I'm up here on the east coast, Maine to be more exact. The coast here is one mess of islands, hidden rocks, and channels for two hundred miles north of me. I think a GPS would be a REAL good idea. Any recomendations from the more experianced members here? I'm haveing a real tough time figureing out the Loran system I got with my boat. ( can't figure it out at all. The way I'm seeing Loran is, by the time I get my fix, I'll be in the next ocean. ) I'm off to the internet tomorrow night to explore, perhaps a site or two would help, Thanks....
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Bob Todd
Hi Tom...
I used to sail out of the Navy Yard in Portsmouth. Had a great time there. Portsmouth is a wonderful city. I used a Garmin GPS12 for years that did just dandy. I have since switched to a Garmin GPS76 which I also like. Prices vary, but there are usually a hundred or so on eBay. There's a link to garmin on my web page (linkage below). Cheers, Bob
I used to sail out of the Navy Yard in Portsmouth. Had a great time there. Portsmouth is a wonderful city. I used a Garmin GPS12 for years that did just dandy. I have since switched to a Garmin GPS76 which I also like. Prices vary, but there are usually a hundred or so on eBay. There's a link to garmin on my web page (linkage below). Cheers, Bob
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Ed
A good hand-held GPS is...
Garmin 76S. They retail for about $450, but I was able to get a new one on ebay for a lot less. You'll also need to get their BluChart CD to download charts from a PC to the unit. The CD can sells in the $100 range. Good luck and happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Garmin 76S. They retail for about $450, but I was able to get a new one on ebay for a lot less. You'll also need to get their BluChart CD to download charts from a PC to the unit. The CD can sells in the $100 range. Good luck and happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
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steven f.
agree with Bob
It just happens I completely agree with Bob. I have an old Garmin 12 hand held GPS and it is a great unit. It is very simple to use and understand. As it (and me) ages I am starting to shop for a newer one. I'm leaning towards the Garmin 176. I personally have found the Garmin software to be very user friendly but I'm sure it would depend on which brand you grew up using. I'll bet they all have their good and bad points but which ever one you get make sure you know your way around it. Trying to figure it out at night with bad weather closing in on you is not the time to break out the manual.
It just happens I completely agree with Bob. I have an old Garmin 12 hand held GPS and it is a great unit. It is very simple to use and understand. As it (and me) ages I am starting to shop for a newer one. I'm leaning towards the Garmin 176. I personally have found the Garmin software to be very user friendly but I'm sure it would depend on which brand you grew up using. I'll bet they all have their good and bad points but which ever one you get make sure you know your way around it. Trying to figure it out at night with bad weather closing in on you is not the time to break out the manual.
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Geof Tillotson
GPS MAP 76
After much research, and also deciding that the LORAN that came with my boat was a great backup system, I got the Garmin GPS MAP 76. The features I liked: - Size of screen and readability - Handheld (moves with me)- doesn't stay with the boat, making it one less thing to attract theft. - MAPS!! - It came with a basic map that we have found to be very helpful, both on the boat and on land - The BlueCharts are good, I will be purchasing them over the winter for next year - Low power consumption - 2 AAA batteries for every 24 hours of ON time - Nicely designed holder/stand that I was able to mount very easily in the boat - Anchor Drag - I use it all the time I boat it at BoatUS in Seabrook NH. After looking at the units on EBAY, which were selling for almost retail, I decided to get it locally, so that I could return it if I had any issues. BoatUS didn't have it in Massachusetts, so I took a quick drive up to grab it. I also had a gift certificate for BoatUS that softened the blow. Just my $.02 worth. Geof s/v Day-O
After much research, and also deciding that the LORAN that came with my boat was a great backup system, I got the Garmin GPS MAP 76. The features I liked: - Size of screen and readability - Handheld (moves with me)- doesn't stay with the boat, making it one less thing to attract theft. - MAPS!! - It came with a basic map that we have found to be very helpful, both on the boat and on land - The BlueCharts are good, I will be purchasing them over the winter for next year - Low power consumption - 2 AAA batteries for every 24 hours of ON time - Nicely designed holder/stand that I was able to mount very easily in the boat - Anchor Drag - I use it all the time I boat it at BoatUS in Seabrook NH. After looking at the units on EBAY, which were selling for almost retail, I decided to get it locally, so that I could return it if I had any issues. BoatUS didn't have it in Massachusetts, so I took a quick drive up to grab it. I also had a gift certificate for BoatUS that softened the blow. Just my $.02 worth. Geof s/v Day-O
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Al
don't get the Magellan GPS 315 handheld...
