Whether you boat on small inland lakes or prefer ocean voyages, the Magellan FX324 MAP Color can give you reliable guidance. This rugged GPS receiver is waterproof and has a large color display to make charts and navigation information easy to read. And when displaying text you even have a choice of 11 languages.

Instead of a locker full of charts, the Magellan FX324 MAP Color uses Secure Digital (SD) memory cards to store electronic maps. It comes with a world chart, but to get greater details for a specific area, you'll need Magellan's BlueNav charts. The BlueNav charts replicate the information of paper charts with depth contours, marine navigation aids, and tide data. Listings for marinas and port services are also included. You're able to adjust the scale and the SD cards let you easily switch from one chart to another. The memory cards also let you save your routes and other navigation information for return trips. And you have a choice of 12 coordinate systems and 76 map datum.

The first step of a trip using the FX324 MAP Color, is to plot your route on the chart screen. Then once you're under way, you can monitor your progress on one of the three other types of display. Two Position Screens have text displays which show your position, speed, course and a data field with the navigation data of your choice. There are also two text Navigation Screens with speed, course, two odometers, and a customizable data field. The GOTO Screen helps you stay on your course with a choice of four displays: Compass, 3-D Road, Radar, and Data. The Compass display has a graphic compass along with bearing and heading information. A strip compass image is used for the 3-D Road and Radar displays with a pointer to keep you on track. Along with the set navigation information the Data display shows, there's an area for showing your choice of additional trip information. And this type customizable data field is also available with the other displays.

Each of the four types of screens can be displayed by pushing a single button. This makes switching back and forth easy and immediate with the Magellan FX324 MAP Color. Its alphanumeric keypad is laid out like a telephone's for convenient data entry. The large directional key is similar to a computer's mouse for making menu selections and marking locations. And the Menu button shows the screen for configuring all the receiver's function options. The 16-color LCD measures 4.3" W x 3.1" H, and has adjustable backlighting for accurate readings day or night.

Supplying GPS navigation data for the FX324 MAP Color is a 12-channel receiver. It's Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) capable. This results in accurate position readings to within one meter. You can monitor the GPS satellites with the receiver's satellite status screen. It shows which signals are received, their relative strength and the Dilution of Position (DOP) and Circle of Probable Error (CPE). The DOP indicates the accuracy of the position calculation and is a function of the satellites position. CPE is a measurement in meters of how far off the position reading may be.