coastal gps = garmin 72sc?

[shamblin]

sailors,

i need a handheld gps with coastal us maps showing depth and navigation markers.
is there better than the garmin 72sc?

thanks,
bill in nc

[shamblin]

oopps. that's 78sc

[JazzCat]

I use the 76cx, the unit that has been discontinued to make way for this one. I like it just fine, finds the sats quickly, has good battery life and does things that I haven't even found out yet. I see the 78 comes with the detailed maps. That was peoples biggest complaint with the 76, buy the unit then have to spend $150 more for maps. If you don't mind the small screen you should like it fine.

[jpfx]

I have a couple of 76s and a 76 csx. They're all competent enough though I don't bother to load maps on the csx. They're fine for glancing at but too small if mounted and you've got your hands (and eyes) full.
I would not even consider using the depth readings on any GPS chart. Far, far better to have a dedicated sounder.
I would probably use a phone/tablet app for charts on a coastal outing and stick to eyes and depth sounder.