Seems everyone I know owns a gps nowadays, especially as cheap as they are. I have used them at work for pipeline location, but have run into problems on dry land locating satalites in poor weather or certian times of the day. How well do they work out in the gulf on a pitching deck or in foul weather. Do more expensive models lock in better, or do they just have more rarely used functions built in. Is a loran unit still the best choice for offshore sailing, or is gps just as reliable these days. Thanks in advance for any input. Ross B.
- Status
GPS, Hands Down
GPS has it with out question. However, as with any electronic devise there can be a downside. There are times when atmospheric conditions will confuse or hender signal reception on a GPS. Almost all GPS's have the same ability to receive signals, the difference in cost will be other features including storage capacity. The loran-c has become obsolete and I believe transmitting stations are not being expanded and therefore limit coverage area. Your best bet is a GPS with other proven nav skills learned as backup. Having, and knowing how to read and use charts for navigation is the best back up or to coincide with GPS use. Chart plotters are all the rage today and they combine GPS with charts on a viewable screen. In my opinion you still need paper charts as a backup to this type system. But these electronic devises are very reliable, have world wide coverage, are accurate, easy to use. but still subject to failure without notice. Just like the lead in a pencil breaking off just at the moment you need it most. Best plan, have 1-2 GPS on board, but also have and use paper charts to keep track of were you are.
GPS has it with out question. However, as with any electronic devise there can be a downside. There are times when atmospheric conditions will confuse or hender signal reception on a GPS. Almost all GPS's have the same ability to receive signals, the difference in cost will be other features including storage capacity. The loran-c has become obsolete and I believe transmitting stations are not being expanded and therefore limit coverage area. Your best bet is a GPS with other proven nav skills learned as backup. Having, and knowing how to read and use charts for navigation is the best back up or to coincide with GPS use. Chart plotters are all the rage today and they combine GPS with charts on a viewable screen. In my opinion you still need paper charts as a backup to this type system. But these electronic devises are very reliable, have world wide coverage, are accurate, easy to use. but still subject to failure without notice. Just like the lead in a pencil breaking off just at the moment you need it most. Best plan, have 1-2 GPS on board, but also have and use paper charts to keep track of were you are.
Don't buy a new Loran C...
but you can get great deals on a used one. On eBay you can get one for $20 to $50 that will work fine and confirm your GPS. Yet again, for a few dollars more you can get a budget GPS that'll do more. The Loran system is currently only being 'maintained' by the military. It isn't being upgraded and will likely be allowed to die someday. Many people are relying on GPS and chart plotters, without paper backup. However, one lightning strike could destroy all electronics aboard, including VHF. Professional Boatbuilder Magazine said that 1 in every 15 yachtsmen will experience a lightning strike and 1 in 9 boats will suffer damage. Out of 10 cruising sailboats 8 will be struck at least once in its lifetime. Everything Darrel said is good advice. In particular you must have paper charts and should have a backup to your GPS. Above all take training on both.
but you can get great deals on a used one. On eBay you can get one for $20 to $50 that will work fine and confirm your GPS. Yet again, for a few dollars more you can get a budget GPS that'll do more. The Loran system is currently only being 'maintained' by the military. It isn't being upgraded and will likely be allowed to die someday. Many people are relying on GPS and chart plotters, without paper backup. However, one lightning strike could destroy all electronics aboard, including VHF. Professional Boatbuilder Magazine said that 1 in every 15 yachtsmen will experience a lightning strike and 1 in 9 boats will suffer damage. Out of 10 cruising sailboats 8 will be struck at least once in its lifetime. Everything Darrel said is good advice. In particular you must have paper charts and should have a backup to your GPS. Above all take training on both.
