GPS - Use and Theft

JimMel · 06-30-2009, 02:46 PM

JonLevis,

So the unit just snaps off from the mount like a car GPS?

JonLevis · 06-30-2009, 02:49 PM

Not quite that easy, but it does come off the pedestal with a single thumb screw. Very easy to take off. The wiring plug is idiot proof too, you can't plug it in wrong, even if you tried!

Phantom · 07-01-2009, 07:46 AM

Interesting ...........

Although in todays world you should probably never tempt fate, I on the otherhand rarely take my GPS off the dash (the radio is also pretty visible just below).

Many years in the past, when we use to tie up at a Town Docks for any extended period (lunch or dinner) I was inclined to not only remove the electronics from site but I would additionally lock the battery switch in the "off" position. This habit has long since passed ....... part of my rationale is that although we have (what we consider) a pretty nice boat (Crownline 24' bowrider) -- there's always a bigger and better boat on the slips to mess with ............... Don't get me wrong, on the other hand - I would never leave the keys in the ignition (even though I know a child could hotwire a boat ignition)

Point is -- back to topic -- I don't think I've ever heard of any theft or malicious damage occurring at any Public Docks...

I'd certainly change my habits back if I were informed otherwise

Dave R · 07-01-2009, 10:44 AM

I find Standard Horizon's manuals to be really comprehensive. I suppose a quick start guide would be nice, but I think you'll find that the "on/off", "zoom" and "clear" buttons will do pretty much everything you need to do, during the day.

Play with all the menu options when you have a chance. There's a lot the thing can do.

On my 155C, the on/off doubles as the display brightness button. Simply press it for less than a second and when released, you will be in a menu for changing the display brightness. It's handy at night since even the "night mode" can be too bright.

I don't have a Bizer chip. I have a C-Map Max Megawide chip that covers The coast from the Bay of Fundy to Barnegat Bay NJ, plus rivers and lakes in the area (including Winni and Squam). It seems to have the Bizer data in it for Winni though. My recollection is that it has all kinds of restaurant and marina data as well. Mine even has photos of bridges and landmarks of interest.

Cobalt 25 · 07-02-2009, 08:20 AM

I have been leaving my Loran/GPS/chartplotter in plain view for many many years and never had any issues. My "security" measure means putting the ignition key in a cup holder, usually, but not every time. I don't want my life to be dictated by a culture of fear. Do bad things happen? Sure, but in all my years of trusting human nature I cannot recall ever being burned. Selective memory? Maybe...!

Peter

Kamper · 07-02-2009, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobalt 25

... My "security" measure means putting the ignition key in a cup holder, ...

Peter

Okay folks. From now on we all try to park next to Cobalt 25's!

Slickcraft · 07-02-2009, 09:26 AM

I have the CP180i with the C-Map chip of the lake. The 180i is very capable with a lot of user options. The user interface, however, is not all that user friendly or intuitive, nothing like my wife’s Nuvi 660 or my Garmin hand held for ease of use. The 180i does not have an auto (time of day) switch to night mode display. And if you switch to night mode manually (down in the menu) then the switch back to day mode is difficult as menu choices are not highlighted in the night mode. Kind of like menu hunting in the dark.

I mounded the 180i on a wood base with a non-skid pad so I can place the unit on the dash when needed and otherwise it is stowed away.

I got the 180i because of the Bizer C-MAP chart compatibility. The C-MAP chart is great (should be for $140), has everything on the paper chart and is very accurate.

As we have the Nuvi 660, maybe the $9.99 download Wini chart from Garmin is worth a try.

07-01-2009, 07:46 AM	#3
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Interesting ........... Although in todays world you should probably never tempt fate, I on the otherhand rarely take my GPS off the dash (the radio is also pretty visible just below). Many years in the past, when we use to tie up at a Town Docks for any extended period (lunch or dinner) I was inclined to not only remove the electronics from site but I would additionally lock the battery switch in the "off" position. This habit has long since passed ....... part of my rationale is that although we have (what we consider) a pretty nice boat (Crownline 24' bowrider) -- there's always a bigger and better boat on the slips to mess with ............... Don't get me wrong, on the other hand - I would never leave the keys in the ignition (even though I know a child could hotwire a boat ignition) Point is -- back to topic -- I don't think I've ever heard of any theft or malicious damage occurring at any Public Docks... I'd certainly change my habits back if I were informed otherwise __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

07-02-2009, 09:26 AM	#7
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,320 Thanks: 1,233 Thanked 2,104 Times in 961 Posts	Standard Horizon CP180i I have the CP180i with the C-Map chip of the lake. The 180i is very capable with a lot of user options. The user interface, however, is not all that user friendly or intuitive, nothing like my wife’s Nuvi 660 or my Garmin hand held for ease of use. The 180i does not have an auto (time of day) switch to night mode display. And if you switch to night mode manually (down in the menu) then the switch back to day mode is difficult as menu choices are not highlighted in the night mode. Kind of like menu hunting in the dark. I mounded the 180i on a wood base with a non-skid pad so I can place the unit on the dash when needed and otherwise it is stowed away. I got the 180i because of the Bizer C-MAP chart compatibility. The C-MAP chart is great (should be for $140), has everything on the paper chart and is very accurate. As we have the Nuvi 660, maybe the $9.99 download Wini chart from Garmin is worth a try.

06-30-2009, 02:46 PM	#1
JimMel Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	JonLevis, So the unit just snaps off from the mount like a car GPS?

06-30-2009, 02:49 PM	#2
JonLevis Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Fay's Boatyard & Canton, MA Posts: 79 Thanks: 18 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Not quite that easy, but it does come off the pedestal with a single thumb screw. Very easy to take off. The wiring plug is idiot proof too, you can't plug it in wrong, even if you tried!

07-01-2009, 10:44 AM	#4
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	I find Standard Horizon's manuals to be really comprehensive. I suppose a quick start guide would be nice, but I think you'll find that the "on/off", "zoom" and "clear" buttons will do pretty much everything you need to do, during the day. Play with all the menu options when you have a chance. There's a lot the thing can do. On my 155C, the on/off doubles as the display brightness button. Simply press it for less than a second and when released, you will be in a menu for changing the display brightness. It's handy at night since even the "night mode" can be too bright. I don't have a Bizer chip. I have a C-Map Max Megawide chip that covers The coast from the Bay of Fundy to Barnegat Bay NJ, plus rivers and lakes in the area (including Winni and Squam). It seems to have the Bizer data in it for Winni though. My recollection is that it has all kinds of restaurant and marina data as well. Mine even has photos of bridges and landmarks of interest.

07-02-2009, 08:20 AM	#5
Cobalt 25 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 228 Thanks: 228 Thanked 36 Times in 20 Posts	I have been leaving my Loran/GPS/chartplotter in plain view for many many years and never had any issues. My "security" measure means putting the ignition key in a cup holder, usually, but not every time. I don't want my life to be dictated by a culture of fear. Do bad things happen? Sure, but in all my years of trusting human nature I cannot recall ever being burned. Selective memory? Maybe...! Peter