Garmin G2 Technology

JackC · 03-22-2008, 04:27 PM

I'm getting ready to get the electronics for my new Maritime. I played with a little Garmin unit in West Marine with the new G2 Technology. Is anyone using these new electronic maps? I like the 3d view but I'm not sure a $300 dollar chart is worth it! (All my fishing is inshore, out of Clinton.) I do think the units will make navigation a big easier (night or fog). Looking for real life experience with G2.

Thanks & Happy Easter

Jack

Scup · 03-22-2008, 07:44 PM

Jack,

I sell the G2 charts! The new Garmins which have all the preloaded G2 coastal charts in them is a very tough act to beat. These units, with their built in antennas are ready to go right out of the box. Should you need an external antenna, all you have to do is hook up a GA-29 and the unit senses the external antenna. It automatically switches over to the external antenna. Therefore, you have everything one could possibly want, with the exception of some bells and whistles of which the G2 vision chart is one of them. I think you may have confused the preloaded G2 charts with the Vision G2 chip which is an extra $299.99. To sell the G2 chip, I try to impress the customer by having him/her click on the small camera logo that pops up when you have the G2 chip installed. All of a sudden, you have an aerial view of marina, bridge, harbor, lighthouse, you name it. To me it sort of looks like Google or Microsoft technology where you can tilt the observed angle. The G2 vision chip can do a lot more, but I think the aerial views or the underwater shots do the most to impress customers. Do you really need it, well I have to scratch my head on that one. It is possible for a weekend warrior with little or no boating skills not to know the difference between Napatree Point or Watch Hill, or Bartlets Reef from Race Rock (believe me, I was asked both of these questions by boaters while fishing,) hence the aerial view could come in handy for these folks. It might also come in handy for someone who is a nervous type and does not believe in his instruments and prefers to visually compare an aerial view of a harbor for one which he has never seen. While I have never tried it, another capability is it will plot a course for you to avoid obstacles, sand bars, and such. I happen to be of the old school, and would never allow a computer to do any plotting for me especially when you turn the unit on it presents warning all over the place that if you use their machine, and wreck your boat, it is on you. There is always a possibility that something can change, like a new wreck, that would not be on the chart. Garmin does a very good job with their software in my area, but they still have not figure out that Sandy Point has been cut in two. Mistakes or omissions can and do happen which is probably the reason for the warnings. You could initially go without the G2 vision chart and then if decide if you need it, buy it whenever. Lastly, the Garmin Rep told me every year they update your built-in software. This does not mean you have to update your electronic charts every year any more than one would buy new paper charts every year. However, sooner or later you will eventually want to update things. The Rep told me that Garmin will charge a $75 fee for this service. You can get the update directly from Garmin. They will send you a G2 chip, and retain a deposit (usually a credit card is fine). You install the chip, turn the machine on and it is done automatically. Then you return the chip, and the whole process would have only cost you $75.

JackC · 03-22-2008, 09:26 PM

Scup - thanks for the feedback. I don't need it at all if the unit comes preloaded with a decent chart. I did not really understand what it did. My old Garmin had a map cartridge. The new technology (minus the $300 chip) is fine.

My days consist of running out of Clinton harbor for some fast bass, scup, fluke fishing. Sometimes run to LI for fluke but not often (and most likely not this year.)

One of my stories - fishing off Clinton in the fog (visibility about 300 feet) - 25 footer pulls up next to us and askes "Where's Fishers Island?" I explained he had a long way to go and he better not do it. (he did not take my advise) The boat was out of New Haven.

Thanks - Jack

Scup · 03-23-2008, 05:07 AM

Jack,

Garmin is very good with their customers but a real bitch of an act for their competitors to try to keep up with them. They were the first ones to introduce the preloaded electronic charts. You can go from Eastport Maine to Key West without needing to purchase any additional chips. It also covers the west coast as well. There are some models that are not preloaded, or which covers the inland portion of USA, but I would doubt if any of the dealerships around here would even stock them. Just be sure you purchase any of the newer models that come with the pre-loaded coastal areas.

