GPS, DGPS what are my options?

[capercanuck]

I'm interested in picking up a GPS for my boat. It seems everywhere you look, a company is selling a GPS system. Does anyone have any information or personal experiences of GPS use? I have one for hunting, a little Garmin model, but if the sun isn't splitting the rocks, I can't get a bearing. Is the same true with marine GPS units?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: GPS, DGPS what are my options?

Hand held work great on the water - no obstructions. I use an older garmin 12 and it is accurate enough to get me home. Save your money for noy and give the handheld a try. Allot of people are confused by GPS and I always suggest that a new to GPS person use a compass at the same time. This enables you to understand the vector the gps shows. I hoestly like my gps on water more than land....hmm no walking involved!<br /><br />Bob

 

[Homerr]

Re: GPS, DGPS what are my options?

I use a Magellan Map330. They make a marine version, but there isn't much differance between the two other than price. (330M is bit higher)<br /><br />Mine came with a mounting bracket that I put in the boat and hooked it into my VHF DSC radio.<br /><br />You can also download new maps and such into the 330 models.<br /><br />If marine only is what you want, then the 330M is a good choice, or if you want a little of both land and sea, a 330 would work nicely too.<br /><br />H.

 

[Chum Slick]

Re: GPS, DGPS what are my options?

Depends on what type boat you have and where you are boating. If you are area you are familiar with and are limited to smaller rivers, bays, etc. the handheld may suite your needs. If you are heading out to the larger lakes, bays, rivers that you are not familiar with consider a fixed mount with external antenna. BoatersWorld has a pretty good deal on the Garmin GPSMap 225 for $499.00. I already have a fixed mount Garmin and wanted to upgrade so I ordered one yesterday. I have had really good luck with my older Garmin and most of my fishing buds have Garmins on their boats used in Chesapeake Bay and off Md/Va coasts. I am biased toward Garmin but believe most of the comparable brands are good units.

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: GPS, DGPS what are my options?

I recommend hand held too. Just make sure you get one that is waterproof (like all Garmins) and not water resistant (like a lot of Magellans, Eagles, Lowrances and others).<br /><br />I use my hand held to go to boat ramps I have never even been before, then take it on the boat to fish spot s that friends have told me over the phone,and can go EXACTLY to where they say.<br /><br />I have a Garmin GPSMAP76 with the Bluechart contour maps and the US roads and Waterways, and it shows everything. You need to see one to believe the detail.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: GPS, DGPS what are my options?

Be sure to get one that has 12 channels, with WAAS, and waterproof. Garmin seems to have the edge over the others, although their are many good manufactures. I have several, the most recent is the Garmin GPS MAP 76S, a great hand held. When you get the BlueChart and codes (one free code with each disc) it starts to get a little pricy ($50.00 rebate going on right now)...but it is the state of the art. Take a look at the current issue of "Boating" page 68. I'd like to see how they work in rain, wind, and ten foot seas,...that map gets a little small for old eyes! I would seriously consider a bigger display with a permanent mount for the boat...like a Garmin GPSMAP 168

 

[dwarrick]

Re: GPS, DGPS what are my options?

I have 2 GPS units one I use in my truck and the other on my boat both are Garmin units. I like the 176C because of the clear screen and it is color. It can also be used as a handheld unit I use a 76Map in my truck to get to new work sites. Or to get around in strange parts of town. The 176 series is a handheld but comes with the mount. The 76 series does not. You can get a monochrome 176 for about 399 big screen for a handheld and has memory modules you can replace with ease I have several blue charts on the memory modules. Great units.

 

[paintermn]

Re: GPS, DGPS what are my options?

I use a handheld Magellan Tracker on my boat. I have the screens set to always tell me the correct bearing when I am going to my "spot". All I need to do is check the bearing number, and watch my compass.<br /><br />The compass is easy to see and gets me close. Wheen I am actually near my waypoint, I use the gps to pinpoint me.