Customer Reviews

Garmin GPSMAP 440S 4-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

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

 

 

From the time you turn this unit you wonder what Garmin was thinking. Its hard to use, has a smaller screen than previous units (GPSMAP172C, for example), and the user manual is virtually useless...it doesn't even explain how to use many of the basic features. Also of note is the reduction in buttons which result in having to use too many sub-menus (by the time you figure out how to use the MOB feature the MOB will be a gonner). Way too complicated....took me hours to try to figure out how to use the features. On the plus side the screen is very bright even if the resolution is not the greatest (block letters are not as easy to read) and a good set of marine charts is standard. Its not all bad and it does do the job reasonably well, just a step backwards and very pricy. Garmin....you can do better!

I use many of Garmin's products and have never been disappointed. The 440 chartplotter is no exception! The screen is somewhat small but very readable. It has quick startup and a user-friendly format. I recommend it for all Intercoastal Waterway boaters.

Don't get confused by the Amazon description of the Garmin 440 which is only a chartplotter. The description implies that it is also a Depth Finder but that is the 440 S which is the same unit with a power cord that has a jack for a transducer. The 440 is being phased out and replaced by the 462 which is over $600 but is not that much better. Currently West Marine is selling the 440S for $439 ; the transducer is an extra $67 so you end up with a Chartplotter/fishfinder Combo for around $500.

For the price, this unit is awesome. I've read complaints that the screen is too small, but I don't think so. The screen is easy to read, even in bright daylight. The unit is packed full of features and it was very easy to learn and use.

The drawbacks:

The manual sucks. It's like they only wrote half of it and the other half still needs to be written.

I wish they had a compass page. But I guess we can use the Mariner's Eye View and get something similar. I guess it just takes getting used to.

I also wish that the split screen view could can be set for the track to be split separately for the two screens. I would like the bottom screen to be zoomed out with the tracking pointing north (like reading a map). Then the top screen I would like to be able to have the tracking pointed in the direction I am going. This is just a minor thing though.

Overall, I would get this product again at this price. It's great.

The Garman 440 from Amazon was the best marine GPS for the money (back last year when I got it). I checked around on prices and saved 200$ over West Marine's price by getting it here. I'd give the unit 5 stars, but the screen is on the small side (4"?) and you'll benifit from a 5 or 6" screen. It's waaaay too bright at night, but easy to adjust, and it's nice and bright for daylight viewing. My wife even enjoys piloting with the Garmin. I love my little GPS, just wish I could afford a bigger screen for my 27' Albin boat.

This GPS is exactly what I expected. It is perfect for a small boat application, simple to operate, clear screen with the features of larger more expensive units. Running my boat in the shallow backwaters is like playing a video game as far as navigation. Just keep the boat icon lined up over the right numbers and you have no worries. Fantastic product. Product arrived on time as stated in ad.