Ok, I've now got the boat, a 26 ft cruiser with upper and lower helms, and I need to get a GPS. I like the fixed mount GPS systems for the large screens and plotting, but I also like the idea of a handheld like the Garmin GPSMAP 76 that I could take to either helm, or to the cockpit where I'd be fishing and steering from. Plus, I like the idea of being able to use the GPS off the boat.

Other than the cost difference, are there any other considerations I'm missing? For those of you who have tackled this question before, how did you decide?

If I go with the handheld, is the GPSMAP 76 the best option on the market? Anyone know how the new 60C compares?

The 276c looks like a nice hand held unit. http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap276c/

As far as fixed or portable, I guess it depends on if your planning on using it just on the water or wanting the flexibility of using it on land too.

I have the gpsmap 196, same body as the 276c and 176c. Its an aviation unit but also has a land and water modes. I really like the user friendly menus that garmin has. Its also very easy to update the garmin products online with a simple download and cable that came with the unit.

If I win the lottery, my next gps will be the gpsmap 296, but for now, Ill be happy with my 196.

Seadeep, for a boat that size (where space isn't an issue) go with a fixed mount such as a Garmin 182 ($499) and get a second station kit ($30) trust me, you'll be glad you did. Besides a much larger screen than "any" handheld, which you can actually read when your bouncing along at 20+ kts. It takes a pre-programmed (garmin) Blue chip for enhanced detail where as the handheld you have to do the downloading off a CD-Rom to get detail, not a big deal but not as easy as just putting in a chip.
I see you live in Mukilteo, come by the Everett Boaters World and talk to me (Scott) Dave or Dale and we can give you a demonstration, and show you the plusses and minuses of each unit.

AK, thanks for the insight. Hadn't considered a second mounting kit. I'll try to swing by this weekend.

My gpsmap196 also will use pre programed blue chart data cards

I think he wants this for a boat not a plane and for $1000, there are alot better "marine" chartplotters out there then a gpsmap196.

I wasnt saying that the 196 is the right unit for him, I was just pointing out that there are some hand held units that accept the cards.

The 276 also accepts data cards and is a marine unit.

I have the 276. It works great for me. I have a small disc in my truck as well as my boat That i can clip it in to. Its nice to use it in the car and then put it in the boat. I alsoon can download maps on it when i go on my other vacations (Ireland, Vegas ect.)
The mapping is great when your in a strange place. The screen lights up well and has great definition.
The almost 600.00 was a little steep but i get ALOT of use out of it........

COHO

Well, I have a small boat, no windshield, etc. But my handheld Map76 works great for me, because I can stick the thing in front of my face while driving in the dark and fog so I can keep one eye on it and simultaneously look for debris and boats. It doesn't matter that the screen is small, even with a screen 10 times the size if it is at arm's length away in a bracket and you have to take your eyes off the water and stare at it for awhile to figure out where you are, it is not going to work as well for you as a handheld right in your face, especially in tight places .

You don't have to stare at a larger screen "for a while" while you figure out where your at, thats the beauty of the bigger screen, much easier to read, quick glances is all I ever need.

I have never had someone return a fixed mount unit and tell me they can't read it safely so they want to exchange for a handheld. On the other hand, alot of handhelds are upgraded to fixed mounts.