The anchor alarm is bearly audible and you can NOT adjust the volume!!! Make sure that the unit you pick has adjustable alarm volume!
The anchor alarm is bearly audible and you can NOT adjust the volume!!! Make sure that the unit you pick has adjustable alarm volume!
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Tom Akin
Map 76
It looked like a good unit to me also. I was a bit put off by the price, but I have the winter to save, and perhaps a bit of next summer as well. I was hopeing there was a cheaper one, but I imagine at night, in unfamilure surroundings, I would want the best, not the cheapest!
It looked like a good unit to me also. I was a bit put off by the price, but I have the winter to save, and perhaps a bit of next summer as well. I was hopeing there was a cheaper one, but I imagine at night, in unfamilure surroundings, I would want the best, not the cheapest!
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wayne
agree with geof
all the features geof mentioned are a plus. used the garmin map handheld GPS for the 3 day voyage it took to go around the island after purchasing "AMERICA". "crumb trail" feature another plus.
all the features geof mentioned are a plus. used the garmin map handheld GPS for the 3 day voyage it took to go around the island after purchasing "AMERICA". "crumb trail" feature another plus.
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Geof Tillotson
Oh Yeah - Crumb trails
I have yet to turn the old trails off - since we sail the same waters all the time now, you can imagine how many trails I currently have on the unit. I got to get out the manual for this one. Geof
I have yet to turn the old trails off - since we sail the same waters all the time now, you can imagine how many trails I currently have on the unit. I got to get out the manual for this one. Geof
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Rick
Bluechart
I have been using the GPS MAP76 for about 6 months now. I highly recommend getting the bluechart at the same time. It is totally amazing. In my slip with the GPS on I can zoom in to the point that the display shows that I am on 4th slip on the 3rd dock. Motoring out of the harbor the display shows every submerged rock and depth contour lines, docks, navaids and even ship wrecks all in relation to where your boat is at. The 'crumb trails' can be loaded back into a pc and each dot of the trail is a data mark showing your exact speed, heading, and other info taken at that instant. If you have a PC or laptop on the boat the GPS can be left attached and the computer is like a big chartplotter showing the chart for your area with your boat traveling along on the map. I bought the metroguide also. After sailing I can take the unit back to the car and bring up any street map in the USA. I can select 'points of interest', 'restrauants', 'pizza' and the gps will list every pizza joint in town starting with the nearest. I tell it to 'go to' and it shows me the map with the pizza place on it so that I can drive right to it. It will even show the phone number for the place so I can call and order ahead of time so it will be waiting when I get there.
I have been using the GPS MAP76 for about 6 months now. I highly recommend getting the bluechart at the same time. It is totally amazing. In my slip with the GPS on I can zoom in to the point that the display shows that I am on 4th slip on the 3rd dock. Motoring out of the harbor the display shows every submerged rock and depth contour lines, docks, navaids and even ship wrecks all in relation to where your boat is at. The 'crumb trails' can be loaded back into a pc and each dot of the trail is a data mark showing your exact speed, heading, and other info taken at that instant. If you have a PC or laptop on the boat the GPS can be left attached and the computer is like a big chartplotter showing the chart for your area with your boat traveling along on the map. I bought the metroguide also. After sailing I can take the unit back to the car and bring up any street map in the USA. I can select 'points of interest', 'restrauants', 'pizza' and the gps will list every pizza joint in town starting with the nearest. I tell it to 'go to' and it shows me the map with the pizza place on it so that I can drive right to it. It will even show the phone number for the place so I can call and order ahead of time so it will be waiting when I get there.
