivery

I give it two thumbs up

[Kahi]

I don't run the model you are talking about, but was very pleased with Garmin's customer service. The are able to run a diagnostic via a phone call, and even sent me a chip to load the update that I missed. My only issue is the screen has a protective film that is easily ruined and not covered by warranty.

Kahi
Miami, FL

[Wabostyle]

You know you want one... You just can't have mine!

Seriously, you saw how handy it was to have. I use mine almost every day. You wont be sorry getting one.....

[SaltyDog251]

Mine just fried 3 months out of warrantee!

[Shortfin]

Welcome Salty

sorry to hear that yours cooked

Tell us a bit about your useage ,location and how it fried

did it get deluged with water ,dropped any of the accs seals left open

[Nimrod]

Thanks for the input everyone. Looks like I will be adding a 478 to my travel bag!

I like the idea of having the XM Weather. For anyone that has it, what are the approx monthly fees for the weather from XM for the little Garmins?

[ocnslr]

I like the idea of having the XM Weather. For anyone that has it, what are the approx monthly fees for the weather from XM for the little Garmins?

We have a 376C with XM Weather. Have a mount for it on the boat as back-up GPS, and the beanbag cradle mount to take on the road or to other boats.

The "Fisherman" and "Sailor" packages are $29.99, and the Master Mariner is $49.99, per month.

Here is a description of the packages: http://www.xmradio.com/weather/ma_service_pricing.xmc

[Nimrod]

After all of the great feedback and with my previous experience with Garmin GPS units I deceided to move forward and purchase a GPSMAP 478. I have had great luck with Garmin Reman/Refurb units in the past and checked with some of my vendors to see if they had any. No luck so I searched the web and found an outfit that has the Remans for $499.00! What a deal!! Comes with all of the accessories and an additional 3 year extended warranty. They also have bundle packages with things like the XM receiver/antenna or the sounder option. Check them out - http://tinyurl.com/5wgm2j