Garmin GPSMAP 162 GPS Receiver

Pros: compact, easy to read, flush mountable, relatively easy to use
Cons: base map is only vaguely accurate, can't flush mount the version with onboard antennae

I boat on Lake Erie and until recently I have spent most of my time in the same 10-15 square mile area around Mentor. I wanted to explore more and I felt that the added security of a GPS chart plotter would ensure me that I could find my way home if...

Pros: Great inexpensive interface to laptop navigating system. Large display. Simple intuitive menus.
Cons: Limited to reading Garmin CD's.

I chose the 162 (external antenna) for my boat to be my main navigational GPS. I am operating on Lakes Huron and Erie. To me this is the best inexpensive built-in GPS.

The display is larger and provides better resolution that most (including...

This is the best value in GPS for marine use I have found. I looked extensively at all of the products, primarily the smaller hand held types but the screens are impossibly small. As I tried to picture piloting my boat in the waters around cape cod, while fishing or simply navigating our waters, I realized a screen of that size would be extremely difficult to use. In addition, the buttons and interface were built for sitting stationary with the device in your hand. The 162 has a great screen size, excellent night usability and the buttons and interface are easy to read and manipulate. With blue chart you can chart your favorite routes and fishing spots before you go out and have the ability to get home in the Cape Cod fog the minute you hit the water. The accuracy is incredible and rivals the military units I am accustomed to.