I want to get a GPS chart plotter for my newly acquired H26, but I am a little uncertain about what to buy. I don't see any place in the cockpit that's practical to mount a gps of any size, so I was thinking of getting a handheld. Does anyone have a good solution for mounting a gps, or do you have a recommendation for a hand held with which you have been satisfied? Thanks, Paul
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Nov, '06 Practical Sailor article on GPS
Paul, I don't have a direct answer to your question but the November, 2006 issue of Practical-Sailor (or www.practical-sailor.com) has a good review of handheld GPS and the West Marine 176C chartplotter. Lamar
Paul, I don't have a direct answer to your question but the November, 2006 issue of Practical-Sailor (or www.practical-sailor.com) has a good review of handheld GPS and the West Marine 176C chartplotter. Lamar
Why do you need one?
If you just want a gadget then any one of them will do. Buy the one that you can make fit in the cockpit. What navigational problem is the chartploter solving for you? Are you sailing out of sight of land and need a way to get back? Or sailing in fog and want to know where you are? I have researched this for a while now and I can't find a single really good reason to have a GPS unless you go off shore. I can't find a good reason at all to have a chartplotter. One of the most inconvienyant things you will find out about chartplotters is that you have to buy the expensive maps for them. And then buy the updates each year. Check out the prices BEFORE you buy one. I think you will be amazed at the expense a chartplotter adds to your yearly budget. A GPS is not the kind of equipment that I'd risk my life on. I've read several stories of racers bringing along 7+ GPS units just so they can be sure that one of them works at any given time. Don't us a GPS as your sole source of navigational data. Mr. Murphy loves these things and they will go on the fritz the one time you really need them. Compass and paper map are the way to go until they engineer some rubustness into these units. A paper map lets you record where you have been, lets you talk over the route at the table with the rest of the family, and they work when wet or torn. A 4"x4" screen mounted at the helm will not allow you to do these things. I'm not down on GPS, I just think they are not that much more useful than a compass and map. I have a handheld GPS and just mounted it on two straps that I screwed to the drink holder at the binical. The antenna sticks out the side of the unit and keeps it from sliding out of the straps. The cloth straps don't get in the way when the GPS is stowed and the price was right as I already had all the stuff in the spairs box.
If you just want a gadget then any one of them will do. Buy the one that you can make fit in the cockpit. What navigational problem is the chartploter solving for you? Are you sailing out of sight of land and need a way to get back? Or sailing in fog and want to know where you are? I have researched this for a while now and I can't find a single really good reason to have a GPS unless you go off shore. I can't find a good reason at all to have a chartplotter. One of the most inconvienyant things you will find out about chartplotters is that you have to buy the expensive maps for them. And then buy the updates each year. Check out the prices BEFORE you buy one. I think you will be amazed at the expense a chartplotter adds to your yearly budget. A GPS is not the kind of equipment that I'd risk my life on. I've read several stories of racers bringing along 7+ GPS units just so they can be sure that one of them works at any given time. Don't us a GPS as your sole source of navigational data. Mr. Murphy loves these things and they will go on the fritz the one time you really need them. Compass and paper map are the way to go until they engineer some rubustness into these units. A paper map lets you record where you have been, lets you talk over the route at the table with the rest of the family, and they work when wet or torn. A 4"x4" screen mounted at the helm will not allow you to do these things. I'm not down on GPS, I just think they are not that much more useful than a compass and map. I have a handheld GPS and just mounted it on two straps that I screwed to the drink holder at the binical. The antenna sticks out the side of the unit and keeps it from sliding out of the straps. The cloth straps don't get in the way when the GPS is stowed and the price was right as I already had all the stuff in the spairs box.
I Love my GPS CHARTPLOTTER
Do alot of research which one you want,so many to choose get as big a screen as you can afford,look in to garmin very popular and many models to choose,just use your paper charts also.
Do alot of research which one you want,so many to choose get as big a screen as you can afford,look in to garmin very popular and many models to choose,just use your paper charts also.
Why do I need one?
