Hello, I know this topic has been covered before, but I am looking for a handheld marine gps. I want something that can handle a splash or worse. I want something with mapping capability and charts that can be loaded in. I'd rather not spend more than $400 for the unit and the charts. I found the Magellan SporTrak Pro Marine, but it seems to be out of stock at most places and I am thinking maybe it's being discontinued (anyone know?). I am in the process of purchasing a Hunter 25.5 so there is no real place to mount something larger than a handheld. Plus anything else would be out of my budget. Any Suggestions? -- Jeremy
Handheld GPS Help...
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Handheld GPS
Lots of discussion on this topic in the archives. Take a look at the Garmin 76 series. Prices are coming down for the b/w screen now that the color version is out.
Lots of discussion on this topic in the archives. Take a look at the Garmin 76 series. Prices are coming down for the b/w screen now that the color version is out.
Another Handheld
I picked up a Garmin 60C on Ebay for under 400 (new). Its a little smaller than the 76 series, but does everything including color mapping! I've used it extensively in the Puget Sound region and it's worth its weight in gold!
I picked up a Garmin 60C on Ebay for under 400 (new). Its a little smaller than the 76 series, but does everything including color mapping! I've used it extensively in the Puget Sound region and it's worth its weight in gold!
Bottom feeder
When it comes to sailboat "extras" be patient. At first you are likely not going to sail anywhere that you don't know or need a GPS to get back home. Here is my story and I admit I am a bottom feeder when it comes to buying these type of like to have items. I puchased a Megellan Meridian Gold from Sports Authority when they were under going a change in ownership for $125. The Gold unit has the same capabilities as the marine unit. Then I waited around looking at software packages. Megellan has a number of options but only one that has it all for the U.S. That is a package which contains all the charts and let's you change from region to region. The best price seen on the internet was $109 for the BlueNav package. I bought last year's package (same program) from West Marine's discount store for $65 on one of the crazy sales they have from time to time. So my total cost for a fine GPS and software was under $200. You can do the same just keep your eyes open and do research to get what you need not more.
When it comes to sailboat "extras" be patient. At first you are likely not going to sail anywhere that you don't know or need a GPS to get back home. Here is my story and I admit I am a bottom feeder when it comes to buying these type of like to have items. I puchased a Megellan Meridian Gold from Sports Authority when they were under going a change in ownership for $125. The Gold unit has the same capabilities as the marine unit. Then I waited around looking at software packages. Megellan has a number of options but only one that has it all for the U.S. That is a package which contains all the charts and let's you change from region to region. The best price seen on the internet was $109 for the BlueNav package. I bought last year's package (same program) from West Marine's discount store for $65 on one of the crazy sales they have from time to time. So my total cost for a fine GPS and software was under $200. You can do the same just keep your eyes open and do research to get what you need not more.
Garmin 76
For under $200, garmin 76. easu to use and it will always point you in the right direction, most charts have gps waypoints, and you need paper charts for backup. I've used the garmin from the cape cod canal to long island and in between with never a problem.
For under $200, garmin 76. easu to use and it will always point you in the right direction, most charts have gps waypoints, and you need paper charts for backup. I've used the garmin from the cape cod canal to long island and in between with never a problem.
Garman Map 76
I purchased the Garman Map76 a couple of months ago from West Maring, $200, list $300. I've used it a couple of times and find it really easy to use and has built-in maps ans marine markers. The built-in maps of streets was not that great, seemed to parallel the highway I was on. Since I don't get out of sight of land, as yet, use it primarily for speed indication. Have not checked it against charts to see how accurate the built-in information is. I think it was well worth the money. I West Marine has an ad in Sailing World magazine for the same price.
I purchased the Garman Map76 a couple of months ago from West Maring, $200, list $300. I've used it a couple of times and find it really easy to use and has built-in maps ans marine markers. The built-in maps of streets was not that great, seemed to parallel the highway I was on. Since I don't get out of sight of land, as yet, use it primarily for speed indication. Have not checked it against charts to see how accurate the built-in information is. I think it was well worth the money. I West Marine has an ad in Sailing World magazine for the same price.
