Garmin GPSMAP 176C GPS Receiver

the only thing I dislike is the screen is hard to see in direct sunlight other than that it is great.

The Garmin GPSMAP 176C GPS Receiver is an excellent handheld GPS for the money. The manufacturer has installed many user-friendly features that make the first time buyer or the professional happy. They manufacturer has excellent customer service and many additional add-ons to make this unit an extremely versatile GPS to be used in town, on trips, hunting, fishing, cycling, hiking, four wheeling or camping.
Suggestion:
1. One of the best ways to protect investment is to purchase a Protective Case for this GPS. You can find a top of the in line protective case that protects while allowing full viewing and access to all the features of your GPS unit. See a variety of cases at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2
2. Purchase cable accessories that allow you to upload or download maps and data from your GPS. Purchase a 12v auto charger so that you can always keep you unit charged before heading out cross-country. Purchase quality power and data cables at: http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2
3. Purchase an Amplified External GPS Antenna for the unit. The internal antenna is ok but will become intermittent in high buildings, cloudy skies and stormy weather. Purchase a quality, high gain remote antenna. See specification on 28dB and 55dB GPS antenna at:
http://stores.ebay.com/FIS4HER1-COM_W0QQssPageNameZL2

Cheers – Fis4her

This is a great portable chartplotter for use on my sailboats. It can be carried from boat to boat, for use in the cockpit or down below or on deck. I like the fact that it can either be hardwired or powered by AA batteries. No need to recharge--just replace the batteries. One set of 4 batteries lasts almost 24 hours with continuous use, and a meter tells you how much battery power is left. Newer Garmin Chartplotters must either be hard wired to the boat's electrical system or must use an expensive rechargeable battery. I sailed with friends on their boat from the Chesapeake Bay to New England. It gave us good service, as backup for his primary navigation system. Being able to just change batteries was very handy. By the way, don't ask me how I know this, but I have also found that it floats and is water tight!

I've decided to purchase this item due to my urgent need of a back-up GPS while fishing offshore. You just can't have enough back-up when it comes to safety. I like this product because of it's size and portability, also for it's internal antenna configuration; not having the need to mount an external antenna and dealing with wires/cables. Additionally, its capability to operate using alkaline batteries is also a plus (+). I really don't have anything negative to write about this product. It has met all my expectations, and had delivered its affordmentioned capabilities as described.

Great product. Data card for your specific area is a must, which is $$$.
Very satisfied though and would definitely recommend to others.

The 176 screen is hard to see in the sunlight and the size of the print, such as street names, is too small. I have not used the unit on the water yet becuase I need to purchase data card for the Southeast coast. Not cheap either! The 276C is a far superior unit with better a screen and graphics so save your money if you can for that unit. I will probably but this unit on sale soon.

The Garmin Corp. makes some of the best products on the market. They tend to create obsolescence in many of their consumer products and they are monsters when it comes to selling new or upgraded software. This means if you buy a used GPS and don't get an ACTIVE map disk you will pay almost as much for the DVD as you did for the unit. NO EXCEPTIONS. The 176 has very little memory capacity. The 276 has a lot more. You will pay more for the difference. but it may be well worth it. The base map on the 176 is VERY basic. It doesn't even show some local rivers. You would have to buy the $100.00 map disk and a datacard and a datacard programmer to get better maps. I was told that the 276 376 have better base maps than the 176. Not sure.

As for the 176C itself: It is a great GPS. It has some good features and it's easy to use. Accessories are easy to find even though the 176C has been discontinued. Cables antennas, mounts and software are all easy to find. Be careful to buy the CORRECT software since the newer units use software that will not work on the 176.

When you call Garmin you actually get to talk to a real English speaking person who can understnd you and what you want.

Last bit of advice. Only buy the "package". Make sure all the needed stuff is included in the deal. You will be happy you did.

I have a 176c mounted in one of my trucks and the family finds it easy to use and simple to navigate that I purchased a second unit for them to have when I am using mine. An optional antenna helps with reception in remote areas. The battery life is decent considering the size of the unit although vehicle power supply makes for flawless operation.

Item arrived in short time.. all items were included as mentioned in ad.. satisfied with condition of unit..