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~ Captain Paul's response to: ~ PETER SCHULZ ~

Very nice GPS unit. You made an excellent choice in those units.

As for you question, No! A single Captain Paul’s File will work in the two same brand units on different boats.

Be sure that you have the proper Garmin Data Transfer files in your computer to complete the transfer. The Garmin GPSMAP 740 requires the Garmin HOME PORT map viewing and data transfer program to view the maps in your unit and to transfer data between the unit and your computer.

In addition, you will need TWO spare Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, one for each unit. One Giga byte (1gb) size cards should do. You can find them at any camera, office supply, or drugstore. Keep them separate for doing data transfers.

With the unit off, place the memory card in the respective card slot in the unit. Turn the unit on and do any function in the unit. View and change a page screen or any such function. This will cause the GPS unit to write an identifying code on the memory card that includes the serial number of the unit. This will let the unit later recognize the card AND allow the HOME PORT software in your computer to believe that it is actually connected to the Garmin unit.

One initialized card will not work in the other unit, so use the particular card only for the unit that initialized it.

Even if you don’t purchase a Captain Paul’s Fishing Edge file, the data transfer program, Home Port, will allow you the flexibility of backing up your waypoints, evaluating your tracks and making routes on the computer, and most important SAVE them to a file in you computer.

Using this technique, I immediately discovered a slipping prop in the hub, by comparing the distance of my tacks as compared to the fuel I used on a trip.

Viewing the tracks, gives you the opportunity to later mark waypoints in the computer where you were successful and transfer them to a unit’s waypoint file.

Home Port is a good investment as is the Captain Paul’s Fishing Edge of GPS Waypoints.

~ Captain Paul ~