As an alternative, users can also purchase the optional automotive kit and take the GPSMap 376c on the open road. The kit comes with MapSource's City Select software, which lets you select a destination on land and receive turn-by-turn directions to addresses and points of interest throughout the U.S. and Canada. The dual uses (land and water) make the GPSMap far more versatile than most GPS navigators.

Via the included GXM 30 antenna and a subscription to XM WX Satellite Weather's "Master Mariner package," users can also view continuously updated weather info on the unit's 256-color, 3.8-inch diagonal display, which boasts a 480 x 320 pixel resolution and enough detail for any situation. The weather service shows vital data--such as NEXRAD radar images, forecasts, and current conditions--on the unit, so you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about the weather. And you can rest assured that the info is as good as it gets, as XM WX Satellite Weather is the same leading weather technology and data service enjoyed by television meteorologists across the U.S. Plus, boaters and drivers have the option of receiving XM Satellite Radio's 150-plus channels of commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming (requires XM audio subscription).

The GPSMap 376c's navigating accuracy stems from the WAAS-enabled, 12-parallel-channel GPS receiver, which continuously tracks and uses up to 12 satellites to compute and update your position. As a result, the device is accurate to within just a few meters, ensuring that you'll be able to sail the high seas or motor through urban landscapes with full confidence. Meanwhile, the navigation specs include a 10,000-point automatic track log with 15 saved tracks (up to 700 track points each) for retracing your path in both directions; 3,000 waypoints with the name, symbol, depth, and water symbols; and 50 reversible routes with up to 300 waypoints per route.

Additional features include a trip computer that calculates distance, stopped time, moving average, moving time, total time, and maximum speeds; built-in celestial tables for the sun and moon (by date and position); and a number of alerts for such situations as anchor drag, off-course, arrival, and proximity waypoints. And for added flexibility, boaters can upgrade the GPSMap 376c to a full-fledged combination chartplotter/sonar receiver at any time by adding a Garmin GSD 20 "black box" sounder, which offers 4,000 watts of power peak-to-peak. All this in a waterproof console that fits easily in crafts of any size.

So if you spend much of your time on the water, the GPSMap 376c is a lifesaver. The unit, which is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for 4 to 15 hours depending on the settings, measures 5.7 by 3.2 by 1.9 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
GPSMap 376c with built-in marine basemap, America's Autoroute basemap, GXM30 smart antenna, marine mount, GXM 30 pole mount, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC charger, power/data cable, USB cable, 2-meter GXM 30 extension cable, user's manual.