.

~ Captain Paul's response ~

The main difference between these two fine Garmin GPSMAP Chartplotters is the fact that the 546 has a brighter, more pixels screen than does the GPSMAP 541.

The performance and features other than the resolution of the screen in the display, are nearly identical. The size of the overall unit and the screens are identical, as is the amount of waypoints, tracks and routes that they can hold in their internal memory. Both units can accommodate Garmin’s top of the line mapping program called BlueChart g2 Vision. The g2 Vision is an accessory mapping program that allows for Auto Guidance and a 3D map view in aerial photo images.

Yes, I know that both units come preloaded with Coastal Maps, but the g2 Vision is Garmin’s top of the line accessory.

Go to the Garmin web site and view a side by comparison of both units at:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=148&compareProduct=101716&compareProduct=101696

It is up to you to determine if the extra money is worth the more detailed screens that the GPSMAP 546 offers. For that, I suggest that you visit a stocking Garmin Dealer and view the screens of the two units in a side by side view.

Keep in touch and let me what unit you decide to purchase.

Captain Paul