need advice on gps/chartplotter

[seabass]

The time has come to replace my chartplotter, a handheld garmin which has served well for four years. I want something with a little bigger, LOL, color display. I was considering the Garmin gpsmap540...any opinions.( right, like I don't know you all have opinions, but please share.) Thanks as always! oh, let me give you the wifes limits...$800 not a nickle more

[fishsmith]

My buddy has the 540 and it works great.
for gps/chartplotters, I'm a big fan of garmin, their products are very intuitive.

[Double Hall]

I have the Garmin 545s (fishfinder and GPS in one) and love it. It has a high-res screen, and can take the new bluechart chips (I think that is what they are called). I haven't tried one yet, but I think it will automatically plot your course based on tide and depths with the chip.

Anyway, great unit, I think I paid $949 for everything including the transducer last year. Any questions, let me know.

[TheSpecialist]

I have a Garmin about 3-4 years old and although I love the thing my biggest gripe with Garmin is every couple of years they change their damn software and stop supporting the older version . It pisses me off. This means no updated charts.

[Van]

Just installed a Garmin 545 with the G2 vision chip (that is an expensive option which you probably don't need). IMHO and other's, Garmin is #1 in GPS.

The 545s has the sounder option, but Garmin is not known for good fishfinders. That's why I opted for the non-s version (545), plus its cheaper. Furuno for fish finders....

The machine is awesome, runs rings around my old Ray system.
Good daylight visiblility, bright colors, easy menus, etc.... I like everything about it. Do a google products search on GPS 545 and you will find the best price.

Hope that helps.
Good Luck

[seabass]

I guess that seals it!, thanks much