Using the Garmin 545s?

[robertbanfield]

Does anyone here use the Garmin 545s with the XM weather radar option? If you do, how often do you use this feature? Would you order this GPS unit again? I was just wondering if it might be worth the added few hundred dollars over a “lower” model, say the 440s?
Thank-you in advance, Robert

[Laika 26X]

I have the 540s, which has the QVGA Display. 240 x 320 pixels. Similar resolution to my B/W GARMIN 188 I had on my last "X" boat, and subsequently transferred to my Bristol 29.9. I used the 188 from '02 (to 04 on the 26X) until this year (on the Bristol) and was quite happy with it. Which of course heavily influenced my decision to go with a GARMIN again on my new/old 26X. I did research Lowrance, Raymarine etc.

The 545s is VGA , 480 x 640 pixels. Since I was already use to the lower resolution, the extra $200-250 price tag did not seem worth it.
I'll put that cash towards a Bluechart purchase.

It's a personal preference.

I don't plan on EVER using the XM satellite feature, I get all my weather needs off my VHF and Cell phone.

Other than that, it integrated well to my VHF and I use the DSC features all the time. I use a STANDARD Horizon GS3000 Class D radio.

Bottom line, happy customer.

"Sub" Ed

[James V]

I have the 440x. I used the XM weather feature a lot when I was voyaging. I had to move in all weather. The problem is that the contract that you sign is open and they will continue to bill you. The small showers do not show up. Very rude when trying to cancel.

Your cell phone may work better for you.

[Divecoz]

done

[Russ]

I have the 440s that has the XM capabilities, but when I learned the monthly subscription price I nixed the idea. Too much $$ when I can get WX on the VHF and cell phone apps. However, if I were traveling in open waters it might be worth it.


--Russ

[Laika 26X]

I have a 545s and I am happy with it , inspite of its small screen size.

Did you get the Bluechart g2/g2 Vision as well?

If so how do you like it? Is it worth it? I’m not sure I need all that.

At the moment, the built in Coastal Cartography is suiting me fine, but I'm chewing on several possibilities concerning cartography and Waypoint/Route manipulation.
I like:
1-Editing/adding Waypoints/Routes off unit. Doing it on the unit is cumbersome.
2-Backing up the data. (other than just the adm file)
3-Update the Cartography
Basically, like all of us I want my cake and eat it too.

I had Mapsource/Bluechart w/my 188 and updated my nav data quite often on my laptop, but I wonder if there is a “better’ way than being at GARMINs mercy. Especially now that I can convert my GARMIN userdata.adm file (using GPS UTLITY) to any format I want (including Google Earth). The trick is finding the right “cost effective” software to do it, and then just convert it back. Fugawi Marine ENC. Comes to mind, @ $279 it’s comparable to the Bluechart cost of my area, and ENC’s are available for free from NOAA, with the added benefit if being up to date. Granted I can’t convert the chart data, but I can use it for waypoint/route manipulation and avoid new/changed charted dangers.

Any and all thoughts welcome.

(I get the feeling the question will answer itself when I hit Lotto)

"Sub" Ed

[Gerry the fish]

I have the 545s and ditched the XM weather after one season. Evan if it was cheap I found it to be no more helpful than VHF/phone updates.

I think the larger screen (over the 440) is worth the $$$ in the grand scheme of buying a Mac.

I would prefer something that networks with my iphone - but now Im really dreaming.

I like the Navionics Marine plotter on the iphone for planning - for $5 it fits the bill - but wouldnt use it while sailing.

Gerry