I have a 12-year old raymarine gps chart plotter/sounder combo that is beginning to have a screen problem. Gradually the bottom of the screen is fading to gray which I believe may be in burn in problem with the led. I am looking to replace with either two Garmin echoMAP 7 or 9 series so I can run one full time plotter and the other full time depth. They appear to come with “blue chart G2 mapping” or you can upload more detailed “g2 vision.” My question is how detailed in the g2 mapping? My raymarine has all the artificial reefs preloaded, does G2 mapping or do I have to purchase and install their high dollar card or add in all the numbers off my maps unique?
For the preloaded reefs you will need to upgrade to the vision chip; it also opens up many other features for 3d bottom views and aerial photos. It is well worth the money, which you can save by finding the chip region you need and buying it on eBay or amazon.
Update: here is the one I bought off of ebay and works great.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-BlueChart-g2-Vision-VUS007R-Norfolk-Charleston/162973171197?hash=item25f1f53dfd:g:Vw4AAOSwh41au-NR
2012 176CC Keywest 115hp Yamaha
My wife got me the 94sv and I spent quite some time loading coordinates for nearshore reefs. The on my first trip out to Capers I noticed it was all preloaded wth the actual description and boxes highlighting he area of the various different artificial reefs.
Dr that’s with the “vision chip?”
Contender you can occasionally find units that have pre-loaded maps for your region installed like this https://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmin--echomap-chirp-94sv-fishfinder-chartplotter-combo-with-clearv-sidev-transducer-and-bluechart-g2-coastal-charts--17984550 It may be what drterry has.
2012 176CC Keywest 115hp Yamaha
I believe I have it figured out. The blue chart does include all of the artificial reefs from the Maps unique pre loaded. The vision chart gives you satellite imagery and may include more detail on hard bottom.
quote:
Originally posted by contender1I believe I have it figured out. The blue chart does include all of the artificial reefs from the Maps unique pre loaded. The vision chart gives you satellite imagery and may include more detail on hard bottom.
Right, I didnt pay the extra just the basic blue chart.