How do you use a GPS? How do you set it up? What does it actually show
in terms of depths and ect? Don't know the first thing about a GPS. Any help
deeply appreciated!!! Thinking about a Garmin 172C??

RTFM! ;)

Honestly they're not hard to use.
The Garmin manuals are really good.

The BlueCharts are your standard NOAA (bought by Maptech) charts, so you'll have all the same data you get out of a standard chart.

I'm not overly impressed with the BlueChart format, I prefer the Maptech BSB's and CMAP vectors, but the Garmin unit can't use em. They're mostly used with laptops with nav software. But for what you'd end up using em for, they're fine.

GPS is a satellite positioning system that enables one to determine ones location on the planet in terms of latitude and longitude within about 15 feet (varies). If you understand the basics of lat/lon then the GPS is very simple as that is basically what it does. All other functions are driven by this simple piece of data.

Given ones position, the bearing and distance to another point (waypoint or destination) can be automatically determined and displayed.

Given an electronic chart, ones position can be overlayed on it to see exactly where one is on the chart, plus bearing. Speed comes from the difference in position within an increment of elapsed time .

While a GPS Chartplotter may include depth soundings from the chart, a GPS does not determine actual depth of the water in real time. For that one needs a sonar device such as a fishfinder/depth sounder. Garmin makes a combination unit that includes both. I have the 178C and like it.

Learn basic navigation and a GPS is very easy with the manuals.

Well said CC..............

what c'coder said.

I have the Garmin 188c and love it.

Very very good detail on the chart.

Awesome sonar, even at 40 kts.

Easy to install.

Extremly accurate possitioning.

-Zac

wtf you need the fishfinder for at 40 knots?
:smash:

goin out on the sled tonight, FINALLY it starts warming up. :hihi:

:laughs: LOL
don't need it, just cool that it still works!

I have the Garmin 178c and it is extremely easy to use. My first boat and first GPS. Basic operation is almost self explantory based on the button names/layout. The manual helps for the more advanced operations like chartplotting, changing std settings, etc...

Zac
she goes 40? awesome!

Uffa, if you really want to lear about gps take a course. it is pretty easy to learn the basics on your own but a hands on course is great. They are offered all summer by several boating org's...keep your eyes peeled. Also, I have a brand new in the box GARMIN GPS MAP 276C Land and Sea Package
I will let go for 650 (lists for 1100) comes with charts see:
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/showthread.php?t=23619

Zacs,
My 178C tracks bottom at 38 knots (by GPS). Great unit, my first FF. I bought the detailed chart for Cape Cod and it has great detail.

you can't beat gps,I proram my routes in my laptop, then download to the gps.I use a hand =held when I charter and store the whole day so I can download and study position,speed,and depth.Great way to log your fishing trips.Easy to use too. good luck.