GPS vs. Knotmeter

[Jerrit Coward]

I want the knotmeter to help me with our performance, seeing a change in speed with sail adjustments, am not a great sail trimmer, yet ......Does the GPS have an update fast enough? I really am not worried about charts/navigating etc. I do not mind cleaning a impeller ever so often to get quick response. Plus I can buy a knotmeter with a depth guage included for about the same price.Give me guidance!

 

[Ray Bowles]

Jerrit, One measurement of what will serve you

best if the GPS is indeed self standing is any other functions that your investment will yeild. As a starting sailor I found the speed/depth with log to be the best learning aid for the same price as a mid level GPS.When we move up next year to blue water sailing I will have, in addition to the speed/depth, a GPS/chart plotter with radar. I have to work up to technology slowly with my finger/toe counting mentality. Our sailing style is where we anchor/beach every night on our weekly 4 day trips. I use the depth function alot in planning my approach to the shore and to compare to my charts. With a H26 we can raise our rudder and keel. We therefore only need about 2 feet of water but you'd be suprised at the number of shoals and ledges we find.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Tom Payne]

I like both!!!

Jerrit,Believe me, I know there are limitations on everyone's budget. But, when combined together you are able to determine how much current you are going up against or riding with. If my knot meter says I am going 6 knts and the GPS says I am going 4 knots, I know I am in two knots of current. The GPS provides you with so much valuable information and kinda serve as a back up to other measuring devices (knot meter, and compass come to mind) on the boat. If I could ever encourage someone to obtain an electronic device it would be an auto pilot. Boy is it wonderful setting a tack and going down and making margaritas (someone must always be on watch). Then when you combine the auto pilot with a GPS, those two will take you right to your waypoint. It boggels my mind what technology can do and excites me wondering what is coming in the future.If I had to choose between the two, GPS or Knot Meter/ Depth finder, no doubt I would start with the Knot Meter/ Depth Finder. The depth finder is wonderful for knowing how much line to put out for your anchorage. To warn you about unknown sand bars (My buddies have nick named me sand bar, but that's aother story) But then I would be saving my pennies (and I do) for the auto pilot. Then for the GPS.Happy Sailing,Daddy's Dream

 

[Greg S2]

No matter what...

depth sounder should come 1st. You hang down 3 feet at that EXPENSIVE rudder of yours ;-)

 

[Mike]

Boatspeed indicators

HAve you tried the spring loaded "Knotstick" that you just trail along behind the boat? They use an elastic cord and a drag disk connected to to a spring loaded plunger. You just have to look aft of the transom to check the speed. For the speeds a 23 footer moves they're not bad. The biggest problem I've heard of is a large fish mistaking it for dinner.After a few hours with the Knotstick you'll be able to guess your speed fairly well before you look.