Hand held GPS

[Bubba4137]

Hello, all! Looking to purchase a hand held for Great Lakes navigation. I've never owned one before and wondering if there's one out there that's easy to use for a newbie navigator. I'm assuming it's a matter of entering waypoints on the screen and having the unit help me know if I'm on course. Not sure here. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Stu Jackson]

http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Selecting-a-GPS-Receiver

Your most favored option is to find a store that sells them and try them out. What may be "intuitive" for me may not be for you.

 

[JoeWhite]

I use Garmin 76SC and it does everything that I need. I baught it in 2005 and never had any problem with it. You must buy the blue charts separately at an additional cost. I paid $ 150.00.

 

[seadaddler]

Smart Phone

Do you have a smartphone you could get a app with chartplotting and there
many to choose and the screen size is the same.
I have a 76cx as backup and use it mostly when Kayaking here in mangroves
in florida.
Very good but small screen or Iphone or Ipad are good too.
Nick

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I use Garmin 76SC and it does everything that I need. I baught it in 2005 and never had any problem with it. You must buy the blue charts separately at an additional cost. I paid $ 150.00.

Sadly, that unit no longer sold, and the 78 is NOT comparable. Bought one, gave it back searched around for a 76. Found it and I'll hang on to it for as long as I can make it work

 

[Bubba4137]

Great idea- will do!

 

[Bubba4137]

Do you have a smartphone you could get a app with chartplotting and there many to choose and the screen size is the same. I have a 76cx as backup and use it mostly when Kayaking here in mangroves in florida. Very good but small screen or Iphone or Ipad are good too. Nick

Should I worry about cell reception out on the water?

 

[Bubba4137]

Sadly, that unit no longer sold, and the 78 is NOT comparable. Bought one, gave it back searched around for a 76. Found it and I'll hang on to it for as long as I can make it work

I've heard this is true. I'll keep my eyes peeled for one.

 

[Brian D]

The GPS I use at the helm is an old Garmin GPS 12. It has all the info I need right there such as speed, course, distance traveled, and elapsed time. Since my GPS is connected to my autopilot, I can enter a waypoint and let the GPS steer the boat. Or, I just steer it myself. The GPS has no maps or charts. I have those down below.

Now, if you want to use a smart phone or tablet, that will also work. There are lots of applications that use the GPS receiver in the phone/tab that do not need cell access. They are stand alone. However, a lot of these devices are not really good in direct sunlight and do not take kindly to excessive moisture.

I have an Android and use GPS Test app that gives me just about all the info the Garmin 12 gives me. I also have a few charting apps that also give me visible location. Multiple backups on the boat. However, a simple older GPS will work just fine.

You can also look on eBay for older GPS terminals. That is where I got mine.

Good luck!

 

[Joe]

Should I worry about cell reception out on the water?

No... I use Navionics... which uses phone or tablet gps, maps are downloaded to device. It's not like google maps.

You can get the chartplotter apps for the maps and route planning... but I recommend a basic marine gps that can be seen in all conditions and is water resistant. I stand by my very reliable Garmin gps 76... it's not color, doesn't have charts... but it can be seen from anywhere on the boat... gives you large digital numbers for course and speed... other functions if you want them... like velocity made good. You won't get that type of easily visible data on a smartphone nav app.

My handheld will run very efficiently on 2 AA batteries.. but I normally use it with a data/power connection hardwired to house batteries. The cable also provides data to other instruments if desired.

The learning curve for any handheld gps is pretty short.... you just need to practice. I happen to prefer Garmin ... but they all work.

 

[Bubba4137]

No... I use Navionics... which uses phone or tablet gps, maps are downloaded to device. It's not like google maps. You can get the chartplotter apps for the maps and route planning... but I recommend a basic marine gps that can be seen in all conditions and is water resistant. I stand by my very reliable Garmin gps 76... it's not color, doesn't have charts... but it can be seen from anywhere on the boat... gives you large digital numbers for course and speed... other functions if you want them... like velocity made good. You won't get that type of easily visible data on a smartphone nav app. My handheld will run very efficiently on 2 AA batteries.. but I normally use it with a data/power connection hardwired to house batteries. The cable also provides data to other instruments if desired. The learning curve for any handheld gps is pretty short.... you just need to practice. I happen to prefer Garmin ... but they all work.