Agree with Darrel
GPS is it. Loran is obsolete and is not being updated or expanded. In fact, at one point in time the decision was made to shutdown Loran, like about now, but that decision was delayed indefinitely. Loran is still there, but its continued existence is hanging by a thread. The GPS units that we have owned have performed just magnificently, including during some truly horrible conditions, and on two notable occasions we probably would have been in very deep doo-doo without them. The primary sensitivity that we have found is that they need a good, relatively unobstructed view of the sky to "see" the satellites. The GPS signal strength is not high, and it will not penetrate structures. Do not expect it to work with the antenna inside a house or down below in a boat. Heavy clouds and dense fog don't seem to bother it, and I don't know about heavy tree cover on land. They work best when the antenna has a clear view of a broad expanse of the sky. On land, altitude readings can be so-so, better with WAAS; the common GPS units in public use are not really designed for altitude. And as Darrel says there will never be any substitute for maintaining and using the good old paper, compass, pencil and straight edge technology, even if only as a backup. Carl Dupre s/v Syzygy
GPS is it. Loran is obsolete and is not being updated or expanded. In fact, at one point in time the decision was made to shutdown Loran, like about now, but that decision was delayed indefinitely. Loran is still there, but its continued existence is hanging by a thread. The GPS units that we have owned have performed just magnificently, including during some truly horrible conditions, and on two notable occasions we probably would have been in very deep doo-doo without them. The primary sensitivity that we have found is that they need a good, relatively unobstructed view of the sky to "see" the satellites. The GPS signal strength is not high, and it will not penetrate structures. Do not expect it to work with the antenna inside a house or down below in a boat. Heavy clouds and dense fog don't seem to bother it, and I don't know about heavy tree cover on land. They work best when the antenna has a clear view of a broad expanse of the sky. On land, altitude readings can be so-so, better with WAAS; the common GPS units in public use are not really designed for altitude. And as Darrel says there will never be any substitute for maintaining and using the good old paper, compass, pencil and straight edge technology, even if only as a backup. Carl Dupre s/v Syzygy
Agree with Darrel
GPS is it. Loran is obsolete and is not being updated or expanded. In fact, at one point in time the decision was made to shutdown Loran, like about now, but that decision was delayed indefinitely. Loran is still there, but its continued existence is hanging by a thread. The GPS units that we have owned have performed just magnificently, including during some truly horrible conditions, and on two notable occasions we probably would have been in very deep doo-doo without them. The primary sensitivity that we have found is that they need a good, relatively unobstructed view of the sky to "see" the satellites. The GPS signal strength is not high, and it will not penetrate structures. Do not expect it to work with the antenna inside a house or down below in a boat. Heavy clouds and dense fog don't seem to bother it, and I don't know about heavy tree cover on land. They work best when the antenna has a clear view of a broad expanse of the sky. On land, altitude readings can be so-so, better with WAAS; the common GPS units in public use are not really designed for altitude. And as Darrel says there will never be any substitute for maintaining and using the good old paper, compass, pencil and straight edge technology, even if only as a backup. Carl Dupre s/v Syzygy
GPS is it. Loran is obsolete and is not being updated or expanded. In fact, at one point in time the decision was made to shutdown Loran, like about now, but that decision was delayed indefinitely. Loran is still there, but its continued existence is hanging by a thread. The GPS units that we have owned have performed just magnificently, including during some truly horrible conditions, and on two notable occasions we probably would have been in very deep doo-doo without them. The primary sensitivity that we have found is that they need a good, relatively unobstructed view of the sky to "see" the satellites. The GPS signal strength is not high, and it will not penetrate structures. Do not expect it to work with the antenna inside a house or down below in a boat. Heavy clouds and dense fog don't seem to bother it, and I don't know about heavy tree cover on land. They work best when the antenna has a clear view of a broad expanse of the sky. On land, altitude readings can be so-so, better with WAAS; the common GPS units in public use are not really designed for altitude. And as Darrel says there will never be any substitute for maintaining and using the good old paper, compass, pencil and straight edge technology, even if only as a backup. Carl Dupre s/v Syzygy
Agree with Darrel
GPS is it. Loran is obsolete and is not being updated or expanded. In fact, at one point in time the decision was made to shutdown Loran, like about now, but that decision was delayed indefinitely. Loran is still there, but its continued existence is hanging by a thread. The GPS units that we have owned have performed just magnificently, including during some truly horrible conditions, and on two notable occasions we probably would have been in very deep doo-doo without them. The primary sensitivity that we have found is that they need a good, relatively unobstructed view of the sky to "see" the satellites. The GPS signal strength is not high, and it will not penetrate structures. Do not expect it to work with the antenna inside a house or down below in a boat. Heavy clouds and dense fog don't seem to bother it, and I don't know about heavy tree cover on land. They work best when the antenna has a clear view of a broad expanse of the sky. On land, altitude readings can be so-so, better with WAAS; the common GPS units in public use are not really designed for altitude. And as Darrel says there will never be any substitute for maintaining and using the good old paper, compass, pencil and straight edge technology, even if only as a backup. Carl Dupre s/v Syzygy
