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Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator

Curated from 23 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: July 5, 2024

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Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator

Brand: Garmin
Price: $449
Snoop Score:
4.1
Sentiment
7.5
Popularity
7.4
Technical
2.0
Buy on Amazon for $449See All Marine GPS Chartplotters Reviews
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Garmin GPSMAP 78S is a marine GPS navigator designed for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. It features a 2.6-inch TFT LCD display and comes preloaded with a worldwide shaded relief basemap, making it suitable for navigation on various water bodies. Consumer feedback highlights the reliability of Garmin products, with one user noting, "They always have updates for old stuff too." Many users praise the GPS's performance in marine settings, particularly the Active Captain app that allows for convenient route planning from a smartphone. However, there are some criticisms regarding the high prices for software updates and a lack of interest in fish finder features among certain users. Overall, the Garmin GPSMAP 78S is highly recommended for those seeking a dependable marine GPS navigator, as the positive feedback significantly outweighs the negatives, making it a solid choice in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Marine GPS Chartplotters

They always have updates for old stuff too.

Positive Feedback

and vastly prefer it to the other options out there.

Negative Feedback
Product
4.1
Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator
Buy on Amazon for $449
Coastal Navigation
1 / 10
Recreational Fishing
2 / 10
Vessel Monitoring
2 / 10
Integrated Marine Systems
2 / 10
See how this compares to all Marine GPS Chartplotters

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Good reliability of Garmin products
“They always have updates for old stuff too.”➕
Good GPS performance for marine use
“both say preloaded with LakeVu g3 maps, which is what I believe I want.”➕
Active Captain app for route planning
“The active captain app allows you to plan your routes and waypoints on your phone, then uploads to your gps unit when your own the boat.”➕
Garmin offers reliable marine GPS units
“So not ideal.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
High prices for software updates
“and vastly prefer it to the other options out there.”➕
Lack of interest in fish finder features
“I don't need the fish finder part, just the gps.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Simrad GO9 XSE - 9-inch ChartplotterSimrad GO9 XSE - 9-inch Chartplotter$999
9.3
DetailsBuy
Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv Combo GPS/FishfinderGarmin GPSMAP 943xsv Combo GPS/Fishfinder$1319
8.4
DetailsBuy
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV Chartplotter/FishfinderGarmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder$399
7.8
DetailsBuy
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv ChartplotterGarmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv Chartplotter$1299
7.4
DetailsBuy
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV Chartplotter/FishfinderGarmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder$349
6.3
DetailsBuy
Simrad Cruise 5-5-inch GPS Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Coastal MapsSimrad Cruise 5-5-inch GPS Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Coastal Maps$313
5.9
DetailsBuy
Simrad NSS 4-16" SolarMAX HD Display Chartplotter and FishfinderSimrad NSS 4-16" SolarMAX HD Display Chartplotter and Fishfinder$5799
4.7
DetailsBuy
Garmin GPSMAP 79s Marine GPS HandheldGarmin GPSMAP 79s Marine GPS Handheld$264
4.3
DetailsBuy
Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS NavigatorGarmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator$449
4.1
DetailsBuy
RAYMARINE Axiom+ 9-9" MFD ChartplotterRAYMARINE Axiom+ 9-9" MFD Chartplotter$1461
3.7
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Differences in Garmin models based on transducer features
“Most of the big differences in the Garmin lineup is the model of transducer that comes with it and whether it has down imaging, side imaging, panoptix, etc.”➕
Looking for GPS navigation suggestions for marine use
“My BIGGEST thing I’m looking for something that will Auto Guidance or ez route routes with safe depth for my boat.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Using Raspberry Pi for mapping
“I don’t need anything fancy, just need to know what’s around me.”➕
Suggestion for using multiple screens for better functionality.
“It's pretty sweet to use one for GPS with radar or AIS overlay and the other one with engine readouts and sonar for example.”➕
Sharing of mounting solutions for GPS devices
“You can tuck it right back.”➕
Suggestions for GPS Essentials App
“It's fairly awesome.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about budget GPS options
“There seems to be endless options online so I’m having a hard time choosing which one I need.”➕
“Been messing around with Navionics and iNavX and they seem pretty good.”➕
“Get a 8" android tablet with built in gps. It doesn't't need to have cell service.”➕
“I’d prefer a dedicated, larger display. I’m just using it on my 18ft bowrider on local lakes for navigation, not fish finding.”➕
Price matching options at West Marine
“Here's a little tip, west marine price matches Amazon and all you have to do is show them the link.”➕
Comparing models based on features
“A lot of capability for the price.”➕
Discussion on upgrading to a single screen unit for efficiency.
“Upgrading Garmin Chartplotter / GPS / Fish Finder No text content”➕
“we are hoping to upgrade to a single screen unit that serves as a Chartplotter and fish finder instead of having both units.”➕
Advice on checking Garmin website for installation templates.
“Make sure whichever unit you select can be installed without causing an issue w/ your other equipment.”➕
Offer for assistance with placement of devices.
“Dm me. I can help with placements.”➕
Mention of personal preferences for other brands like Raymarine
“Raymarine is my personal choice, the a65/a67 are great little units, perfect for a small boat although not cheap.”➕
Discussion about smartphone apps for charting
“I know there's a smartphone app that's good for charting.”➕
“I was hoping I could get something to use/check all day while I'm out for a long day of sailing, and fire up Navonics closer to shore to find marinas and such.”➕

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