Buying new Garmin Maps

[2nazt]

Has anyone had any experience buying and installing new maps from Garmin they would like to share, or is pretty simple and straight forward? I am looking at the BlueChart g2 Vision HD VUS010R-Southeast Florida. I am thinking my system has not been updated from 2011 era, so a new set of maps and software update is needed, and with the likely hood of doing a Abaco/Exuma trip in the future. Thanks in advance.

 

[robert843]

I have not done it to a gps that is permanent on the boat mine was removable so I plugged it up to the laptop and added the updated maps but I would assume the process is pretty straight forward just download them to a sd card or take the laptop to the boat once downloaded and should go through. My garmin did it pretty painless but hopefully someone else will chime in

 

[2nazt]

What a price to pay lol 321 dollars ugh.

 

[Bill D]

I installed the LakeVu HD maps last year on my GPSMAP 740S at the beginning of the year. The maps came on a SD card and I believe all I had to do was put in the new card and I was good to go. I don't remember having to do any tricks to get it to work, so it must be that easy.

 

[Andy S]

I did the same this as @Bill D did with my map upgrade for this past Exuma trip, just put the xD card in the slot and worked perfectly. I'm not sure if there is a way to permanently install the maps on the unit.

 

[2nazt]

Cool thanks to guys I too have the 740s I will update software and buy maps and see what happens. Should be straight forward, just need to find a non Mac computer as I think Garmin and Mac don't like one another.

 

[Bruce]

Have you considered buying a new plotter with current maps and selling the old? You might come in at a lower cost than $300 of maps if they really are that expensive.

Navioincs Updates allows you to download 2GB of maps in the areas you choose for $99 a year. That could be a less expensive option for you but you need an existing Navionics chip to activate it. Lots of new plotters that use Navionics come with a year of Updates.

 

[2nazt]

I have thought of that @Bruce but I am unsure if I will still be cheaper when I need a transducer, also finding one around same size as mine or slightly larger since it is flush mounted on dash. The 740s is discontinued so selling may be a hassle. The unit works flawlessly though, and maps seem okay. But if we make the longer trips to remote Bahamas a fresh set of maps would be needed.

 

[Bruce]

It looks like Garmin plotters are only compatible with Garmin maps. That may be a good reason to avoid Garmin.

Garmin has a program to update charts at http://www.garmin.com/en-US/maps/updates/?/marine

 

[Bill D]

I have really wanted to upgrade the 740, but can't justify the cost. It works perfectly, and the HD maps have been good in all the lakes I've been to. But the newer units look really sharp and I like the functionality of the Navioics maps.

 

[2nazt]

I'll probably update software and map and keep unit a few more years if problem free and upgrade after. I need to an ACR and batteries on boat so that is priority first. Then it will be time for a full service on outboard and I'll update maps prior to an out of area trip. Even though I have two standalone back up units.

 

[Bill D]

The GPS Store.com is the cheapest place I found when I was looking for the updated maps. I would use them again.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-Charts-C441.aspx

 

[Bruce]

I need to an ACR

An EPIRB is the industry standard but I feel that inReach and other traceable devices are more useful.

 

[veedubtek]

I'm hoping to see some nice deals on updates on black friday/cyber monday @2nazt . Might be at least worth waiting to see.

 

[2nazt]

An EPIRB is the industry standard but I feel that inReach and other traceable devices are more useful.

I meant an ACR like automatic charging relay from Blue Seas. Since I do not have one it will be peace of mind with dual battery and the house set up. Without much use and larger charging system of an outboard. I probably won't do the LVD this time around. I only have plotter VHF etc so not much draw. Right now I have dual NAPA start batteries and corroded wires and breakers so I worry and will redo it correctly.


But I do have an 8' antenna with our VHF and DSC built in plus we have an InReach for our ventures off shore.

 

[2nazt]

I'm hoping to see some nice deals on updates on black friday/cyber monday @2nazt . Might be at least worth waiting to see.

I will probably try to grab my chargers and everything from Amazon at that time or Overtons if they have a first time user code to save money or any other code

 

[Bill D]

Lol, I was also thinking you meant an ACR brand PLB.

 

[2nazt]

I should have specified I guess, at least I knew what I meant! Haha. That a change for once.

 

[Bruce]

Do you already have a charger? If not I suggest considering the Blue Sea BatteryLink 7503/7605 series https://www.bluesea.com/products/7605/BatteryLink_Charger . It has a built in ACR and regulates charging whether it is from AC or the alternator.

 

[2nazt]

Wow that is a nifty little thing huh? I wonder if it 10amps per bank or a max of 10amps total while on shore? 195 for the new switch on Amazon also cheaper the. Doing an add a battery kit plus charger. I'll call Blue Seas and see what the 10amp means.

Thanks @Bruce what would I do with you?! Haha