Garmin Bluecharts G2

[jondavies]

How useful are Garmin's Bluechart G2 maps for diving? In order to use them I'd have to buy a new GPS unit, so there would have to be significant value in terms of finding structure etc. My current GPS unit meets my needs for getting from A to B to C so the basic navigation features are not especially important to me.

I wish I could get a sense of what the maps offer at Garmin.com but their website is really dreadful, especially for a tech company.

[Money $hot]

I couldn't do without my blue chart maps. They show all contours, depths, nav markers, depths, etc. The nice thing is you can easily find new areas to investigate by looking at your blue chart, Find any contour/depth changes, zoom in closer and it will tell you if the bottom is grass, sand, or rock. This will also keep you out of shallow/rocky areas you shouldn't be in, has saved me from buying a new lower unit a few times. Best wishes
David

[jondavies]

Thanks David. Do you have Bluecharts G2 or Bluecharts Vision?

I'm borrowing a Garmin with Bluecharts from a friend. I see the depth soundings and the contours but it doesn't seem to be hi-res enough to be helpful for finding new dive spots. Also, I can't find any info about bottom composition. I'm still playing around with it so I may be missing an additional layer of information but so far I don't think it's that great.

Perhaps the Bluecharts Vision maps ($300 - ouch!) are more applicable. Any pointers?

[Money $hot]

You can set the map detail from the menu. You have to be zoomed in less than 3/10 of a mile scale or less. The closer you zoom in the more map detail you get. I have found tons of spots in the Keys this way. Find spots showing good contours/ledges, zoom in and see if they are rocky, if so check em out. Best wishes

[reef runner]

I only use garmin gps units. I think they are great gps units. That is just my opinion. The previous model I had only had a 4" screen. Now I have a 3210 garmin with sounder. It has a ten inch screen. Both units have the exact same maps. There maps are usually very close to dead on. The map will put you very close to the wrecks. You will have to circle around it until you find it on the depth finder and then mark it. The bluecharts do not add any maps to the chartplotter. If you know how to properly use the garmin you should easily be able to find new spots. All of the garmins have basicly the same maps. The bigger the screen is the easier it is to read. The bigger screens are also a lot more money. If you are using one with a small screeen you will have to zoom in a lot to be able to see the wrecks. It will also be harder to use the split screen at the same time. There are hot spot maps available at west marine. You can use that as a reference and move the curser out on the screen to the area where the wreck should be and zoom in. That is the key to using the maps is zooming in. If you have one with a larger screen than it will be more user friendly. You wont have to zoom in as much to be able to find the wrecks/reefs or any other detail that is on the map. The more you zoom in the more detail you will see. The more you zoom out the less detail. I do not use bluecharts on mine but have seen them. I personally believe you do not need them.

[Money $hot]

Yes, what Reef Runner says. I have the handheld (can't afford the one I want).

[Georgia Boy]

Checking to see where the best place to pick up second hand GPS charts is? I need Southern California charts....

I think I need Garmin Blues. -I'll confirm when I check the plotter...