I want to purchase a used Garmin 188c chartplotter and I have two questions.

If I purchase a used unit that was used in another region do I need to purchase a new base map to use it around Cape Cod?

I have heard a rumor that a BlueChart specific to Cape Cod is no longer available from Garmin. Can anyone confirm this? I spoke with the Garmin help line and a BlueChart is available for Cape Cod, map US003R, Garmin # 010-C0017-00. Is there another chart that I am missing? I mostly boat in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound.

Thanks

The Garmin web site shows you all areas covered and lists the many charts included in the region.

you will love the 188c. i have it and it is great.

the chart you want is MUS003. You could also go with MUS501L which covers NH through NJ, or even MUS600SX which is ME through VA.

i had also heard that they had been discontinued, and i believe they are.

that being said, I see them on ebay every now an then.

Here is one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GARMIN-BLUECHART-MUS003R-CAPE-COD-used-once_W0QQitemZ270248893704QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 270248893704&_trkparms=72%3A134%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The basemap is the same, but it is virtually useless, you need the chip.

Almost positive Garmin no longer supports that technology,chip. I had a 180 unit that was mint but no chip. I gave up looking and bought a new one. Money better spent IMO. Good hunting.

Nice unit, I had the bigger screen B&W 238 on my last boat. You can find the chips for sale on ebay and craigslist all the time.

I sold my boat to a guy on Cape Cod and I think I still have my Cape Ann to Cape Elizabeth chip.

Thanks to all of you for the information. I have been trying to score a unit on eBay but have not been the high bidder to date. For me the price always gets too close to the price of a new unit. Prof, which unit did you wind up with?

Thanks again

post on all of the boards, here, SOL, THT, Noreast, reeltime, craigslist, etc..........

"looking for garmin MUS003"

that may help too.

fwiw they were selliing for 100-125 when they were actually in stores.

i haven't been watching ebay, but realize that the new garmin equivalents are going for around $500.

I have the 440. Has all the maps built in. It is a little small but I only have a 19' boat so I find it perfect. Nice bright screen. If you got money to burn you can get the G2 chip for it but I personally see no need. My wife actually got it for my 2 Valentines days ago. I never had one before and realized why the hell I had not gotten one earlier. I find it indispensable for nite time fishing .

the 440s is the (smaller 4 inch screen) new version of the 188c.
the 540s is the same size new version as the 188c (5 inch screen).

They are both great. if you can get the 188c with card, transducer, & antenna for under $400, then i would go with that. If it isn't that cheap, you might as well get the 440s ($500 retail), although it is a smaller screen. Or if you have the cash, go for the 540s, which retails for around $600.

let us know what you get, C2F.