gps systems
- Thread starter MARKMOON
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If you're looking for one specifically for boating, you will probably want one that is IPX7 submersible and that floats. The Garmin 72 is a good basic unit and fits those specifications. Be aware that the Garmin 72 is not a mapping unit, and that is reflected in the lower cost.
I'll be sailing off of South Carolina mapping would be good but not really need i hope to find charts with help from locals tow boats by radio i will look at the 72 thanks guys
We have a Map76 (8meg) and recently bought a second one (a76S/more memory/24 meg) off of e-bay that appears brand new for $85. That would be my suggestion to start with. It has more memory than the 72, better resolution, you can add maps, etc. and it is about the same price.
c ya,
Sum
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Garmin 76 series
I just read in a sailing mag that garmin will no longer offer chart updates for the 76 series. So if you plan on using this awhile you might consider something else with a sd or another memory card. My 76cs is loaded off a CD with the computer. But already some charts are outdated.
I just read in a sailing mag that garmin will no longer offer chart updates for the 76 series. So if you plan on using this awhile you might consider something else with a sd or another memory card. My 76cs is loaded off a CD with the computer. But already some charts are outdated.
That's because the 76C and 76CS have been replaced by the 76CSx and 76Cx, which have a microSD slot.
In my opinion Garmin is the way to go. Their products are very intuitive and easy to use in comparison to others on the market. The Garmin 72 is a nice unit, but no longer supported. So, I recommend getting a the Garmin 76CSx or 76Cx which is supported with the latest charting, etc. One is black and white and the other is color (and also has a compass display). The latest touch technology is available from Garmin in units like the Oregon, but for plotting courses and navigation over long distances the 76 series above are much better, in my opinion.
Actually, both the 76CSx and 76Cx are color units. That's actually what the C stands for in the name. The S stands for Sensors, and indicates that the unit has the altimeter and compass. The x indicates that it is the newer model that takes the external memory in the form of microSD cards.
Garmin generally uses similar terms to define their GPS units... the small chartplotters are now designated by XYZ as a model number. The X is the diagonal measurement of the screen, the Y is the type of charts loaded, and the Z is the screen resolution. A 440 would be a 4" screen with US coastal charts and the lower resolution. A 535 would be a 5" screen, the US inland charts and the higher resolution, as designated by the "5" in the last position. A 420 unit would have just the base world map and a low-resolution 4" screen.
For their new handheld units, the letter suffix tells what kind of charts are loaded. The Colorado 400c has US coastal charts, the 400t has topo maps, and the 400i has the inland charts.
Garmin generally uses similar terms to define their GPS units... the small chartplotters are now designated by XYZ as a model number. The X is the diagonal measurement of the screen, the Y is the type of charts loaded, and the Z is the screen resolution. A 440 would be a 4" screen with US coastal charts and the lower resolution. A 535 would be a 5" screen, the US inland charts and the higher resolution, as designated by the "5" in the last position. A 420 unit would have just the base world map and a low-resolution 4" screen.
For their new handheld units, the letter suffix tells what kind of charts are loaded. The Colorado 400c has US coastal charts, the 400t has topo maps, and the 400i has the inland charts.
go the garmin GPSMAP60 series over the 76 series, the buttons are at the bottom so you can single handed operate and see what you are doing...my $0.02 (and that's in Oz dollars, so worth even less!!)
The 76 units work fine and have a serious major advantage over the 60 series. The 76 series units float—the 60 series sink.
not saying the 76 doesn't work fine, i know some people just find it annoying..that's all.
Oh yeah, and don't drop it over...
whatever you get, get the cradle to mount it...
either way you'll be happy
I'm with SD, sum and the rest here. I have a simple Garmin 76 GPS, no charts, that has been very reliable, and is extremely suitable for local daysailing. I have a more powerful nav system on the lap top with all the charts etc.... but only use it when I go out of my familiar area . The 76 has all my important waypoints loaded from computer or set myself... such as race bouys etc. The reason I like it so much is that it floats, and it is very economical on 2 AA batteries. I have it hardwired, but it can easily be disconnected to store below or take on the dinghy.
If I set the screen to 2 large display... I can keep speed and course easily visible. If I want a more complex display I can remove it from the bracket and hold it in my hand.
I have taken it out on my beach cat... on a lanyard around my neck.. it's cool.
On the second pic, the wind speed reads 7.5 (at deck level, I know) and the boat speed reads 5.5 kts..... can't remember what point I was trying to make when I took it... but that's senioritis for you. Anyway, the 76 unit is almost 8 years old. No problems.
If I set the screen to 2 large display... I can keep speed and course easily visible. If I want a more complex display I can remove it from the bracket and hold it in my hand.
I have taken it out on my beach cat... on a lanyard around my neck.. it's cool.
On the second pic, the wind speed reads 7.5 (at deck level, I know) and the boat speed reads 5.5 kts..... can't remember what point I was trying to make when I took it... but that's senioritis for you. Anyway, the 76 unit is almost 8 years old. No problems.
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Another vote for Garmin. I bought an etrex Vista handheld from ebay about 2 years ago ($100) and it's been great for me. It's got a small screen and just a minimal marine chart, but it has a great compass and waypoint display functions. I like to navigate with charts mainly, so the GPS is there when I need to ask for directions 
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