Garmin GPSMAP 376C review

The Garmin GPSMAP 376C marine and vehicle chartplotter updates the 276C, adding XM satellite radio and weather capabilities. Though listed as a marine unit, this is actually a dual-purpose device that supports City Navigator maps and turn-by-turn routing.

The 376C comes with base maps; if you want detailed maps, you'll have to buy those separately. Garmin is currently updating the 376C with the GPSMAP 378 and 478, which have preloaded land and sea maps, and are expected to become available in late May 2006.

Amazon has this to say in their Garmin GPSMAP 376C review:

"The GPSMap 376c GPS offers everything you need for marine navigation in a single space-saving package, including satellite weather reception, GPS functionality, marine chartplotting, and a brilliant, sunlight-readable color TFT screen. The device centers its built-in marine basemap, which is expandable via separately sold data cards programmed with BlueChart or Fishing Hot Spots maps. BlueChart maps deliver exceptional offshore marine coverage that includes shaded depth contours, navigational aids, shoreline detail, and tons of points of interest. For inland boating and fishing, users can turn to the Fishing Hot Spots data cards, which detail U.S. recreational lakes via inland lake maps, profiles, marinas, fishing areas, and more. As an alternative, users can also purchase the optional automotive kit and take the GPSMap 376c on the open road..."

Here's what others have to say about the Garmin 376C:

• Here is a personal Garmin GPSMAP 376C review, complete with screenshots, from a motorcyclist's perspective.
• And yet another two-wheel review of the Garmin 376C. I don't think boaters like to write reviews!

Here are some other resources that may come in handy:

• A PDF version of the Garmin GPSMAP 376C owners manual.
• Want to see how the 376C stacks up against other units? Try this handy Garmin GPS comparison tool.
• I haven't found a dedicated 376C discussion board, but you may want to check out the UseNet alt.satellite.gps.garmin message forum.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 376C at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin GPSMAP 376C price at Amazon.com.
• Find the low price on a Garmin 376C at GPSNow.com.
• Get the Garmin GPSMap 376C for an amazing price on eBay.

From the official Garmin GPSMAP 376C web page:

For boaters looking for the ultimate in portability and versatility, the GPSMAP 376C has it all. This color plotter offers satellite weather capability along with both marine and land navigation modes in one space-saving package. You can even pair it with the GSD 20™ remote sounder module to add sonar capability, or customize map data for your adventures on land or sea with optional MapSource® cartography.

Up-to-date Weather

With a subscription to XM WX Satellite Weather's "Master Mariner package", users can see continuously-delivered weather on the unit’s high-resolution 256-color sunlight-readable TFT display. Vital weather data, such as NEXRAD radar, forecasts, and current conditions is graphically displayed directly on the unit — so you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about the weather. XM WX Satellite Weather is the same leading, analytical weather technology and data that is provided to television meteorologists across the United States. It relays a continuous transmission of 20 different types of graphical weather information that can be overlaid on the chartplotter, including:

Sample Weather Data Screens:    

• Current conditions
• City forecasts
• NEXRAD Radar
• Surface air pressure
• Surface analysis
• Lightning Storm cells
• Hurricane track
• Visibility forecast
• Wind speed & Direction
• Sea surface temperature
• Wave period
• Wave direction
• Wave height
• Buoy data

In addition, mariners also have the option of receiving XM Satellite Radio’s 150-plus channels of commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming (XM audio subscription required). Both XM Satellite data and audio are delivered to the GPSMAP 376C through Garmin’s new GXM 30 smart antenna, which is included in the package.

Perfect for Land or Sea

Similar to the GPSMAP 276C, the GPSMAP 376C is both a color chartplotter and automobile navigator. It features a built-in basemap and auto routing to help you navigate the open waters or open road. With an optional automotive kit that includes MapSource City Select® software, you can select a destination on land and receive turn-by-turn directions to addresses and points of interest throughout the United States and Canada. Customizable Map Data You can enhance the basemap detail on the GPSMAP 376C by downloading data from optional MapSource DVDs or CDs to an optional Garmin data card, or by plugging in data cards preprogrammed with BlueChart® or Fishing Hot Spots® detail. 

Sonar Capability

In addition, the GPSMAP 376C can also receive sonar data through the GSD 20, Garmin’s “black box” sounder, which offers 4,000 watts of power peak-to-peak (500 watts RMS) in a dual-frequency transducer (purchased separately).

Technorati tags: GPS