I am going to purchase a gps on friday. I am leaning toward the GARMIN GPS 48 Handheld GPS. At $190.00, it appears to be what I want but being very new, your comments would be very welcome. <br><br>I plan on doing coastal cruising on the east coast and florida gulf. <br><br>Thanks a bunch as I know that I will get good answers!
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Bob
It's a good device
The Garmin 48 is a great device. You get a lot of features at a fair price. I suggest you also get the 12 volt adapter, too, unless you go with some sort of rechargable type. A set of long-life batteries is good for about 10-12 hours of continuous use. I have owned one for about 15 months (I paid $200 for it on sale back then) and have had no problems with it at all. Good luck with your purchase. Bob Gauvreau C-36, "Purrrfect" San Francisco, Ca
The Garmin 48 is a great device. You get a lot of features at a fair price. I suggest you also get the 12 volt adapter, too, unless you go with some sort of rechargable type. A set of long-life batteries is good for about 10-12 hours of continuous use. I have owned one for about 15 months (I paid $200 for it on sale back then) and have had no problems with it at all. Good luck with your purchase. Bob Gauvreau C-36, "Purrrfect" San Francisco, Ca
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Alan Liebnick
I agree
I have a Garmin 48 and I am very satisfied. " Practical Sailor" newsletter gave it the highest marks in the handheld category. The Garmin 175 was given high marks in the handheld Chartplotter group as well. We do extensive coastal cruising( Long Island Sound) and I have found it to be an indispensible piece of equipment. My project this year is to install a 12 volt outlet in the cockpit and purchase an adapter for the 48. The batteries do have extensive life to them as well. I am sure you will enjoy it. Also Garmin has a 48 "How to" video for about $20.00. I purchased it at West Marine.
I have a Garmin 48 and I am very satisfied. " Practical Sailor" newsletter gave it the highest marks in the handheld category. The Garmin 175 was given high marks in the handheld Chartplotter group as well. We do extensive coastal cruising( Long Island Sound) and I have found it to be an indispensible piece of equipment. My project this year is to install a 12 volt outlet in the cockpit and purchase an adapter for the 48. The batteries do have extensive life to them as well. I am sure you will enjoy it. Also Garmin has a 48 "How to" video for about $20.00. I purchased it at West Marine.
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David Foster
Does it all.
I bought a battery charger, and AA rechargeable batteries from Radio Shack. Buy the highest capacity rechargeables, and you may decide you don't need anything else.
I bought a battery charger, and AA rechargeable batteries from Radio Shack. Buy the highest capacity rechargeables, and you may decide you don't need anything else.
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Jon Bastien
I like my GPS48...
...but I have one small problem with it- it likes to turn itself off when it gets bumped. I think I just need to clean the battery contacts with an eraser or something, but this problem is a major nuisance when you're trying to use it to get to the next waypoint! I think that the 12-volt adapter is a great idea, and if I had one, it would probably also solve my problem. Also, this GPS can be connected to your PC, if you have the correct cable (about $25, I think). This way you can download corrections to its NavAid database direct from Garmin for free. I think this GPS is a great choice for a new buyer, has enough features for an advanced user, and will probably suit all your needs for a long time to come. --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
...but I have one small problem with it- it likes to turn itself off when it gets bumped. I think I just need to clean the battery contacts with an eraser or something, but this problem is a major nuisance when you're trying to use it to get to the next waypoint! I think that the 12-volt adapter is a great idea, and if I had one, it would probably also solve my problem. Also, this GPS can be connected to your PC, if you have the correct cable (about $25, I think). This way you can download corrections to its NavAid database direct from Garmin for free. I think this GPS is a great choice for a new buyer, has enough features for an advanced user, and will probably suit all your needs for a long time to come. --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
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Ed Schenck
No 12V power lead?
