Garmin GPS Questions

[SCHNORR12]

I was looking into the Garmin 76cx. Do you need to purchase the maps in order to use this GPS? They are an additional $160. Does anyone have any experience with this specific GPS? I'm not sure if I should pull the trigger on it quite yet. Thanks.

[nmpeter]

My go to GPS is a Map76, a previous model to yours. It is an old model however..don't know how long the cx has been out but I was envous of a color screen back in the day.
Garmin mapsend and bluewaters map products are additional, so you should be getting this unit only if the price is great. I have the extra maps as I got them from garmin on the cuff..I'm sure you could find a properly equipped unit at your pricepoint if you look at all the current offerings and vendors. I'm sure you can find some gps talk on a number of web forums too.

The map76 is about bulletproof and it is rated for 10 meters submersion and it also floats. Seadoo had a glove box cover option at one time that fir the map76 like a glove.

[Kaybat]

i like mine, but kind of tuff to read when moving(my eyesight's getting chiddy).

If i'm not mistaken, the 76 series has been discontinued by garmin,although they're are still available at some retailers

[FIRE0021]

I was looking into the Garmin 76cx. Do you need to purchase the maps in order to use this GPS? They are an additional $160. Does anyone have any experience with this specific GPS? I'm not sure if I should pull the trigger on it quite yet. Thanks.

You do. Not need maps to use it has built in base maps most navigating is done by entering lat and long cords any ways and using the compas pointer it's a great unit. The new one is the 78 series with little difference.

[83Gator]

Here's my 2 as a seasoned 76Csx owner/user:

First, if you're just needing a GPS for test & tune/speeds, you don't need this much of a GPS. If you're wanting it for "trail riding", so to speak, read on:

Yes, the 76 has been discontinued - likely you may still find some in a box or near new. And if you do, you should be seeing a considerable savings. The upgrade to the 76 is the 78 series, which you can find different models here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=161 Like anything, bells & whistles = $$$.

Forget Garmin's included "base map" as a means of beta. Basically, base map will give you your location on earth between two oceans... really, it's crap. You will have to buy maps and Garmin really sticks it to you in that regards. That being said, I love my 76 - I've beat the hell out of it for about 4 to 5 years and it's never let me down. Solid stuff.

I'm not sure of the mapset names for the 78, but for the 76, all you needed for PWCing was US Inland Lakes. As also mentioned, one other drawback (indigenous to most handhelds) is screen size. If you need reading glasses, it can be a PITA. But other than screen size (age...) and perhaps price, I'd really consider going to the 78 if my 76 died.

I also like the PC interface for "blazing trails". If you go Garmin, I'd suggest you take a look at BaseCamphttp:http://www.garmin.com/en-US/shop/downloads/basecamp (a free download) or HomePort https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=64242 (a $30.00 download). Although I do quite a bit of mapping*, I'm not experienced w/either of these tools. I'm still using the older MapSource software, which has also been discontinued.

*For more about trail riding by PWC, I'd ask you to look at my website in my sig. below - PWC Trail Finder. I don't know if anything is near you, but all the trails on my site are free downloads that you can use on your handheld.

I hope this helps - good luck w/your purchase.

[SCHNORR12]

Thank you all for the help. How would you recommend mounting something like the Garmin 76cx?

[83Gator]

While SeaDoo does (or did) sell the optional glove box lid for the 76, I don't know if it's compatible with a 2010. Although I do have one and have gotten use to it, I would recommend a handle bar configuration. While the glove box lid is OEM, looks and works great - it does take your eyes off the trail. A handlebar configuration will keep you looking where you should be.

See if this link works: http://www.rammount.com/Products/GPS...Default.aspx#/ RAM Mounts are very good. I started you off, by selecting the 76 Cs, then told it I wanted a bicycle (handlebar) mount.

If the above link doesn't work, try this one: http://www.rammount.com/Products/GPS...Default.aspx#/ and go to step #1 (Select your device)

Good luck.

PS: You may also get some tips in the GH PWC fishing section, found here: http://www.greenhulk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=213

[nmpeter]

Velco works pretty well for mounting and if you have a seadoo, you might luck out and find the map 76 glovebox lid cover which makes it a custom fit.

