I am interested in reliability, ease of use and visibility in lumpy waters. I'm looking at Garmin GPS 48, 76, eTrex, Magellin 315 and others. I don't see a heck of a lot of difference between them on paper. Thank you all in advance!
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Dave
GPS
I have a Garmin 45 (same as the 48 almost) and find it excellent. You can get a pedestal mounting bracket now (I made my own) so you can keep it at the helm while under way. Very please except for the time it takes to acquire satellites. The new ones are much faster getting a fix. Dave
I have a Garmin 45 (same as the 48 almost) and find it excellent. You can get a pedestal mounting bracket now (I made my own) so you can keep it at the helm while under way. Very please except for the time it takes to acquire satellites. The new ones are much faster getting a fix. Dave
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Victor Robert
Very pleased with eTrex Legend
I bought the eTrex Legend a few weeks ago and have just returned from a two week cruise, using the eTrex connected to my laptop with Nobletec nav software. Now I carry it everywhere (excellent for highway navigation too !). The key features I like are: 1) waterproof rated at 3 feet for 30 minutes 2) higher battery life than my Garmin 315 (over 12 hours on two AA's, haven't tested 'powersaver' mode yet). 3) PC interface cable included. 4) Built-in nav aids (lights, beacons) and highway maps for Canada/USA with additional CD available for higher detail (to street level). I used to think of the eTrex as a toy GPS because of its appearance, now I know otherwise. If you are going to be connecting your GPS to a PC, consider some of the higher models, which include the PC interface cable. The price difference in models often matches the cost of adding a cable to the lower model.
I bought the eTrex Legend a few weeks ago and have just returned from a two week cruise, using the eTrex connected to my laptop with Nobletec nav software. Now I carry it everywhere (excellent for highway navigation too !). The key features I like are: 1) waterproof rated at 3 feet for 30 minutes 2) higher battery life than my Garmin 315 (over 12 hours on two AA's, haven't tested 'powersaver' mode yet). 3) PC interface cable included. 4) Built-in nav aids (lights, beacons) and highway maps for Canada/USA with additional CD available for higher detail (to street level). I used to think of the eTrex as a toy GPS because of its appearance, now I know otherwise. If you are going to be connecting your GPS to a PC, consider some of the higher models, which include the PC interface cable. The price difference in models often matches the cost of adding a cable to the lower model.
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Vic
too small
I looked at the handhelds and decided to go with the garmin 162 just because the screen is larger ... has an internal antenna that works fine ... set it up with a spare cable and bracket so that it is useable on two boats. depending on the season.
I looked at the handhelds and decided to go with the garmin 162 just because the screen is larger ... has an internal antenna that works fine ... set it up with a spare cable and bracket so that it is useable on two boats. depending on the season.
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Warren
GPS
I have a Garmin 48....Its been very good. I belive the "48" has now been discontinued..I have seen them advertised for less that $150.00! I paid $240.00 in 1998 (A good price at that time). All the major brands are good. The GPS has made navigation very easy (maybe too easy!). I suggest you go with the assumption that when you really need it (the GPS) it will fail! Stay proficient with your chart and compass! Good Luck
I have a Garmin 48....Its been very good. I belive the "48" has now been discontinued..I have seen them advertised for less that $150.00! I paid $240.00 in 1998 (A good price at that time). All the major brands are good. The GPS has made navigation very easy (maybe too easy!). I suggest you go with the assumption that when you really need it (the GPS) it will fail! Stay proficient with your chart and compass! Good Luck
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Robert Moretti
Garmin 76
I have owned the Garmin 45, and was marginally satisfied. I recently went through all the comparisons you are going through. After lots of research, I purchased the Garmin 76. It is MUCH easier to read than the e-trex models. It also has the increased accuracy of being a WAAS receiver. From what I hear from others, don't waste the extra money on the GPS Map 76. The GPS 76 has some incredible features -- waterproof, floats, uses only 2 AA batteries, etc. The only concern is that some of the GPS 76 models in the stores require a software update. But this is easily downloaded from the Garmin web site, using the cable that comes with the GPS.
I have owned the Garmin 45, and was marginally satisfied. I recently went through all the comparisons you are going through. After lots of research, I purchased the Garmin 76. It is MUCH easier to read than the e-trex models. It also has the increased accuracy of being a WAAS receiver. From what I hear from others, don't waste the extra money on the GPS Map 76. The GPS 76 has some incredible features -- waterproof, floats, uses only 2 AA batteries, etc. The only concern is that some of the GPS 76 models in the stores require a software update. But this is easily downloaded from the Garmin web site, using the cable that comes with the GPS.
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Bob
You might as well have asked...
who makes the best chili! Because you're probably going to get about as many answers. I love my Garmin GPS12. I also purchased a pedestal mount for it. Warren hit the nail right on the head, though. Keep up your charting skills. I know of several people who use nav software and upload to their handhelds. These guys never learned how to read a chart and will find themselves in a world of hurt one of these days. Good luck! Bob
who makes the best chili! Because you're probably going to get about as many answers. I love my Garmin GPS12. I also purchased a pedestal mount for it. Warren hit the nail right on the head, though. Keep up your charting skills. I know of several people who use nav software and upload to their handhelds. These guys never learned how to read a chart and will find themselves in a world of hurt one of these days. Good luck! Bob
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Eric Drayman
Garmin 175
I have the older 175. It is great. Has many of the features of the newer models and will take a map. Currently you can purchase the 175 on ebay for less that 200.
