GPSmap 76 maps

[RayMetz100]

I bought a GPSmap 76 today from West Marine. They gave me 20% off because it was the display model and they couldn't find the box and book. They gave it to me with a GPS76 box, book, quickref, computer serial interface cord, and a adjustable mount/stand.

I want to get a good map of Seattle/Puget Sound area for it. What's available?

NOAA has downloadable charts, but I'm not sure how to get them into the GPSmap76.

I found maptech has all the local NOAA charts for $279 on their website.

GARMIN MapSource BlueChart Americas CD is $150. That has a region with all the local NOAA charts.

Are there others besides maptech and BlueWater? Which is better?


Thanks,

Ray

[JD Jamieson]

Have one myself. I have not found any other way than using Blue Chart to transfer charts into the GPS.

John

[camaraderie]

Ray...you must purchase the BlueChart CD for the AMERICAS and then get the unlock code for your region:
NameDescriptionBlueChart Unlock RegionRegion US023-Seattle, JAN 06Covers from Grays Harbor to Olympia including detailed coverage of Neah Bay, Puget Sound, Victoria Harbour, Port Townsend, Bellingham Bay, San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Blaine. Detailed coverage of the Canadian portion of the Strait of Georgia including Nanaimo, Vancouver, Gibsons, Galiano Island, and Saltspring IslandAMR-US023-8
You can get the CD from Garmin.com and for the $150 bucks you ge to unlock your region and then you can purchase additional unlocks for more regions as you need them.

[sailingdog]

Just be aware that the GPSMap 76 has fairly limited memory for charts. IMHO, you would have been better off getting the GPSMap 76C which has much more memory and longer battery life, as well as a color screen, which makes the charts far more usable. BlueChart is really your only good option with a Garmin unit.

[RayMetz100]

ok thanks. I'll go with BlueChart if I buy then. The included map seems to be working well so far. I tried programming my sail tomorrow with about 10 waypoints and it already had all the buoys marked with color, number, and flashing light pattern. Maybe I don't need a map. What else does it give me? The marina layout and depths?

I passed on the 76C because it's $150 more, has a narrower screen, they aren't making new ones anymore because of the 76Cx, and I'm not sure if I want the sensor option or not. I figure by the time I drop this one in the water, I'll know what I want and they'll have a newer model out. I was also happy it only cost me $160 for now.

[TejasSailer]

I purchase the BlueWater CDs from tigergps.com at a better price than Garmin.

[RayMetz100]

I went with the BlueChart CD from Amazon.com for $98.31 with free shipping. They got me for state tax though. Thanks for the help and wish me luck explaining another purchase to my wife.