Customer Reviews

Garmin GPSMAP 378 3.7-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The 378 is first and fore-most a marine chartplotter. With the exception of radar, the unit has every feature found on the much larger units we use on-board a 32' research vessel. Display is readable, even in direct sunlight; screen regeneration is very fast.
When used on the road, navigation is no different than any other Garmin GPS (it uses the same RoadNavigator software package). The only negative critique is that b/c it does not have a touchscreen, inputting waypoints can be somewhat monotonous. It also lacks some of the more useless gimmicks - my position indicator is only an arrow, I can't get an animation of a truck up on monster tires.
This unit is clearly meant to be a highly functional, no gimmicks navigation tool. Because of all the features and its range of uses, you will need to spend some time with the manual to take full advantage of its power.

I purchased a Garmin GPSMAP 378 in June 2006 and paid about $1300 for the unit and some extra maps. Really liked the unit until I went to update it in Apr 2010. The only map updates available from Garmin are over two years old. Garmin will sell you this old update for $70.00. Garmin no longer supports this product and will no longer provide maps according to the Garmin tech rep I spoke to on the phone. Why would anyone want to purchase this product or any other top end (expensive)Garmin product that will be obselete within two years of the purchase date??

Loaded with lots of information. Would be easier to use if touch screen. Marine lake detail did not include my favorite lake which is the second largest in its State (44,000 acres). Bummed since I could not find a list of the covered Lakes at the Garmin site.

The unit arrived in good order. Am still working on the operating manual. This GPS has many options to set up and different ways to connect to a vehicle. It will take some time to take advantage of all it has to offer.