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Ed Hebert
bluechart?
I wasn't aware that the Map 76 was compatible with Bluechart. According to the garmin website, they list it only as Mapsource compatible. Is it the same information, just on CD instead of a chip? Thanks
I wasn't aware that the Map 76 was compatible with Bluechart. According to the garmin website, they list it only as Mapsource compatible. Is it the same information, just on CD instead of a chip? Thanks
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Ed
BlueChart is compatible with...
Garmin 76S, which is a more powerful (can hold 24 meg of memory) version of Map76 (which holds up to 8 meg). I just load up the CD on my laptop, then download the charts I've paid for (and given access to) into the unit. At present, I've loaded all the Chespeake Bay navigation and bathimetry charts, and roads in the several adjacent counties, and the topography of the northern part of Shenandoah National Park. Even with all that, I still have 4 Meg available. ;^) ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Garmin 76S, which is a more powerful (can hold 24 meg of memory) version of Map76 (which holds up to 8 meg). I just load up the CD on my laptop, then download the charts I've paid for (and given access to) into the unit. At present, I've loaded all the Chespeake Bay navigation and bathimetry charts, and roads in the several adjacent counties, and the topography of the northern part of Shenandoah National Park. Even with all that, I still have 4 Meg available. ;^) ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
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Don Bodemann
Garmin 126
Had a Garmin hand held with the last boat. Liked it so decided to get a Garmin again, as the controls would be familiar. Being a "cheap-o" I didn't want to spring for built in mapping, (figured I can still use a chaRT) but this time I thought s fixed mount with a bigger screen would be nice. I only used the thing on the boat, so portability was not needed. The Garmin 126 has been the perfect unit for my needs and budget. Don B.
Had a Garmin hand held with the last boat. Liked it so decided to get a Garmin again, as the controls would be familiar. Being a "cheap-o" I didn't want to spring for built in mapping, (figured I can still use a chaRT) but this time I thought s fixed mount with a bigger screen would be nice. I only used the thing on the boat, so portability was not needed. The Garmin 126 has been the perfect unit for my needs and budget. Don B.
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Paul Akers
Bluechart in Maine
Tom, I just returned my boat to Portsmouth, RI after having it up in Portland for two months. I bought a Garmin 182 Chartplotter specifically to use while cruising up there. It, too, is BlueChart compatible). It was remarkable! The best navigational investment I have ever made. We did a two week cruise up there in August (273 nm) that took us as far as Swan's Island. Even in the fog (1 day - when used with radar for detection) you can tell exactly where you are in relation to any hazards, land or buoys. If you need more info, contact me thru the Hunter owner's directory. I have a Maine chip to offer. Good Luck, this is a significant purchase for you.
Tom, I just returned my boat to Portsmouth, RI after having it up in Portland for two months. I bought a Garmin 182 Chartplotter specifically to use while cruising up there. It, too, is BlueChart compatible). It was remarkable! The best navigational investment I have ever made. We did a two week cruise up there in August (273 nm) that took us as far as Swan's Island. Even in the fog (1 day - when used with radar for detection) you can tell exactly where you are in relation to any hazards, land or buoys. If you need more info, contact me thru the Hunter owner's directory. I have a Maine chip to offer. Good Luck, this is a significant purchase for you.