Bill, The reason that I need/want one is because based on my previous experiences in powerboating, and based on some of the locations that I plan to sail in, I feel that I will be most comfortable with paper charts and a GPS. Ultimately, since there is also a great deal of seasonal fog and shipping, I might need to add a radar. I understand your concerns; I am not looking for a place to dump money, nor looking for toys, nor avoiding more fundamental forms of navigation. I am trying to best prepare the boat so I and others can feel safe and comfortable, how I do that is my call. Thanks for your comments, Paul
Bill, The reason that I need/want one is because based on my previous experiences in powerboating, and based on some of the locations that I plan to sail in, I feel that I will be most comfortable with paper charts and a GPS. Ultimately, since there is also a great deal of seasonal fog and shipping, I might need to add a radar. I understand your concerns; I am not looking for a place to dump money, nor looking for toys, nor avoiding more fundamental forms of navigation. I am trying to best prepare the boat so I and others can feel safe and comfortable, how I do that is my call. Thanks for your comments, Paul
FUGAWI
Paul, We tried to kill two birds with one stone. We enjoy watching DVD's in the evening. So, on the port bulkhead abutting the v-berth we mounted a flat screen monitor/TV which is connected to an older laptop which is loaded with FUGAWI and fed with a Garmin 76. The monitor is clearly visible from the helm position and I find comfort in being able to follow the plotted course or at least see the charted depths of the water around me. And I too agree that paper charts are important but it sure is nice to just look and see all the information without scrambling around with bulky charts in the wind. When the day is done, it's time for the oceanfront cinema....just through a DVD into the laptop, lay back and nap....
Paul, We tried to kill two birds with one stone. We enjoy watching DVD's in the evening. So, on the port bulkhead abutting the v-berth we mounted a flat screen monitor/TV which is connected to an older laptop which is loaded with FUGAWI and fed with a Garmin 76. The monitor is clearly visible from the helm position and I find comfort in being able to follow the plotted course or at least see the charted depths of the water around me. And I too agree that paper charts are important but it sure is nice to just look and see all the information without scrambling around with bulky charts in the wind. When the day is done, it's time for the oceanfront cinema....just through a DVD into the laptop, lay back and nap....
Rick, that is a great solution
so you can read the symbols all the way from the helm? I'm not doubting you I just would not have thought it would work. Course a man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with a theroy.
so you can read the symbols all the way from the helm? I'm not doubting you I just would not have thought it would work. Course a man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with a theroy.
Paul I Don't Like Hand Held
I love the fact that I can see everthing up close at the helm all the time,its just like reading a road map as you are driving and you see everything,my chartplotter might be over kill for where I go but with I was able to sail any where and feel safe. The reason I don't like a hand held is too small a screen I have a old garmin and its too small a screen,get bigger something that can be put close to helm and show's where you are,garmin makes a few nice size one's, spend the extra money you will not be sorry and kicking yourself that you didn't get bigger. My new boat will have c-80 8.5 screen and thinking I should get the bigger screen.
I love the fact that I can see everthing up close at the helm all the time,its just like reading a road map as you are driving and you see everything,my chartplotter might be over kill for where I go but with I was able to sail any where and feel safe. The reason I don't like a hand held is too small a screen I have a old garmin and its too small a screen,get bigger something that can be put close to helm and show's where you are,garmin makes a few nice size one's, spend the extra money you will not be sorry and kicking yourself that you didn't get bigger. My new boat will have c-80 8.5 screen and thinking I should get the bigger screen.
Reasons
If anything, buying a handheld for anchoring is good enough reason. Using it along with your knot meter to determine what the current is, is another very good reason to buy one. Knowing where you are at night and foggy times is another good reason. Being able to caculate VMG is another good reason. Being able to quickly give out your long and Lat in a hurry in case of emergency is another good reason. As for price and capability...a handheld can plug into an electronic charting software on a laptop and give you the big screen you want and all the charts for free at a very cheap price (if you already have the laptop). If you buy one of the new marine GPSs, many now come with ALL the charts of the US built in them. So don't listen to negative Bill. So many negative people in this world.
If anything, buying a handheld for anchoring is good enough reason. Using it along with your knot meter to determine what the current is, is another very good reason to buy one. Knowing where you are at night and foggy times is another good reason. Being able to caculate VMG is another good reason. Being able to quickly give out your long and Lat in a hurry in case of emergency is another good reason. As for price and capability...a handheld can plug into an electronic charting software on a laptop and give you the big screen you want and all the charts for free at a very cheap price (if you already have the laptop). If you buy one of the new marine GPSs, many now come with ALL the charts of the US built in them. So don't listen to negative Bill. So many negative people in this world.