Thanks- I'll start stalking e-Bay for one!

 

[Bubba4137]

No... I use Navionics... which uses phone or tablet gps, maps are downloaded to device. It's not like google maps. You can get the chartplotter apps for the maps and route planning... but I recommend a basic marine gps that can be seen in all conditions and is water resistant. I stand by my very reliable Garmin gps 76... it's not color, doesn't have charts... but it can be seen from anywhere on the boat... gives you large digital numbers for course and speed... other functions if you want them... like velocity made good. You won't get that type of easily visible data on a smartphone nav app. My handheld will run very efficiently on 2 AA batteries.. but I normally use it with a data/power connection hardwired to house batteries. The cable also provides data to other instruments if desired. The learning curve for any handheld gps is pretty short.... you just need to practice. I happen to prefer Garmin ... but they all work.

I'm checking that app out- looks pretty cool. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Bubba4137]

The GPS I use at the helm is an old Garmin GPS 12. It has all the info I need right there such as speed, course, distance traveled, and elapsed time. Since my GPS is connected to my autopilot, I can enter a waypoint and let the GPS steer the boat. Or, I just steer it myself. The GPS has no maps or charts. I have those down below. Now, if you want to use a smart phone or tablet, that will also work. There are lots of applications that use the GPS receiver in the phone/tab that do not need cell access. They are stand alone. However, a lot of these devices are not really good in direct sunlight and do not take kindly to excessive moisture. I have an Android and use GPS Test app that gives me just about all the info the Garmin 12 gives me. I also have a few charting apps that also give me visible location. Multiple backups on the boat. However, a simple older GPS will work just fine. You can also look on eBay for older GPS terminals. That is where I got mine. Good luck!

Interesting. The boat I just purchased has autopilot, so I'll have to look into connecting it to a Garmin or Magellan. Thanks for the info!

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Bubba,

This is just my opinion but, you have a 31 footer thus room to mount a GPS. I personally do NOT like handhelds for sailing. Too small of a screen & not mounted in place for ease of use in all conditions.

Yea, there will be a difference in cost but, you need to remember to, "Never allow price to be your first motivator, need & use should decide priority."

CR

 

[Capt jgw]

The phone and tablet apps work great, maybe better than a dedicated GPS, but beware, one splash on the unit and it's warrantee are done. They put moisture detectors inside so they know when to deny your warrantee claim.

 

[Roadking Larry]

Not all phones are instantly shot with a splash of water.
I've got a Galaxy S4 Active that survived a dunking to about 2'. It was clipped to my pocket when I came off the boat and I went in to my armpits.

 

[Joe]

Thanks- I'll start stalking e-Bay for one!

GPS 76 Two function view on compass page... showing speed and course.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Let's say, you find yourself at nite in an unfamiliar area and/or a channel with known shoals & bad weather.

I ask then, is this a good time to have a 4-5" screen chartplotter mounted instead of a handheld? And, what if you also needed to have both hands on the wheel or tiller because you find yourself in bad conditions what I call the Shize? I don't feel this is a good time to have a handheld.

If this does not happen to you, a handheld may be sufficient, it really depends on your type & areas of sailing. I like my chartplotter mounted, as it can swivel to any angle in the cockpit, so I'm free to move around yet see it easily.

Just my opinion guys.

CR

 

[Bubba4137]

The phone and tablet apps work great, maybe better than a dedicated GPS, but beware, one splash on the unit and it's warrantee are done. They put moisture detectors inside so they know when to deny your warrantee claim.

Good to know! Thanks.

 

[Bubba4137]

Bubba, This is just my opinion but, you have a 31 footer thus room to mount a GPS. I personally do NOT like handhelds for sailing. Too small of a screen & not mounted in place for ease of use in all conditions. Yea, there will be a difference in cost but, you need to remember to, "Never allow price to be your first motivator, need & use should decide priority." CR

That, captnron, is a great point...