All the discussion seems to be about batteries. Does the "48" not have a mounting for remote antenna and 12 volts? My Garmin 12XL mounts on the helm and gets its power from the boat(and signal from a good antenna).
All the discussion seems to be about batteries. Does the "48" not have a mounting for remote antenna and 12 volts? My Garmin 12XL mounts on the helm and gets its power from the boat(and signal from a good antenna).
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Jon Bastien
Yes, there's a 12V lead...
...but I'd venture to say that many of us have not purchased that extra piece of equipment! On my H25, my GPS is kept in a PVC pocket under the companionway, mostly because I haven't tackled the project of getting a mount put in the companionway yet. Until I get it mounted, there's not much point in wiring it to the 12V system... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
...but I'd venture to say that many of us have not purchased that extra piece of equipment! On my H25, my GPS is kept in a PVC pocket under the companionway, mostly because I haven't tackled the project of getting a mount put in the companionway yet. Until I get it mounted, there's not much point in wiring it to the 12V system... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
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david lewis
Garmin Once Again
I bought the 12 volt adapter and never installed it, just lazy I guess. As far as an antenna, I get excellent reception inside the boat at the Nav station with just the antenna that came with the unit. I was going to buy an external antenna but found I didn't need it. This is a very expensive option so I suggest try it before you waste the money. The real advantage of these units is having them right with you at the helm where you can monitor VMG, watch your drift, see your distance to waypoints, etc. Edson now makes a bracket for mounting these units at your pedestal but my cheapo solution is just as good. Just get an end cap for a piece of PVC pipe, drill some holes in the cap to mount the Garmin mounting bracket and then install the end cap in your cup holder at the pedestal or if you dont have a pedestal (tiller steered boat) mount a cup holder near you off one of the coamings or maybe off a stantion. Be careful though because the units are not fully waterproof. Maybe get a waterproof bag to put it in.
I bought the 12 volt adapter and never installed it, just lazy I guess. As far as an antenna, I get excellent reception inside the boat at the Nav station with just the antenna that came with the unit. I was going to buy an external antenna but found I didn't need it. This is a very expensive option so I suggest try it before you waste the money. The real advantage of these units is having them right with you at the helm where you can monitor VMG, watch your drift, see your distance to waypoints, etc. Edson now makes a bracket for mounting these units at your pedestal but my cheapo solution is just as good. Just get an end cap for a piece of PVC pipe, drill some holes in the cap to mount the Garmin mounting bracket and then install the end cap in your cup holder at the pedestal or if you dont have a pedestal (tiller steered boat) mount a cup holder near you off one of the coamings or maybe off a stantion. Be careful though because the units are not fully waterproof. Maybe get a waterproof bag to put it in.
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Miles
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Dan Steill
Well thanks and I got it....
I bought the Garmin 48 last night with all of the accessories, ALL of them.... Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it! Thanks guys for all the postings. I really appreciate the help and not one negative comment about the unit.
I bought the Garmin 48 last night with all of the accessories, ALL of them.... Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it! Thanks guys for all the postings. I really appreciate the help and not one negative comment about the unit.
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Joe
GPS 48 comments
I have that unit, it's all you need. Will serve as nice back up when I get that chartplotter. I bought the hard wire kit, but don't use it cause I like the unit in the cockpit of my tillered C27. I bought a humongous box of cheapo batteries from Costco, so power is flexible and convenient. I mounted a few heavy duty velcro strips to strategic places in the cockpit, and to the GPS 48, so I can move it around. This works really well. I have the hard mount inside with the hard wire. I'm glad I DIDN'T get an external antenna, never had a reception problem with the internal.
I have that unit, it's all you need. Will serve as nice back up when I get that chartplotter. I bought the hard wire kit, but don't use it cause I like the unit in the cockpit of my tillered C27. I bought a humongous box of cheapo batteries from Costco, so power is flexible and convenient. I mounted a few heavy duty velcro strips to strategic places in the cockpit, and to the GPS 48, so I can move it around. This works really well. I have the hard mount inside with the hard wire. I'm glad I DIDN'T get an external antenna, never had a reception problem with the internal.