GPS
I have sailed boats using both the hand-held and the Larger helm mounted GPS units. The color units mounted at or near the helm are great, but fairly expensive. The only time I got lost was when I didn't believe my hand-held and went in the wrong direction. I would suggest starting out with a good quality hand-held with a 12V adapter. The newer units should give good accuracy. My Magellan hand-held has the nav-aids built-in, is easy on batteries, and proved indispensable on our last little trip. If you can justify the extra expense, a color unit (Horizon or Garmin) near the helm with good charts for your waters would be ideal.
I have sailed boats using both the hand-held and the Larger helm mounted GPS units. The color units mounted at or near the helm are great, but fairly expensive. The only time I got lost was when I didn't believe my hand-held and went in the wrong direction. I would suggest starting out with a good quality hand-held with a 12V adapter. The newer units should give good accuracy. My Magellan hand-held has the nav-aids built-in, is easy on batteries, and proved indispensable on our last little trip. If you can justify the extra expense, a color unit (Horizon or Garmin) near the helm with good charts for your waters would be ideal.
Lets Tim Allen this thing 
Get a laptop mounted in the nav-station. Bolt up a wireless monitor at the helm with some waterproof wireless controls for it. Then get a handheld and attach it to the computer. Download all the charts and software. Hook up your cellphone to the laptop for Internet. Get a TV card for the laptop. Download all your MP3s into the computer. Buy some nice speakers for the computer and rig them for 12 V. Buy some cool computer games and install them on the computer. Now you got it all at your fingertips at the helm TV Music Internet Charts Location Video Games Solitaire
Get a laptop mounted in the nav-station. Bolt up a wireless monitor at the helm with some waterproof wireless controls for it. Then get a handheld and attach it to the computer. Download all the charts and software. Hook up your cellphone to the laptop for Internet. Get a TV card for the laptop. Download all your MP3s into the computer. Buy some nice speakers for the computer and rig them for 12 V. Buy some cool computer games and install them on the computer. Now you got it all at your fingertips at the helm
TV Music Internet Charts Location Video Games Solitaire 
Debating....
AAAAH......nothing like a good chit chat of opinions as the boats get ready to be put away for the winter. Franklin, I know you jest, but in reality how far fetched is your concept. I'm certainly a newbie to the sailing world but several of the "old diehards" have dropped by to have a peek(or snicker) at my set-up and have altered their opinion. Mind you some just shake their head. Bill....Yes, in fact I can see the symbols and read the depths on the screen from the helm or at least easier than paper charts and a magnifying glass.. I neglected to mention that my TV/Monitor is a 26" LCD Widescreen(not bragging just indicating I'm a "special child" and sometimes get carried away) and I keep the Fugawi program zoomed in to the area that I'm in. Franklin....I also have a small TV antenna that captures local tv stations. I'm not into video games but it's certainly an option available for those with children. BSB charts are readily available from folks around the Club for downloading so as someone mentioned there is no mega cost for the pricey C MAPS etc. So...to recap, I can plot a course in safe water(which I've been taught you are supposed to do with paper charts anyway), see the navigational data around me, watch TV, watch DVD, all for a very reasonable price and maximizing the use of my electronics. Mind you the 26" LCD is an over kill where even a 17" is adequate. If the laptop dies, I still have the Garmin GPSMAP 76. If that dies, I have a lower end used GPS as a back up. If everything fails, I have paper charts. If they blow away, I guess I'm having a really, really bad day. Is any of the fancy gadgets necessary.....no!! But whatever makes you comfortable and safe in your surroundings. Regardless of what people choose, you must be competent in using them and you MUST know the area you are in. I can't count the number of people I've met that have $6000 +++ radar set-ups and can't distinguish between a buoy and a freighter. Well I'm sure there's a few of you ready to rip me a new one......Be interesting to hear.