GPS is it. Loran is obsolete and is not being updated or expanded. In fact, at one point in time the decision was made to shutdown Loran, like about now, but that decision was delayed indefinitely. Loran is still there, but its continued existence is hanging by a thread. The GPS units that we have owned have performed just magnificently, including during some truly horrible conditions, and on two notable occasions we probably would have been in very deep doo-doo without them. The primary sensitivity that we have found is that they need a good, relatively unobstructed view of the sky to "see" the satellites. The GPS signal strength is not high, and it will not penetrate structures. Do not expect it to work with the antenna inside a house or down below in a boat. Heavy clouds and dense fog don't seem to bother it, and I don't know about heavy tree cover on land. They work best when the antenna has a clear view of a broad expanse of the sky. On land, altitude readings can be so-so, better with WAAS; the common GPS units in public use are not really designed for altitude. And as Darrel says there will never be any substitute for maintaining and using the good old paper, compass, pencil and straight edge technology, even if only as a backup. Carl Dupre s/v Syzygy
GPS is the best
I have used boats and airplanes equiped with loran and gps. GPS does it better. I have an old loran unit in my boat that still works and will keep it as a backup. What would be a really neat backup would be a radio direction finder. We had one on the airplane and I often would dial in a frequency and fly directly to the beacon. Most airports have a radio beacon located near the airport for use in instrument landings. When the RDF and GPS didn't agree I knew something was wrong. Of course a RDF won't work as well at sea level as it does at 7500'. The Japanese used RDFs to find their way to Pearl Harbor!!!!! Tom
I have used boats and airplanes equiped with loran and gps. GPS does it better. I have an old loran unit in my boat that still works and will keep it as a backup. What would be a really neat backup would be a radio direction finder. We had one on the airplane and I often would dial in a frequency and fly directly to the beacon. Most airports have a radio beacon located near the airport for use in instrument landings. When the RDF and GPS didn't agree I knew something was wrong. Of course a RDF won't work as well at sea level as it does at 7500'. The Japanese used RDFs to find their way to Pearl Harbor!!!!! Tom
Loran
The Coast Guard's radio plan called for the elimination of Loran around this time but it is being maintained mainly by the airline industry who are unhappy with the thought of having only GPS and want Loran to continue as a back up air navigation system.
The Coast Guard's radio plan called for the elimination of Loran around this time but it is being maintained mainly by the airline industry who are unhappy with the thought of having only GPS and want Loran to continue as a back up air navigation system.
GPS gives you a quicker way into DR backup
One point about GPS worth considering is that, if you're taking some simple prudent measure such as writing down the position/time/heading data from the GPS readout once every hour or immediately upon encountering fog, you put yourself in an excellent position to do accurate ded reckoning calculations should you lose power to the unit. GPS may go out entirely but so long as you have a read from the satellite you have very accurate positional information.
One point about GPS worth considering is that, if you're taking some simple prudent measure such as writing down the position/time/heading data from the GPS readout once every hour or immediately upon encountering fog, you put yourself in an excellent position to do accurate ded reckoning calculations should you lose power to the unit. GPS may go out entirely but so long as you have a read from the satellite you have very accurate positional information.
GPS
Loran C is scheduled for shut down in 2007. After that, the equipment will be good for anchors. GPS is far superior, especially those with mapping capability. But- there is a problem with GPS. It was, and is, a military system. In the event of a military problem anywhere in the world, it can be shut off without warning or made to be inaccurate. I think RDF is a great idea, and I have one, but they are not commonly used for boating. Unlike air charts, nautical charts do not usually list freq's. Good idea to stock an air chart in the boat. Brush up on your DR skills, you might need them.
Loran C is scheduled for shut down in 2007. After that, the equipment will be good for anchors. GPS is far superior, especially those with mapping capability. But- there is a problem with GPS. It was, and is, a military system. In the event of a military problem anywhere in the world, it can be shut off without warning or made to be inaccurate. I think RDF is a great idea, and I have one, but they are not commonly used for boating. Unlike air charts, nautical charts do not usually list freq's. Good idea to stock an air chart in the boat. Brush up on your DR skills, you might need them.
Sometimes I get a weird GPS reading!!!!