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Dan Steill
Software for the Garmin 48
What software do I get for the Garmin 48? I will be sailing in the southeast coastal area.
What software do I get for the Garmin 48? I will be sailing in the southeast coastal area.
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Stanley J. Rogacevicz
Garmin 48 Mounting
I modified the standard mounting bracket by mounting it on an 24" x 1" piece of wood that mounts to the underside of a standard 4 cup holder (no affect on # of drinks held :>) ) mounted in the usual place on front of the pedistal. The mount to the cup holder and the bracket itself are held by a bolt with large plastic knobs for tightening and loosening. This way it can swing to either side of the wheel for viewing on either tack. The 12v cord is plugged into one of the two cigarette lighter outlets (other for VHF or spotlight) in the box I fabricated hanging from the front of the pedistal which also houses my 2 rear low mag interference stereo speakers. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
I modified the standard mounting bracket by mounting it on an 24" x 1" piece of wood that mounts to the underside of a standard 4 cup holder (no affect on # of drinks held :>) ) mounted in the usual place on front of the pedistal. The mount to the cup holder and the bracket itself are held by a bolt with large plastic knobs for tightening and loosening. This way it can swing to either side of the wheel for viewing on either tack. The 12v cord is plugged into one of the two cigarette lighter outlets (other for VHF or spotlight) in the box I fabricated hanging from the front of the pedistal which also houses my 2 rear low mag interference stereo speakers. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
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Joe
Software?
For what purpose do you need the software? I believe all North American navaids are in database, but the GPS 48 has no chartplotting or mapping features. You can, however, hook it up to your laptop to augment PC nav chart software.
For what purpose do you need the software? I believe all North American navaids are in database, but the GPS 48 has no chartplotting or mapping features. You can, however, hook it up to your laptop to augment PC nav chart software.
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Tom M.
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Dan Steill
my laptop
I am going to connect it to my Laptop computer and therefore I need a program for the laptop.
I am going to connect it to my Laptop computer and therefore I need a program for the laptop.
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Joe
I've heard good reports.....
... on "The Cap'n. Why don't you start a new thread, or a new question, in the "Ask all Sailors" forum. Since this thread seems limited to the GPS 48, a general software question should get a greater response from all GPS/laptop users.
... on "The Cap'n. Why don't you start a new thread, or a new question, in the "Ask all Sailors" forum. Since this thread seems limited to the GPS 48, a general software question should get a greater response from all GPS/laptop users.
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Dan Steill
This IS "ask all sailors" isn't it???????
Joe of San Diego, I believe that I am in the right place.... I think, that is....
Joe of San Diego, I believe that I am in the right place.... I think, that is....
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Software and DSC
1. It is possible to send the data signal from the 48 (or any other nema capable GPS unit) to every DSC radio I've seen. I will be installing a Standard Horizon Intrepid on my boat, along with the remote mic setup, and I will hook my GPS to it to get the whole poor man's epirb effect. Of course the Coast Guard isn't equipped to use DSC at their Portland base yet, but its coming. 2. My choice for charting software is the Nobeltech package. The current version suits me well, I find its easy to use. I am looking forward to figuring out its best route in current wind feature, though I'll never need it in this boat. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
1. It is possible to send the data signal from the 48 (or any other nema capable GPS unit) to every DSC radio I've seen. I will be installing a Standard Horizon Intrepid on my boat, along with the remote mic setup, and I will hook my GPS to it to get the whole poor man's epirb effect. Of course the Coast Guard isn't equipped to use DSC at their Portland base yet, but its coming. 2. My choice for charting software is the Nobeltech package. The current version suits me well, I find its easy to use. I am looking forward to figuring out its best route in current wind feature, though I'll never need it in this boat. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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