The family bought me a Garmin 178C...
for my birthday last year. I've put about 1,000 miles on it so far cruising the San Juan, Gulf and Discovery Island groups. A fellow skipper has the 76 model. My unit has a 32 Megabit data card that holds 250 charts covering these waters. His 76 can only hold a few charts at a time before he has to download more from his computer. It all depends on what you want your GPS to do. I say the 178C is the way to go. I wished I would have had it years ago. Terry
for my birthday last year. I've put about 1,000 miles on it so far cruising the San Juan, Gulf and Discovery Island groups. A fellow skipper has the 76 model. My unit has a 32 Megabit data card that holds 250 charts covering these waters. His 76 can only hold a few charts at a time before he has to download more from his computer. It all depends on what you want your GPS to do. I say the 178C is the way to go. I wished I would have had it years ago. Terry
Thanks!!!
Thanks guys for all the responses! I am pretty sure I am going to buy the Garman Map76. It seems to be well like and well tested by other sailors. All of my sailing will be in the Great South Bay on the south side of Long Island in NY. So I have land on both sides of me. I already have paper charts for the bay. Anyone have any experience with the using the tide features on the 76? The only problem with the Great South Bay is at low tide it's very shallow. -- Jeremy
Thanks guys for all the responses! I am pretty sure I am going to buy the Garman Map76. It seems to be well like and well tested by other sailors. All of my sailing will be in the Great South Bay on the south side of Long Island in NY. So I have land on both sides of me. I already have paper charts for the bay. Anyone have any experience with the using the tide features on the 76? The only problem with the Great South Bay is at low tide it's very shallow. -- Jeremy
Tide feature
The tide feature works great, you will also get a more accurate speed readout because there is no current that affects actual speedometer.
The tide feature works great, you will also get a more accurate speed readout because there is no current that affects actual speedometer.
William...
how did you mount that to your pedestal rail? I was looking but couldn't find a rail mount for it. Thanks Rob
how did you mount that to your pedestal rail? I was looking but couldn't find a rail mount for it. Thanks Rob
edson gps mount
Picked this one up at a boat show in Boston last year, edson makes them, you can order them from the catalog, or West Marine might carry them as well, it's really a snap to install and keeps the line of sight clear. The garmin 76 slides in and locks in place.
Picked this one up at a boat show in Boston last year, edson makes them, you can order them from the catalog, or West Marine might carry them as well, it's really a snap to install and keeps the line of sight clear. The garmin 76 slides in and locks in place.
Tide feature
Jeremy, Hi neighbor, I have a Garmin 182 and use the tide feature all the time. works great you can switch to different tide stations depending where your sailing. BTW theres plenty of deep water out here to sail. Bob Free Spirit Bay Shore marina
Jeremy, Hi neighbor, I have a Garmin 182 and use the tide feature all the time. works great you can switch to different tide stations depending where your sailing. BTW theres plenty of deep water out here to sail. Bob Free Spirit Bay Shore marina
Garmin 76
One point that needs to be reinforced regarding the G76. There are several versions of this popular GPS. You can go to the Garmin website and compare each version. If you intend install the MapSource charts you'll want greater memory. I believe the basemap is the same for all versions.
One point that needs to be reinforced regarding the G76. There are several versions of this popular GPS. You can go to the Garmin website and compare each version. If you intend install the MapSource charts you'll want greater memory. I believe the basemap is the same for all versions.
Hey Bob!
From what I understand we really are neighbors. My new boat is over at Long Island Yatch Sales.. (Actually dropping the check off this week then she's all mine
) I am glad to hear there is some deep water out there. I am new to sailing and to the Great South Bay. -- Jeremy
From what I understand we really are neighbors. My new boat is over at Long Island Yatch Sales.. (Actually dropping the check off this week then she's all mine
) I am glad to hear there is some deep water out there. I am new to sailing and to the Great South Bay. -- Jeremy- Status