I have the older 175. It is great. Has many of the features of the newer models and will take a map. Currently you can purchase the 175 on ebay for less that 200.
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Tom Wootton
Depends on what you want
I chose the Garmin GPSMAP76, and it's definitely worth the extra money over the standard 76. It's the only GPS I have, which is fine for my needs (coastal sailing in a small boat). RAM makes a mount for it, but BoatUS and West Marine don't have it yet. I ordered mine from GPS City (link below). The map feature includes channel markers and major roads. A soon-to-be available (late Summer, according to the map people at Garmin) Bluechart download will add full chart features for selected areas. If I already had a larger fixed GPS chartplotter, using the GPSMAP76 as a backup would be overkill, but for my needs it's just right.
I chose the Garmin GPSMAP76, and it's definitely worth the extra money over the standard 76. It's the only GPS I have, which is fine for my needs (coastal sailing in a small boat). RAM makes a mount for it, but BoatUS and West Marine don't have it yet. I ordered mine from GPS City (link below). The map feature includes channel markers and major roads. A soon-to-be available (late Summer, according to the map people at Garmin) Bluechart download will add full chart features for selected areas. If I already had a larger fixed GPS chartplotter, using the GPSMAP76 as a backup would be overkill, but for my needs it's just right.
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Victor Robert
Yes, remember your basic nav skills
I agree with the advocates of keeping your basic navigation skills sharp. Know where you are despite the electronics. It is too easy to get glued to the screen playing the 'video game' and forgetting that this is for real. I have depended entirely on GPS and nav software to get into and out of anchorages in total darkness (no moon). In because we made landfall much later than planned and out because a crewmember informed me of her appendicitis at 3AM in an isolated Bahamian anchorage. Its great stuff, but remember it can fail. I normally have two GPS's active in the cockpit when underway. A Furuno installed at the helm, and a battery operated hand-held like the eTrex or Magellan 315 connected to the laptop. On a recent nighttime Gulf Stream crossing from West End, Bahamas to West Palm Beach, FL the Furuno began intermittently dissappearing, showing something like 'Satelite data unavailable'. It turned out to be a frayed cable. Though a little scary at the moment, I welcome these brushes with reality to keep me thinking. So multiple GPS's are the answer. Not so fast. My friend was doing a night passage in the Atlantic when all three of his GPS's went out for over an hour. The GPS network was simply shut down, at least for his geographic area. Will this happen again ? Will the stock market get any worse ? Understand the probabilities and plan accordingly.
I agree with the advocates of keeping your basic navigation skills sharp. Know where you are despite the electronics. It is too easy to get glued to the screen playing the 'video game' and forgetting that this is for real. I have depended entirely on GPS and nav software to get into and out of anchorages in total darkness (no moon). In because we made landfall much later than planned and out because a crewmember informed me of her appendicitis at 3AM in an isolated Bahamian anchorage. Its great stuff, but remember it can fail. I normally have two GPS's active in the cockpit when underway. A Furuno installed at the helm, and a battery operated hand-held like the eTrex or Magellan 315 connected to the laptop. On a recent nighttime Gulf Stream crossing from West End, Bahamas to West Palm Beach, FL the Furuno began intermittently dissappearing, showing something like 'Satelite data unavailable'. It turned out to be a frayed cable. Though a little scary at the moment, I welcome these brushes with reality to keep me thinking. So multiple GPS's are the answer. Not so fast. My friend was doing a night passage in the Atlantic when all three of his GPS's went out for over an hour. The GPS network was simply shut down, at least for his geographic area. Will this happen again ? Will the stock market get any worse ? Understand the probabilities and plan accordingly.
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Gordon S.
Chartplotter important
A GPS without nautical chartplotter is not much use to me. I have the early Magellan 6000 portable, which takes C-Map cartridges and gives me depth contours and other details that don't appear on screens that just show NAVAIDS. However this unit has the annoying feature of turning black in the hot sun and having a rather small display if you are not right on top of it. I have it mounted on a swing arm in the companionway of my C27 so it can be swiveled into the cabin or seen in the compionway from the cockpit. My next acquisition will be a non-portable unit with a slighter bigger screen and no "blackout" in the hot sun. Either the Navionics or C-Map systems seem to be good for real chart display. The idea of a laptop in the cockpit in the salt spray is not practical. Oh , the paper nautical chart is always within easy reach when I need to "zoom out" without changing the GPS display. This is a must, because when zooming out with a small screen display, many of the details are lost. Also when tacking the boat, I find the track history gives you a pretty good idea of when to make the next tack to avoid obstacles or shoals.
