Charles,
I have the Garmin 130 on my boat, which is the same unit less the fish finder. I've found the unit extremely easy to use and very accurate...minimal learning curve. I have not yet purchased the G Chart for the unit yet, mainly due to the $375 price tag. With out the chip, the unit still provides you with land outlines. The chip would provide far more detail, including navigation aids, water depths, etc. Definitely something on my wish list. Regarding the fishfinder, it all depends on how much detail your looking for in a finder. The one incorporated in the Garmin is your basic LCD finder, showing the bottom, and using fish icons to mark what the machine thinks is "fish". Just my own thoughts......Good luck Andy L