GPS Antenna ?

[Legend]

HI. Purchased a new multi-function Garmin GPS unit and it says it has an internal antenna. Has the option for an external antenna. Anyone with a fairly new GPS using just the internal antenna and is so any issues with satellite reception? The unit is to be installed in a Sailfish, under the hardtop and surface mounted in the cockpit. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Coastboater]

I’ve installed a few, all with internal antenna and never had a problem picking up satellites. A couple were hardtops.
You should be fine and if not add the external antenna later.

 

[Halfhitch]

Same as Coastboater here. Just connect your Garmin to a NMEA 2000 system and all your other instruments will be able to make use of it. Like your VHS, autopilot, or any NMEA 2000 capable gizmo.

 

[Ekea]

mine is mounted just above my steering wheel (so lower than yours), i have no external antenna and it does fine