A GPS without nautical chartplotter is not much use to me. I have the early Magellan 6000 portable, which takes C-Map cartridges and gives me depth contours and other details that don't appear on screens that just show NAVAIDS. However this unit has the annoying feature of turning black in the hot sun and having a rather small display if you are not right on top of it. I have it mounted on a swing arm in the companionway of my C27 so it can be swiveled into the cabin or seen in the compionway from the cockpit. My next acquisition will be a non-portable unit with a slighter bigger screen and no "blackout" in the hot sun. Either the Navionics or C-Map systems seem to be good for real chart display. The idea of a laptop in the cockpit in the salt spray is not practical. Oh , the paper nautical chart is always within easy reach when I need to "zoom out" without changing the GPS display. This is a must, because when zooming out with a small screen display, many of the details are lost. Also when tacking the boat, I find the track history gives you a pretty good idea of when to make the next tack to avoid obstacles or shoals.
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Bryan C.
If $ is an object Garmin 48 a good choice
The 48 has proven itself over time and has a large cadre of loyal followers, as some of the posts here demonstrate. If you can pick one up for a product discontinued sale of $150 it's hard to beat. The 76 is the newer version, and is a WAAS receiver, which means its accurate to about 10' instead of 30'. If that kind of accuracy is important to you (and its hard to see why it would be) then spend the extra $75 for the 76. The etrex is probably fine, it will give you same basic info. Given the choice I'd buy the 48 (I did actually) over the etrex, basically because its a marine unit which has proven itself over time. Garmin has a good rep for customer service. I had a 12 that stopped working which they replaced for free, even though I was a few months past warranty. I didn't buy a Magellan, b/c I didn't think the screen fonts were as easy to read. The chartplotters are fun to play with if you are willing to invest a few extra hundred bucks. Basically, they save you from having to plot your position on a chart, and calculate distance and direction. However, as everyone points out, you need paper charts and these skills anyway, unless you think sailing chartless is a fun challenge when you GPS goes down. When my GPS stopped working in Bimini, you bet I was glad to have my charts and know-how to plot a course back home. IMO, a chartplotter is a fun toy, but is not necessary for safe navigation.
The 48 has proven itself over time and has a large cadre of loyal followers, as some of the posts here demonstrate. If you can pick one up for a product discontinued sale of $150 it's hard to beat. The 76 is the newer version, and is a WAAS receiver, which means its accurate to about 10' instead of 30'. If that kind of accuracy is important to you (and its hard to see why it would be) then spend the extra $75 for the 76. The etrex is probably fine, it will give you same basic info. Given the choice I'd buy the 48 (I did actually) over the etrex, basically because its a marine unit which has proven itself over time. Garmin has a good rep for customer service. I had a 12 that stopped working which they replaced for free, even though I was a few months past warranty. I didn't buy a Magellan, b/c I didn't think the screen fonts were as easy to read. The chartplotters are fun to play with if you are willing to invest a few extra hundred bucks. Basically, they save you from having to plot your position on a chart, and calculate distance and direction. However, as everyone points out, you need paper charts and these skills anyway, unless you think sailing chartless is a fun challenge when you GPS goes down. When my GPS stopped working in Bimini, you bet I was glad to have my charts and know-how to plot a course back home. IMO, a chartplotter is a fun toy, but is not necessary for safe navigation.
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Erik
Garmin GPS-76
I did a bit of research and found that for my basic nav needs, the Garmin GPS-76 was a good deal at $200. I got it mail order from GPS-City via the Web. The 76 floats, has external antenna capability, has an internal quad-helix antenna, and has a good variety of features/functions on it. It's also WAAS-capable.
I did a bit of research and found that for my basic nav needs, the Garmin GPS-76 was a good deal at $200. I got it mail order from GPS-City via the Web. The 76 floats, has external antenna capability, has an internal quad-helix antenna, and has a good variety of features/functions on it. It's also WAAS-capable.
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Michael McCann
Which GPS
Henry; Every one of these answers is good advice if it fits with you (except for the guy who needs the chart plotter). If I was buying a new GPS right now I would look for the WAAS feature. I have a Garmin 48, and I really like it, but then I do all of my navigation from charts. One of the posts said the 76 was a 48 with WAAS, I would recommend that one. As for one with a chart plotter included I would prefer a fixed mount with a larger screen than those found on a handheld. I bought my first GPS in 1994, a Magellan handheld (quite expensive at the time) NAV 1000 or something. It is still a good functioning unit (my backup), but the Garmin's are just nicer to use (maybe the new Magellan's are also). Michael
Henry; Every one of these answers is good advice if it fits with you (except for the guy who needs the chart plotter). If I was buying a new GPS right now I would look for the WAAS feature. I have a Garmin 48, and I really like it, but then I do all of my navigation from charts. One of the posts said the 76 was a 48 with WAAS, I would recommend that one. As for one with a chart plotter included I would prefer a fixed mount with a larger screen than those found on a handheld. I bought my first GPS in 1994, a Magellan handheld (quite expensive at the time) NAV 1000 or something. It is still a good functioning unit (my backup), but the Garmin's are just nicer to use (maybe the new Magellan's are also). Michael
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