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Bluechart
Bluechart really is _that_ good. I got early release copies when I worked for the evil chain marine supplier and they were amazing - the release stuff is even better. Well worth the investment. You will have to try hard to find anything that is not WAAS at this point but there are some systems still out there. Get the WAAS - the accuracy is stunning. I like Garmins smallest fixed mount unit best. It will run on hard power or batteries so you can mount it whereever and use it. The batteries let you take it home and plot charts while pondering next year's trips. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Bluechart really is _that_ good. I got early release copies when I worked for the evil chain marine supplier and they were amazing - the release stuff is even better. Well worth the investment. You will have to try hard to find anything that is not WAAS at this point but there are some systems still out there. Get the WAAS - the accuracy is stunning. I like Garmins smallest fixed mount unit best. It will run on hard power or batteries so you can mount it whereever and use it. The batteries let you take it home and plot charts while pondering next year's trips. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Peter Milne
BlueCharts can be Dangerous
I recently purchased a Garmin Map76S and the BlueCharts for the Canadian west coast. When I checked out the charts for the areas I knew best I was horified by the inaccuracies. I trashed the Bluecharts and purchased the raster charts along with some inexpensive mapping software (Oziexplorer) and hooked it all up to my note book computer (GPS too). Voila, what an amazing system. Not only is it more powerful, it is a darn sight safer. Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
I recently purchased a Garmin Map76S and the BlueCharts for the Canadian west coast. When I checked out the charts for the areas I knew best I was horified by the inaccuracies. I trashed the Bluecharts and purchased the raster charts along with some inexpensive mapping software (Oziexplorer) and hooked it all up to my note book computer (GPS too). Voila, what an amazing system. Not only is it more powerful, it is a darn sight safer. Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
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John renfro
gps
hello Tom, about 1999, an article in the e.a.a. Magazine SPORT AVIATION told about a flight from san fransisco to Hawaii using a hand held gps with a second gps as backup. Before he hot to Hawaii, both units had failed. They are good to have but don't trust them. john
hello Tom, about 1999, an article in the e.a.a. Magazine SPORT AVIATION told about a flight from san fransisco to Hawaii using a hand held gps with a second gps as backup. Before he hot to Hawaii, both units had failed. They are good to have but don't trust them. john
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Ken
Blue chart for Pete
Peter, The Blue chart for Western Canada is in an up- date phase. If you go to the boat show this January there will be exchanges given for the older charts give out. Garmin says that there is so much data in your waters that it may take several up-dates to fix them all, but those will be free. I have found that the NOAA Charts for the San Juans south are on par with the Blue Chart that I have, as well as my local knowledge. I really never rely on my GPS chart, I just love my Canadian Hydro charts and just like your Inside Passage their a work of art.
Peter, The Blue chart for Western Canada is in an up- date phase. If you go to the boat show this January there will be exchanges given for the older charts give out. Garmin says that there is so much data in your waters that it may take several up-dates to fix them all, but those will be free. I have found that the NOAA Charts for the San Juans south are on par with the Blue Chart that I have, as well as my local knowledge. I really never rely on my GPS chart, I just love my Canadian Hydro charts and just like your Inside Passage their a work of art.
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Palmer King
Magellan and fish-finder
I saw and earlier post about the Magellan 315 and agree. It also tends to fail easily. However, the Magellan 330M seems pretty good and has a lot of marine navigation information pre-programmed. You might give it a try. For the rocks and shoals, etc., buy an inexpensive fish-finder. Much better than a depth gauge since you can "see" the bottom.
I saw and earlier post about the Magellan 315 and agree. It also tends to fail easily. However, the Magellan 330M seems pretty good and has a lot of marine navigation information pre-programmed. You might give it a try. For the rocks and shoals, etc., buy an inexpensive fish-finder. Much better than a depth gauge since you can "see" the bottom.
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Tom Akin
Thank you all!!
I think I'll get the Garmin 182 (?) chart plotter. The color one should drop in price by the time I get in the water. I have a depth sounder and loran already. I think with all three, and new charts, I will be in great shape. For now, core repair, port bedding, fiberglass, etc.! Thank you all for your imput! Tom
I think I'll get the Garmin 182 (?) chart plotter. The color one should drop in price by the time I get in the water. I have a depth sounder and loran already. I think with all three, and new charts, I will be in great shape. For now, core repair, port bedding, fiberglass, etc.! Thank you all for your imput! Tom
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