I could write two pages about how handy the HomePort software is and can't stress enough that if you own a Garmin chart plotter you are not scratching the surface of its capabilities without using HomePort as well. It prompts you to transfer the routes, click "ok" and you’re done! You now have your planned trip plotted into the 441 and are ready to launch. After that I just put the SD card into the Garmin 441. After I completed this I just popped a blank SD card into my PC, and exported the routes (tracks) to the SD card. I used the software to plot several versions of my route, the entire route and also segments of the entire route. You can pop them into your computer and use them with the software and avoid purchasing a map just for the software. Picking the wrong model for my area kind of worked out in the end. Here is where having the SD card map really comes into play. It's available on the Garmin website for around $30. The software is easy to use and anyone with minimal computer knowledge can learn to navigate through it fairly quick. Plotting routes on the unit can be done, but it would take several hours. The software is honestly the best way to get information to and from the unit. To really get the most out of the unit you need to install Garmin’s HomePort software on your PC or laptop. If you’re planning on taking trips on unfamiliar waters, the Vision map does provide lots of information that would be useful. Now that I have experience using both, I would recommend for general use boating the regular base map. The Vision maps cost more than the regular base maps. To buy them new would be around $450 and probably worth it if I traveled to more lakes and waterways than I currently do. I purchased maps that were one season old to save money and together both maps cost me around $150. The map must remain in the unit in order to use it, which does prevent another user from stealing map data. The maps come on an SD card and slide into the unit very easily. The Vision maps have all kinds of features that the regular maps do not, including auto routing, aerial photography, 3D imaging and a bunch of other cool features. It covers all the rivers in my area too, plus a good amount of Lake Michigan. and I also purchased the "Vision" map for Illinois. It covers most lakes (boating size) in the U.S. I eventually decided on the " Inland Lakes" map. Garmin has several versions of each map and some have more detail than others. I had a lot of great options to choose from when it came time to pick the right map for my needs. The Garmin 440 comes with the inland lakes map already loaded so my advice here is to look closely at the models before you buy one since every model comes with a slightly different version of map preloaded onto it. The 441 came with a preloaded costal map, but unfortunately I live about 600 miles from the nearest coast so I needed to purchase a map for my area. For one, it built confidence in my ability to use all its functions and it also made my lake time more enjoyable not having to learn how to use it on the water. I used a simple 12-volt DC power supply and plugged it into the wall and I’m glad I had this time to play with the unit before the installation. I simply ran the wires to the fuse block located in the helm and I was ready to rock and roll!īefore installing the unit I had some time to play with it a little to see how it was going to work. This particular model is not equipped with a sounder so all that was needed was a 12-volt and a ground. Hooking up the power was simple too, with the instructions being very clear and easy to follow. The actual placement of the Garmin on my Avalon DRL pontoon was a breeze because this console was pre-designed in case I wanted to add this optional GPS later. I simply placed it on and then followed the lines as I cut it out. The kit comes with all the necessary cutout templates that are basically a giant sticker. When I ordered it I didn’t realize I needed to have a dash kit too, so I purchased one online for about $14. Its sleek "go with anything" design is very appealing and complements the dash console on my pontoon very well. When I received the Garmin 441 the first thing I noticed was how few buttons it had.
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