GPS purchase question

[Dan Steill]

MAGELLAN GPS 310 Handheld $99.99I am looking to buy this unit from West Marine. Has any one had any experience with it? I have never owned one before so your help is appreciated!

 

[Carl & Jule Dupre]

GPS 315

We have the 315 - which was similarly priced - it does all the basics very well, and is reasonably user friendly. Not fancy, but we didn't pay for fancy. Did notice it was a bit difficult to read when our eyeglasses were soaking wet from the squall that came through, but we couldn't see the front of the boat anyway...however, that little sucker saved our lives by guiding us into the harbor safely...[Carl says 'saved our lives' is a bit melodramatic, but since I have no trouble with heeling on sailboats, he'll let it go, gentleman that he is...!] BTW the 315 is waterproof - check if the 310 is - [would recommend a water-proof plastic bag if it isn't.....Jule & Carl DupreH340 s/v Syzygy

 

[Joe]

My 315 is OK

I have been using a 315 model for about a year now and like the way it works pretty well. The only difference between the 310 and 315 is that the 315 has some of your local nav aids already programed in. If you are lake sailing it probably makes no difference. Coastal sailing I'd definately go with the 315. When I originally bought the unit it failed on my first trip after being sprayed with water. I called Magellan and they told me to take it to the store(Bass Proshops)for free replacement. They did and this unit has been fine. You are supposed to be able to get them wet with spray, just don't submerge it.Best of luck.

 

[P.J.]

Check Practical Sailor

I have a Garamin 48 that works great. Used to subscribe to PS but it expired, however as luck would have it, just got a mailer 7 with a new subscription I will receive a 76 pg recap of the last years pros & cons. Has got to be an excellent investment.Godd luck

 

[Todd Osborne]

Benchmarked against the Garmin 12...

The display is more difficult tho read, & software not as user freindly as the Garmin, but with patience & good eyes (including calm water), the unit worked just fine. Guess it depends on if you want to spend the extra $50 for the Garmin 12. IMHO, I'd cough up the extra $.

 

[Gene Roberts]

Go with the 315

The 315 is a much better buy than the 310, go for it.