Which Garmin?

[Studman]

when I bought our first boat it came with a Garmin 2206 and I upgraded to the 4208 which I really liked, well mostly. The one thing that I didn't like was the way you have to pan and the way to chart a course. I got used to it but always wanted a touch screen.
well we sold the 290 and the new boat needs some updated electronics so I was thinking of getting either the 4212 or 5212 with the touch screen

does anyone out there have some real world experience with either of these and can help me understand what the differences might be besides the touch screen?

Thanks

 

[sea paws]

Last season I updated to a Garmin 7012 touchscreen and I love it. The touchscreen is very easy to operate while on the move and also scan the charts. I found it much easier to operate than the models with the buttons to scan on the side.

 

[CSR_Admin]

The difference is exclusively the touchscreen. Nothing else. Have you tried the "route to" option on your 4208 when plotting a course? It is just as easy as a touchscreen.

 

[Studman]

well it looks like the 5212 is in my future
now where to get the best price?

 

[RollerCoastr]

Well clearly, you want to go to Jim!

I've had a 5212 since it was cutting-edge. It does everything I want, but slowly. Panning on a touch-screen is my favorite feature, but I don't plot on it AT ALL. I do all my plotting in HomePort, which is of course compatible with your 4208.

 

[AFD]

well since nobody else will ask...what do you have for a boat now?

 

[ttmott]

I believe the 5212 is phased out this year and replaced with the 7XXX series. The 7 series has a much faster processor and the screen movement (pan, zoom) is much smoother and faster. With the memory taxing blue chart G2 Vision you will want the 7 series.

http://www.thegpsstore.com has good pricing and I believe Garmin certified vendor.

 

[Sum Escape]

The difference is exclusively the touchscreen. Nothing else. Have you tried the "route to" option on your 4208 when plotting a course? It is just as easy as a touchscreen.

+1 to that! The only drawback is the autopilot does not recognize a route when using this....only if you actually manually build one. But I just get on course and hit "auto" instead of "track" and it works almost as well given you need to confirm waypoints on "track" anyway.

 

[MonacoMike]

I believe the 5212 is phased out this year and replaced with the 7XXX series. The 7 series has a much faster processor and the screen movement (pan, zoom) is much smoother and faster. With the memory taxing blue chart G2 Vision you will want the 7 series.

XXXXXXXX, has good pricing and I believe Garmin certified vendor.

Our host as great prices and also provides this site, it isn't polite to link competitors...

http://www.boemarine.com/

MM

 

[Studman]

well since nobody else will ask...what do you have for a boat now?

1985 37'5" ( 41' loa) Egg Harbor with twin 375 hp Cat 3208 TA's and an Onan 8 kw diesel genny