Comments about Montana 600 Handheld GPS Marine Bundle:

For a handheld GPS the 600 is the largest which makes it just right for mounting to a small boat by getting the marine bundle with it. The screen is just a tad smaller than a large smart phone. The lock on to sattelite ability is super fast. The very best thing about this tiny wonder of a chart plotting nautical GPS is the ability to read it in full sunlight. With no backlighting, the more sun, the better you can see it. Why phones do not have a screen like this is baffling. After testing the battery life, it will not be connected to the 12 volt system. A charge on the internal battery will last all day with the screen dimmed. The instructions of how to enter way points are the only drawback but with a little guess work and referring to the internet for advice all functions are working including loading waypoints and routes. Since the nautical map is included it will keep a boater off the shoals and direct them to destinations that only a GPS can do. It is such an impovement over the first GPS's in this class that only had numbers to read therefore needing a paper chart to determine a location. The chart is on the screen. With one touch marking a spot is easily entered and the touch screen works very well. This device is a long waited addition for my boat.

Comments about Montana 600 Handheld GPS Marine Bundle:

My Ericson 34 is a sailboat, not a computer lab. I wanted something simple, small and easy to install/remove on the helm pedestal. Offshore we use a Furuno GP-33 located at the chart table below, along with an old, proven, David White MK2. The Garmin 600 is used inland as a quick reference tool while we transit the Columbia River shipping lanes.

The supplied mount/charging cradle is installed below, next to the handheld VHF drop in chargers. At the helm the Garmin 600 is secured to the guard with a RAM mount. No wires or other BS to mess with.

The Garmin 600 is really easy to use. Chart details are somewhat limited in relation to actual NOAA paper charts, no surprise. However, the shipping lanes and navigation marks are very accurate. LAT/LON is spot on against the Furuno GP-33.

Internal battery life has been excellent (8 hrs plus) and you can use three common AA alkaline batteries if needed. The display can be dimmed down very low at night. In bright sun the display is actually better on the medium or low settings.

Nothing should ever replace paper charts, a good compass and prudent seamanship. That being said, I would highly recommend the Garmin 600 as a first "electronic" navigation aid for new owners or smaller boats. Much better choice than a stupid i phone app any day.....