AAAAH......nothing like a good chit chat of opinions as the boats get ready to be put away for the winter. Franklin, I know you jest, but in reality how far fetched is your concept. I'm certainly a newbie to the sailing world but several of the "old diehards" have dropped by to have a peek(or snicker) at my set-up and have altered their opinion. Mind you some just shake their head. Bill....Yes, in fact I can see the symbols and read the depths on the screen from the helm or at least easier than paper charts and a magnifying glass.. I neglected to mention that my TV/Monitor is a 26" LCD Widescreen(not bragging just indicating I'm a "special child" and sometimes get carried away) and I keep the Fugawi program zoomed in to the area that I'm in. Franklin....I also have a small TV antenna that captures local tv stations. I'm not into video games but it's certainly an option available for those with children. BSB charts are readily available from folks around the Club for downloading so as someone mentioned there is no mega cost for the pricey C MAPS etc. So...to recap, I can plot a course in safe water(which I've been taught you are supposed to do with paper charts anyway), see the navigational data around me, watch TV, watch DVD, all for a very reasonable price and maximizing the use of my electronics. Mind you the 26" LCD is an over kill where even a 17" is adequate. If the laptop dies, I still have the Garmin GPSMAP 76. If that dies, I have a lower end used GPS as a back up. If everything fails, I have paper charts. If they blow away, I guess I'm having a really, really bad day. Is any of the fancy gadgets necessary.....no!! But whatever makes you comfortable and safe in your surroundings. Regardless of what people choose, you must be competent in using them and you MUST know the area you are in. I can't count the number of people I've met that have $6000 +++ radar set-ups and can't distinguish between a buoy and a freighter. Well I'm sure there's a few of you ready to rip me a new one......Be interesting to hear.
Handheld
Paul, discussions got off topic somewhat. In my minimal experience and sailing with other friends, handhelds are handhelds. The screens are small but they basically do most everything the big mega units do. As in everything, the more deluxe you get the more you pay. Colour is nice but is it worth paying for. I've added a link to an Edson handheld mount on Ebay. Extremely functional and of a very high quality. It keeps the GPS safe and in eye view and allows you to remove and stow your device when finished. I use a Garmin GPSMAP 76(mono colour) and it is rated very high and is very reasonnably priced.All tap dancing aside....you plot a course and follow it.
Paul, discussions got off topic somewhat. In my minimal experience and sailing with other friends, handhelds are handhelds. The screens are small but they basically do most everything the big mega units do. As in everything, the more deluxe you get the more you pay. Colour is nice but is it worth paying for. I've added a link to an Edson handheld mount on Ebay. Extremely functional and of a very high quality. It keeps the GPS safe and in eye view and allows you to remove and stow your device when finished. I use a Garmin GPSMAP 76(mono colour) and it is rated very high and is very reasonnably priced.All tap dancing aside....you plot a course and follow it.
Mounting on the H26
I consider a handheld GPS a great backup or to store in the ditch kit. I’ve had a number of Garman units on my H26 (180, 178 and now the 498), but all were mounted on a swing mount just inside the companionway on the port side (bolted to the wall of the head). When in use, swing it out.
I consider a handheld GPS a great backup or to store in the ditch kit. I’ve had a number of Garman units on my H26 (180, 178 and now the 498), but all were mounted on a swing mount just inside the companionway on the port side (bolted to the wall of the head). When in use, swing it out.
Lap Top Solution
Based on what has been written and a little reading, I am kind of leaning to a lap top solution using Fugawi Navigation software. I have a touch screen Dell that I no longer need regularly for work. I can get a handheld for a GPS receiver and use it stand alone and/or connect it to the lap top for a larger screen. The laptop can also double as a DVD player, and when available I can use it for the internet. Rick, I am curious how you like the Fugawi software? It seems like they have so many variations that it's a little confusing what I actually need. Thanks for all opf the comments and advice. Paul
Based on what has been written and a little reading, I am kind of leaning to a lap top solution using Fugawi Navigation software. I have a touch screen Dell that I no longer need regularly for work. I can get a handheld for a GPS receiver and use it stand alone and/or connect it to the lap top for a larger screen. The laptop can also double as a DVD player, and when available I can use it for the internet. Rick, I am curious how you like the Fugawi software? It seems like they have so many variations that it's a little confusing what I actually need. Thanks for all opf the comments and advice. Paul
Paul really a lap top in the cockpit
Are you sure you want to mount a lap top in the cockpit ?,in the cabin with software or dvd that part is a great idea.
Are you sure you want to mount a lap top in the cockpit ?,in the cabin with software or dvd that part is a great idea.
Not in the cockpit
Nick, Not in the cockpit. I was thinking that the handheld would be used in the cockpit, the laptop in the cabin, but maybe set up in such a way that it could be seen from the cockpit. Paul
Nick, Not in the cockpit. I was thinking that the handheld would be used in the cockpit, the laptop in the cabin, but maybe set up in such a way that it could be seen from the cockpit. Paul
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