Garmin Nuvi

[Pat K]

Has anyone used a Nuvi 500 on their boat? I'm wondering how detailed the marine maps are. I have a HDS 5 on the bow and since we already have the Nuvi for the car, I would like to use it on the console.

My other concern is mounting it. I can only find the suction cup mounts on Garmin's web site. I'm wondering how well it will hold on rough water.

[MichaelSwan]

The maps are as detailed as the supplier brings. I do not have a Nuvi but if you can put a chip in it, you should be good. I have a smaller hand held Garmin that rocks the LakeMaster chip.

[MN Mike]

Your Nuvi 500 will have just as good of map detail as the HDS that you have.

I do use the suction cup with my Nuvi and my handheld mounted to the windshield and they hold very good. If your not mounting to the windshield, just make sure you have a good smooth, clean surface and you should be fine.

I've found different mounts on HSO-Classifieds before too ( aftermarket ) if you're looking for something that you can fasten down.

Mike

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Check out ram mounts HSOforum

[MN Mike]

I've found different mounts on ( that big auction site ) before too ( aftermarket ) if you're looking for something that you can fasten down.

Mike

OK..... not exactly what I typed but..... anywho.......

[Pat K]

Thanks everybody for the info!

[Ed Carlson]

The Nuvi 500 is very good with the Garmin Inland Lakes maps and the LakeMaster and KTRAX mapping formats. Details is as high as you wish to set it...you can select the detail levels from least to most.

A smart move with the RAM mount system's is to first get the suction cup receiver system for the Nuvi 500, and latter on also get a spare mount the Nuvi snaps into...if you already have a 1" RAM stanchion you just need a Nuvi receiver. That way you can do a permanent bolt down mount or a handle-bar mount with just swapping out the ball and cradle to that installation location.

RAM is a very versatile system. I also have a ball mount for mine on my Vexilar so I can use it on my Vex packs in the field.

The RAM site has the spare cradles and spare ball mounts sold individually. The individual components are fairly priced.