Before buying read all the review comments about problems installing maps. I ordered this unit a month ago and still can't use it. The map that comes with shows little more detail than Interstate highways. So, I ordered what I thought was City Navigator NT map software from Amazon but it was an update and could not be installed unless I already owned the software. Garmin agreed for an additional $30 (in addition to the $70 paid for the update) to exchange the update for the actual City Navigator NT and promised that I would receive the replacement in 4 days after receipt of my return. I received it 18 days after I sent them the update by Priority Mail. Now, when I try to install the software, the unlock code does not work. Nothing on the web page instructs how to do so if there are problems. I'm calling on the Friday before Labor Day, and they are closed through the weekend. So, no possibility of using it for Labor Day travels. I had also wanted to use this unit for hiking but consider the option of installing topo maps to be impossible. The unit satellite system works very well, but unless you are prepared to go through the expense of buying a different mapping software for every use and go through the complications of getting them installed, it's basically a nice (and expensive) paperweight that shows your coordinates.

To say this thing is designed for boaters is as big a joke as a lie!! The included database does not even include the basic outline of local lakes smaller than the Great Lakes. Minnesota - the "land of 10,000 lakes" has been reduced to the land of 2 or 3 lakes. The map that came with it is from 2001. Perhaps the glaciers had not done their work by then. Truthfully, the Garmin 430 that we use for our car has a far, far better database. This unit was designed for one purpose - to make you buy additional databases. The picture on the 76Cx page shows an image of a lake with depths and navigation aids. Nowhere does it say the image requires optional addons to get that kind of detail (or even see the lake) although on the box (once you've shelled out the money and it arrives) you find that in very small print on the back. The only claim that may be realistic is that it is supposed to float and I am sorely tempted to put that to the test. To get maps of two popular lakes in MN, Rainy Lake and Lake Superior, I need to buy two addon charts at over $200. If I want to see a handful of the other lakes I can pay another $89 for the Lakemaster addon (which conveniently doesn't include the other two lakes). Grand total - over $500 including buying the initial piece of junk which feels like a 80's vintage cell phone. Large color display? Maybe for geocaching but not nearly big enough to be mounted in the cockpit of a boat and the resolution is very poor. Save your money and buy a better unit - preferably not a Garmin as their business practices are suspect at best. If you do buy it, good luck with support. I couldn't even get on the web site and I gave up on the phone after 30 minutes. I'm a pretty easy consumer usually but this is a major rip off!

...but there are two things that annoy me:

The color display is significantly smaller than the one on the older monochrome gpsmap 76.

The screws on the back of the unit quickly get rusty when exposed to saltwater.

If you don't need a device that floats, I'd recommend buying its prettier sister, the 60csx for the following reasons: it is smaller (but its display is the same size), it looks nicer and it has the keys in the right place (below the display).

Having used a huge number of GPS units over many years, I must say that the 76CX is very good.

Pro's

Removable memory (now up to 1GB)

Can be powered from 2 AA cells for a long time.

Nice Color Screen, no back light needed daytime

Water resistant

No easy to break off parts

Can be powered from USB connection!

Memory Cards(Micro SD) can be written to outside of unit

Does a good job routing for automobile use

Has marine and geocaching functions as well as hiking stuff like track logs etc.

fair pricing

Lots of optionally available maps

Garmin support is good including firmware updates that add functionality.

Cons:

Screen could be larger

Requires purchase of maps for street level(but this keeps price down, for people who aren't driving with it)

Even with car kit unit doesn't talk at all("turn right next" or more recent auto units that pronounce street names)like the NUVI units do.

That said this and the 60 series are the only GPS units that you can drive with as well as use for hiking/boating/geocaching that work really well. The Magellan units that support both Meridian and Explorist are not nearlly as nice from a hardware, software and firmware point of view.

I will keep this unit until Garmin comes out with one that talks and pronounces street names as well as all the other functions that the 76 has. Would have also cosidered the 60CX but the price of the 76CX was better with the rebate offered this month.