Buy high quality nimh batteries for it if you will use it a bit. Lithium's are great if you are hiking and can't charge up but are costly. There is a 12v adapter cord available for the 76 series..a bit pricy however.

My 76 is a constant companion when I'm on the water or way out in the boonies hunting. There are nicer usint available, but for bang for the buck I don't think the 76 series can be beat.

[SCHNORR12]

While SeaDoo does (or did) sell the optional glove box lid for the 76, I don't know if it's compatible with a 2010. Although I do have one and have gotten use to it, I would recommend a handle bar configuration. While the glove box lid is OEM, looks and works great - it does take your eyes off the trail. A handlebar configuration will keep you looking where you should be.

See if this link works: http://www.rammount.com/Products/GPS...Default.aspx#/ RAM Mounts are very good. I started you off, by selecting the 76 Cs, then told it I wanted a bicycle (handlebar) mount.

If the above link doesn't work, try this one: http://www.rammount.com/Products/GPS...Default.aspx#/ and go to step #1 (Select your device)

Good luck.

PS: You may also get some tips in the GH PWC fishing section, found here: http://www.greenhulk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=213

I looked for the glove box lid but could not find anything for the 2010. I will look into those mounts.

Velco works pretty well for mounting and if you have a seadoo, you might luck out and find the map 76 glovebox lid cover which makes it a custom fit.

Buy high quality nimh batteries for it if you will use it a bit. Lithium's are great if you are hiking and can't charge up but are costly. There is a 12v adapter cord available for the 76 series..a bit pricy however.

My 76 is a constant companion when I'm on the water or way out in the boonies hunting. There are nicer usint available, but for bang for the buck I don't think the 76 series can be beat.

I couldn't find a glove box lid. I'll make sure to use quality batteries. I think I will pass on the 12v adapter until I see how much I really use the GPS. I found a 76cx at the local West Marine for $150, which is why I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on it.

[nmpeter]

$150 is a great price for the cx, the map76 sold back in the day for like $300. Don't think you'll do much better than that.

[83Gator]

"I couldn't find a glove box lid. I'll make sure to use quality batteries. I think I will pass on the 12v adapter until I see how much I really use the GPS. I found a 76cx at the local West Marine for $150, which is why I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on it."

Yep, good price. Go for it. BTW, the glove box lid is available, but unfortunately it will not work on models built after 2009: http://store.sea-doo.com/product/614...Holder_-_Black

BTW, SD also uses RAM accessories: http://store.sea-doo.com/products/61...AM_ACCESSORIES Of course, none of these are for the 76, which is why I recommended the RAM for bicycle bars.

[rlovebk]

SCHNORR I has a 76 csx and it works just fine. I do not use any additional software. I ride ocean and use it to ride offshore navigating to Catalina, and in the Sac Delta which has hundred of miles of slews and if you don't live/ride there regular you get lost.
For Catalina I set a waypoint using lat/long. and set waypoint for where I am riding from, Sometimes LB, sometimes Dana Pt., and put it in compass mode and works good. You can create a trail this way also.
I have had no reason to buy any map software to use this to the extent I need. I use it for safety and navigation. I have used it LB2Cat race, and no issues. I also have used it while out riding and have had heavy fog roll in and navigated back to harbor entrance no problem.
It is not very difficult to learn to operate but does take some learning. I use regular Duracell AA batteries in mine and they last. It is a good unit and I highly recommend it.
Hope this helps and good luck.

[kunzman]

I just put my iPhone in a waterproof Life Proof case and use Navionics. You download the chart to your iPhone so it's native to the device. It still works even when you no longer have cell coverage. You set waypoints, create routes, save tracks, etc. all on a real nautical chart.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mari...382815123?mt=8

[boomsticks]

I used to use 176 and a 276c on my bikes. The buttons are much easier to use then a touch screen and they are waterproof. I mean water proof to 5 meters waterproof. I have also had all kinds of mounts and the rammount stuff if top notch

[boomsticks]

I have been trying my phone and tablet for navigation and the gps will kill the battery in no time th gamin will run all day.