I have a GPSMAP 545s that came with west coast navigation charts but no fishing charts. I decided to pay the $99 to update the charts to the latest version which would include the fishing charts. I fish mostly the Oregon coast and the navigation charts are insufficient for finding structure for fishing.
I was halibut fishing on May 1st looking for a particular underwater structure that clearly showed on the charts but I couldn't find it. I did ever increasing circles looking for this particular structure for 30 minutes and never found it. I burned at least $30 to $40 worth of fuel looking for that structure. I headed for other waters and found fish in a new spot in spite of the new fishing charts I had just purchased.
Later, I got coordinates for that spot I was looking for from a friend. Turns out the spot was 1.1 NM South/Southwest of where my G2 fishing charts show it. So I got curious tonight about why this could be. I ejected my SD card with the updated charts on it and looked for that spot. Sure enough it was right where it should be in relation to the waypoint I was given. The new G2 charts are off by more than a mile!!!!!!
I am extremely frustrated. Those bad charts cost me money and I want it taken care of in a hurry. There are halibut to catch and the charts are crucial for finding those spots. If I have to shift my search by 1.1 NM SSW to find a spot I want to fish, I'm going to be REALLY irritated.
Anyone else have this problem with chart updates?
I have logged a trouble ticket with Garmin but have not heard back yet.
Chass