GPS reccomendations

[Wanderer138]

A second vote for the swing-out bracket

My hand-held GPS (on a 12V adapter) and depthsounder display are mounted on a hinged bracket that swings out into the companionway when I'm under way and swings back into the cabin when I'm away from the boat. I'd rather have the depthsounder than a mapping GPS because the depths I see on my display are actual depths in real time at a very high degree of resolution, not digitized off a chart based on an old hydrographic survey.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[VT Fitz]

Most compelling reason for *any* GPS

I've used a very basic handheld (eTrex Vista) & it has been a very handy tool. We sail on lakes & coastal waters, so we're never in much peril of getting lost. However, I enjoy having a way of measuring speed, distance traveled, velocity made good & other fun statistics to check how well I'm sailing & am I on the course I plotted. On the latter point, I've also used it to plot courses in conjunction with a paper map, which is always used as a back-up & marked at regular intervals with data from the GPS. We could spend bizillions on sexier units with color, larger screen, etc, but for me, what we have is quite functional.(Incidentally, if you look in the last issue of Trailer Magazine for BoatUS, you'll see my wife won the last eTrex GPS giveaway! Don't know whether to sell it on eBay or use it as a back-up!)However, the most compelling reason to have *any* GPS working at all times while afloat is the first thing the Coast Guard will ask you in response to your Mayday call is, "What are the co-ordinates on your GPS?"

 

[Tom2909]

Garmin eTrex Mariner Handheld

I have a Garmin eTrex Mariner Handheld (West Marine exclusive) that I purchased several years ago. It came with nav aids pre-programed. Does not have chart viewing capability.I use the home computer to setup routes and download them to the GPS. Use paper charts on the boat. I have a PDA with chart viewing software and interface cable for the GPS, but find the screen too small to be very useful.I like the portability of a handheld to take with me on other friends boats, to record mooring locations and help find them in case the winter chain breaks, etc.Another choice to consider is a PDA with an integrated GPS plug in module.For more info:http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVenture/For charting software (PC and PDA):http://memory-map.com/Fair winds,Tom

 

[ConchyJoe]

I have a Lowrance

I have a Lowrance LMS337C DF. I mounted it on one of those ram pivots. When I am sailing, I swing it out so it is viewable from the cockpit, and swing it in at night.