Bill, I think you will be very happy with your purchase. I have been using the early generation of your model (176c) for cruising in the San Juans for two years now and I really like it. The only criticism that I have is that Blue Chart does not have many tide stations north of Bellingham Washington. I have been using the Inside passage chip. I asked Garmin and they said that they will remedy that problem with the new chips. Of course, I will have to buy the updated chip. I have mounted mine on a swing out bracket in the companionway and can read it both inside and outside. The built in antenna has worked just fine. Cheers Keith H.