Garmin gpsmap478

[Cruiserwannabe]

Folks has does anyone have and have any feedback on the garmin gpsmap 478?I am thinking of buying one,also how about the use of xm and xm-wx wheather with these units how well does this work.
thanks for any feedback..

[sailingdog]

The GPSMap 478 is the followup to the 276 series...which works quite nicely, both for automotive and marine use. The major difference is that the 478 has the BlueChart G2 coastal charts built in, which the older 276/376 did not. Also, the 478 can accept the XM weather radio receiver, which the 276 could not.

I've used the 376 as well as the 276, and the XM weather seems to work fairly well. The only possible complaint you may have is the size of the screen is rather small. If you don't have the need for the automotive use of the GPS, it might make more sense to go with the GPSMap 492, which is marine use only, and has a much larger screen. There is also a new unit coming out shortly, the GPSMap 440, which I believe will be replacing the 492.

The 492 is a good deal less expensive as well, going for about $600 retail, versus $950 retail for the 478.

[Cruiserwannabe]

Thanks for the feedback Sailingdog,I kinda like the thought of taking it from the car to the boat......but your right how much do I really need it in the car and the screen size sure would be a draw back.
I will look at the models you suggested thank.

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by Cruiserwannabe

Folks has does anyone have and have any feedback on the garmin gpsmap 478?I am thinking of buying one,also how about the use of xm and xm-wx wheather with these units how well does this work.
thanks for any feedback..

I'm a pilot and use a Garmin GPSMap 396 with XM weather regularly while I'm flying. I also use it while driving and the GPS is very funtional in that mode also. I have not used this unit on the boat because the aviation unit is too expensive and not designed for the rigors of a marine environment.

I have to say I believe the XM weather feature is the greatest safety advance for flying since the advent of GPS. It provides in cockpit access to current conditions and forecasts in grapical and text formats , NextRad depictions of precipitation, cloud cover and lightning. The marine weather subscription has many of the same features but but the aviation forecasts are dropped in favor of wave heights and other stuff of interest to folks on a boat.

The only downside is, the XM weather subscription is somewhat pricy and may be less vital on a boat where you have less abilty to avoid whatever weather is coming than you do in an airplane.

[HyperJoe]

I have the 478 and love it. Only issues that suck is wires given for boat install. Just not long enough and almost useless. They are gettting down to almost a grand now...so price is great.