03-22-2008, 04:27 PM	#1
JackC NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Branford Posts: 121	Garmin G2 Technology I'm getting ready to get the electronics for my new Maritime. I played with a little Garmin unit in West Marine with the new G2 Technology. Is anyone using these new electronic maps? I like the 3d view but I'm not sure a $300 dollar chart is worth it! (All my fishing is inshore, out of Clinton.) I do think the units will make navigation a big easier (night or fog). Looking for real life experience with G2. Thanks & Happy Easter Jack

03-22-2008, 09:26 PM	#3
JackC NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Branford Posts: 121	Garmin Scup - thanks for the feedback. I don't need it at all if the unit comes preloaded with a decent chart. I did not really understand what it did. My old Garmin had a map cartridge. The new technology (minus the $300 chip) is fine. My days consist of running out of Clinton harbor for some fast bass, scup, fluke fishing. Sometimes run to LI for fluke but not often (and most likely not this year.) One of my stories - fishing off Clinton in the fog (visibility about 300 feet) - 25 footer pulls up next to us and askes "Where's Fishers Island?" I explained he had a long way to go and he better not do it. (he did not take my advise) The boat was out of New Haven. Thanks - Jack

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03-22-2008, 07:44 PM	#2
Scup NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Stonington Posts: 384	Jack, I sell the G2 charts! The new Garmins which have all the preloaded G2 coastal charts in them is a very tough act to beat. These units, with their built in antennas are ready to go right out of the box. Should you need an external antenna, all you have to do is hook up a GA-29 and the unit senses the external antenna. It automatically switches over to the external antenna. Therefore, you have everything one could possibly want, with the exception of some bells and whistles of which the G2 vision chart is one of them. I think you may have confused the preloaded G2 charts with the Vision G2 chip which is an extra $299.99. To sell the G2 chip, I try to impress the customer by having him/her click on the small camera logo that pops up when you have the G2 chip installed. All of a sudden, you have an aerial view of marina, bridge, harbor, lighthouse, you name it. To me it sort of looks like Google or Microsoft technology where you can tilt the observed angle. The G2 vision chip can do a lot more, but I think the aerial views or the underwater shots do the most to impress customers. Do you really need it, well I have to scratch my head on that one. It is possible for a weekend warrior with little or no boating skills not to know the difference between Napatree Point or Watch Hill, or Bartlets Reef from Race Rock (believe me, I was asked both of these questions by boaters while fishing,) hence the aerial view could come in handy for these folks. It might also come in handy for someone who is a nervous type and does not believe in his instruments and prefers to visually compare an aerial view of a harbor for one which he has never seen. While I have never tried it, another capability is it will plot a course for you to avoid obstacles, sand bars, and such. I happen to be of the old school, and would never allow a computer to do any plotting for me especially when you turn the unit on it presents warning all over the place that if you use their machine, and wreck your boat, it is on you. There is always a possibility that something can change, like a new wreck, that would not be on the chart. Garmin does a very good job with their software in my area, but they still have not figure out that Sandy Point has been cut in two. Mistakes or omissions can and do happen which is probably the reason for the warnings. You could initially go without the G2 vision chart and then if decide if you need it, buy it whenever. Lastly, the Garmin Rep told me every year they update your built-in software. This does not mean you have to update your electronic charts every year any more than one would buy new paper charts every year. However, sooner or later you will eventually want to update things. The Rep told me that Garmin will charge a $75 fee for this service. You can get the update directly from Garmin. They will send you a G2 chip, and retain a deposit (usually a credit card is fine). You install the chip, turn the machine on and it is done automatically. Then you return the chip, and the whole process would have only cost you $75.

03-23-2008, 05:07 AM	#4
Scup NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Stonington Posts: 384	Jack, Garmin is very good with their customers but a real bitch of an act for their competitors to try to keep up with them. They were the first ones to introduce the preloaded electronic charts. You can go from Eastport Maine to Key West without needing to purchase any additional chips. It also covers the west coast as well. There are some models that are not preloaded, or which covers the inland portion of USA, but I would doubt if any of the dealerships around here would even stock them. Just be sure you purchase any of the newer models that come with the pre-loaded coastal areas.