For clear, accurate, position readings, the Garmin GPSMAP 182C is a dependable choice. Packed in a case that weighs less than 2 pounds, and with its large color display, you get a navigation system that's equally at home on small lakes or the ocean.

Because the Garmin GPSMAP 182C has a fully-gasketed waterproof case, you're free to mount it anywhere. And with its gimbal bracket, either deck or overhead mounting works well. Or you can remove the bracket for a flush fit in a instrument panel. Since the antenna is external, with its 30 feet of cable it can be located wherever it gets the best satellite signal reception.

The GPSMAP 182C can make use of either Differential GPS (DGPS) or Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for maximum accuracy. DGPS requires a radio beacon receiver and achieves a positional error of less than 5 meters 95% of the time. WAAS can be even more accurate with errors of less than 3 meters. Even without either of these enhancements, the 182C GPS receiver has a typical position error of less than 15 meters.

To deliver the important navigation information when you need it, the Garmin GPSMAP 182C has a high resolution, 16-color, 5" (diagonal) LCD display. The contrasting colors make charts stand out more clearly than with a monochrome screen. And the display's brightness makes it readable even with the sun overhead. Adjustable backlighting also allows for easy nighttime viewing. But day or night, the receiver's high-speed processor creates fast chart redraw rates.

The 182C is equipped with a worldwide basemap that includes both inland and coastal detail, as well as U.S. tide data. For more local detail, you can use maps stored on data cards that plug into the unit. Garmin sells both preloaded cards with their map data and blank cards so you can select your own data. For ocean maps, Garmin has the BlueChart collection and MapSource for inland data.

Besides getting you where you want to go, the Garmin GPSMAP 182C has numerous alerts for problems or helpful information. For instance, you can set alerts for when you're nearing a waypoint or if you're off course. When the alert activates, a small pop-up window is shown on the display with an appropriate message. You can also set audible alarms for such things as a low battery or if you're dragging your anchor.