It has only happened a few times but our GPS has been off by 1/2 mile or so a couple of times. I confess that I very rarely look at our GPS. For coastal naviagation I use my binoculars with a built in compass ,charts and depth finder. My wife uses the GPS and charts to check me. Anyway a couple of times she has said that we were one place and I said "not" and I have been right. Usually the GPS will give the correct position after a few minutes. Once it put us about 10 miles offshore and a buoy number put us about 1/2 mile off shore. Sure enough after a few minutes it gave the correct position as we were going between the jetties at Panama City.Florida. It is hard not to know your position on a clear day and you are in the channel and can see the jetties!! I don't know if it's a problem with our unit or if the military are messing with the signal. Tom
It has only happened a few times but our GPS has been off by 1/2 mile or so a couple of times. I confess that I very rarely look at our GPS. For coastal naviagation I use my binoculars with a built in compass ,charts and depth finder. My wife uses the GPS and charts to check me. Anyway a couple of times she has said that we were one place and I said "not" and I have been right. Usually the GPS will give the correct position after a few minutes. Once it put us about 10 miles offshore and a buoy number put us about 1/2 mile off shore. Sure enough after a few minutes it gave the correct position as we were going between the jetties at Panama City.Florida. It is hard not to know your position on a clear day and you are in the channel and can see the jetties!! I don't know if it's a problem with our unit or if the military are messing with the signal. Tom
Hey Ed
Where did you hear the information about Loran being shut down in 07. I have an old Loran C in my boat for back up. Every time I think about scrapping it, I turn it on and it still gives accurate readings. I've been hearing rumors about Loran shutting down for 10 years and it hasn't happened yet.
Where did you hear the information about Loran being shut down in 07. I have an old Loran C in my boat for back up. Every time I think about scrapping it, I turn it on and it still gives accurate readings. I've been hearing rumors about Loran shutting down for 10 years and it hasn't happened yet.
Both Work
Loran C is better at repeatability, i.e., getting back to the exact same spot (if you've been there before). GPS is faster, gives quicker speed readouts but has the limitations of selective availability (if it's reinstated) and not so good repeatability. Stu
Loran C is better at repeatability, i.e., getting back to the exact same spot (if you've been there before). GPS is faster, gives quicker speed readouts but has the limitations of selective availability (if it's reinstated) and not so good repeatability. Stu
gps under leaf canopy or in rain
Not sure about your fog comment, but I get poorer service under leaf cover during the summer than I do in the same location during fall and winter but still in the bush. IMHO I think it is the moisture content of the leaves that throws it off. Also you likely noted during the stealth bombings, in Iraq, missions were halted during periods of rain... these planes are gps guided, they didn't function so well in the rain. In winter here in mid Canada, I still get good penetration during a snowfall, but that snow is not wet, and does not seem to cause interference. I would therefore conclude that moisture can be the culprit. I also note that the GPS does not work well in the back seat or floor of a car or plane, but tends to do better on the dash, or near a window. I note that steel buildings also cause grief to reception. I also note that if I am getting poorer readings when out on the land, holding it higher (above my head) tends to improve acquisition of the 3 necessary sats for triangulation, and one additonal bird for altitude, albeit, this being the least relaiable feature of the gps, sometimes with an error of as much as 500 feet. That's why aviation rated GPS require all 12 channels to receive and report and agree on data prior to displaying. I taught navigation at the local college and it included GPS, but I always told my students that they should always have redundant systems, compass, map, watch for DED rekoning, environmental signs (sun, moon, wind, stars, plant and animal behaviour etc),and GPS and to ensure that all agree whenever possible, but to also practice, without one, two, or all of them, just in case of failure. We don't get a lot of fog here, so it would be nice to hear some comments from others on how the system works in the soup.
Not sure about your fog comment, but I get poorer service under leaf cover during the summer than I do in the same location during fall and winter but still in the bush. IMHO I think it is the moisture content of the leaves that throws it off. Also you likely noted during the stealth bombings, in Iraq, missions were halted during periods of rain... these planes are gps guided, they didn't function so well in the rain. In winter here in mid Canada, I still get good penetration during a snowfall, but that snow is not wet, and does not seem to cause interference. I would therefore conclude that moisture can be the culprit. I also note that the GPS does not work well in the back seat or floor of a car or plane, but tends to do better on the dash, or near a window. I note that steel buildings also cause grief to reception. I also note that if I am getting poorer readings when out on the land, holding it higher (above my head) tends to improve acquisition of the 3 necessary sats for triangulation, and one additonal bird for altitude, albeit, this being the least relaiable feature of the gps, sometimes with an error of as much as 500 feet. That's why aviation rated GPS require all 12 channels to receive and report and agree on data prior to displaying. I taught navigation at the local college and it included GPS, but I always told my students that they should always have redundant systems, compass, map, watch for DED rekoning, environmental signs (sun, moon, wind, stars, plant and animal behaviour etc),and GPS and to ensure that all agree whenever possible, but to also practice, without one, two, or all of them, just in case of failure. We don't get a lot of fog here, so it would be nice to hear some comments from others on how the system works in the soup.
Problems w/Loran also include
that they can be inaccurate if the angles that the Loran radio transmissions intersect to determine your location are too "flat", i.e. not acute enough, similar to how the old intersecting RDF bearings need to be close 90 degrees to give a good fix. Also, Loran apparently can be interfered with by high power radio transmissions. Around Point Reyes CA, Loran is notoriously inaccurate for a combination of these two reasons. (The transmission angles are flat there, and Pt Reyes is the West Coast location of both USCG and commercial worldwide SSB transmitters, and, I was told, also a Navy radio facility at Bodega Head.) Once while at anchor behind Pt Reyes, my Loran was giving me positions that varied by more than 10 miles over the course of about half an hour.
that they can be inaccurate if the angles that the Loran radio transmissions intersect to determine your location are too "flat", i.e. not acute enough, similar to how the old intersecting RDF bearings need to be close 90 degrees to give a good fix. Also, Loran apparently can be interfered with by high power radio transmissions. Around Point Reyes CA, Loran is notoriously inaccurate for a combination of these two reasons. (The transmission angles are flat there, and Pt Reyes is the West Coast location of both USCG and commercial worldwide SSB transmitters, and, I was told, also a Navy radio facility at Bodega Head.) Once while at anchor behind Pt Reyes, my Loran was giving me positions that varied by more than 10 miles over the course of about half an hour.
GPS take
a few more things to mention. Size of screen is important, its hard to do much on a handheld; they are good backups, being battery powered and mobile enough to go into the raft or dinghy but hard to use when bouncing around. Also color makes them much more readable; B&W are dissappearing fast. And brand has a lot to do with customer support and ease of using. More expensive models have more features, like interfacing with sonar, radar, second stations, video monitors, weather overlays, etc.
a few more things to mention. Size of screen is important, its hard to do much on a handheld; they are good backups, being battery powered and mobile enough to go into the raft or dinghy but hard to use when bouncing around. Also color makes them much more readable; B&W are dissappearing fast. And brand has a lot to do with customer support and ease of using. More expensive models have more features, like interfacing with sonar, radar, second stations, video monitors, weather overlays, etc.
GPS does work well in the fog and the rain
We have a lot of both. There was a recent launch of the final satellite for completing the full GPS system. It will keep you out of the shipping lanes but doesn't help you see or be seen which is the real issue in those conditions. Military uses a similar system called PPS. It uses some if not all of the same satellites and maybe a few more. I think that they use different frequencies and encoding. Then there is GLONASS and if the birds are still up there when you need them, it will work ok too. I understand that selective availability has been turned off completely in the mid 1990s but that may be old info. I noted that when we went to war in 92 that the GPS was much more accurate during that time period. It seems logical that it could be reactivated in a national emergency. There is also the possibility of jamming if you happen to enter a war zone. They might be practicing that too especially in areas like Panama City. I do not know what it would look like if your GPS is jammed. My guess would be that you would loose your position data altogether not get an inaccurate fix. Like any boat system, it is good to have and use a backup system. Direction finding (RDF) should work ok even at low altitudes since it involves low frequencies which follow the earths curvarture. It might work better at night. A small AM transistor radio and a compass will give you a very general idea of your location if you do your homework. I do not have a loran so nothing constructive to add except that it is far less accurate than GPS.
We have a lot of both. There was a recent launch of the final satellite for completing the full GPS system. It will keep you out of the shipping lanes but doesn't help you see or be seen which is the real issue in those conditions. Military uses a similar system called PPS. It uses some if not all of the same satellites and maybe a few more. I think that they use different frequencies and encoding. Then there is GLONASS and if the birds are still up there when you need them, it will work ok too. I understand that selective availability has been turned off completely in the mid 1990s but that may be old info. I noted that when we went to war in 92 that the GPS was much more accurate during that time period. It seems logical that it could be reactivated in a national emergency. There is also the possibility of jamming if you happen to enter a war zone. They might be practicing that too especially in areas like Panama City. I do not know what it would look like if your GPS is jammed. My guess would be that you would loose your position data altogether not get an inaccurate fix. Like any boat system, it is good to have and use a backup system. Direction finding (RDF) should work ok even at low altitudes since it involves low frequencies which follow the earths curvarture. It might work better at night. A small AM transistor radio and a compass will give you a very general idea of your location if you do your homework. I do not have a loran so nothing constructive to add except that it is far less accurate than GPS.
its hard to do much on a handheld
BUT I have a, would you believe this, a GPS Blazer (circa 1999). It only gives me, oh no, JUST numbers. I actually have to use a chart and do triangulation to find my position on a chart and to make plans for the next leg. I have: No color NO computer graphics NO tracks No routes How the heck can I possibly survive with this primitive tool? Guys, all the bells and whistles just won't help you if you don't understand the basics of navigation. Enjoy the bells and whistles, I don't have any issue with that and encourage you all to get as much as you possibly can, but the basics are SOOOOOOO important, and they shouldn't be overlooked. Might be interesting to get our heads out of the "computer games" and look around at what's going by - it's usually very neat!
Happy Thanksgiving, Stu
BUT I have a, would you believe this, a GPS Blazer (circa 1999). It only gives me, oh no, JUST numbers. I actually have to use a chart and do triangulation to find my position on a chart and to make plans for the next leg. I have: No color NO computer graphics NO tracks No routes How the heck can I possibly survive with this primitive tool? Guys, all the bells and whistles just won't help you if you don't understand the basics of navigation. Enjoy the bells and whistles, I don't have any issue with that and encourage you all to get as much as you possibly can, but the basics are SOOOOOOO important, and they shouldn't be overlooked. Might be interesting to get our heads out of the "computer games" and look around at what's going by - it's usually very neat!
Happy Thanksgiving, StuHandheld GPS in the soup
My garmin hand held GPS gave out in the soup exiting newport harbor. West marine claimed this was impossible, I had new batteries, and the only obstruction was the dense fog. I used the charts, radar, buoys, compass, and depth to navigate and still was called on the radio to change course by a freighter that I never saw. After readjusting my radar, I was able to spot buoys and other boats.When the fog lifted the GPS came back. I'm thankful that the operator of the freighter saw me, take as many precautions as possible we all are at risk out there. Safe sailing!
My garmin hand held GPS gave out in the soup exiting newport harbor. West marine claimed this was impossible, I had new batteries, and the only obstruction was the dense fog. I used the charts, radar, buoys, compass, and depth to navigate and still was called on the radio to change course by a freighter that I never saw. After readjusting my radar, I was able to spot buoys and other boats.When the fog lifted the GPS came back. I'm thankful that the operator of the freighter saw me, take as many precautions as possible we all are at risk out there. Safe sailing!
I have 4 GPS on board
I know its probably overkill but I love the gadgets. One is an old Magellan 2000 handheld at least 5 years old that still works great. It has a serial interface that I can contact to my PC charting program. Also have a HP pocket PC with the same charting program that the PC has that has a very small GPS (2" X 4") that connects to it or the PC via wireless bluetooth. The boat came with a Raymarine chartplotter at the nav station with its own GPS antenna. I added a Furuno radar/chartplotter at the helm and it has its own GPS antenna with WAAS. While sailing I keep the two portable units in the the oven in case of a lightning strike. And as backup to all of them ( in case all the satellites get zapped by a solar flare) I have a sextant.
I know its probably overkill but I love the gadgets. One is an old Magellan 2000 handheld at least 5 years old that still works great. It has a serial interface that I can contact to my PC charting program. Also have a HP pocket PC with the same charting program that the PC has that has a very small GPS (2" X 4") that connects to it or the PC via wireless bluetooth. The boat came with a Raymarine chartplotter at the nav station with its own GPS antenna. I added a Furuno radar/chartplotter at the helm and it has its own GPS antenna with WAAS. While sailing I keep the two portable units in the the oven in case of a lightning strike. And as backup to all of them ( in case all the satellites get zapped by a solar flare) I have a sextant.
- Status