this is rich again ineed help in selecting a good GPS hand held waterproof one that is cheep i dont know if that is possable I usauly sail alone and I have aready had one near death experiance. sothat plus a good PFD is time I only go uot on my MAC26D about 2miles out and back in but some day I try Catalena. so any sugestons would be a great help thank you Rich the wanta be sailor.
HELP"""""
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Rich...
There were several recommendations in this thread that is linked below (second page). Oceanside Harbor entrance is not that hard to negotiate. Granted, when the swells get big, then it can be tricky. I've been in and out of there many times. Anyway, check out the link if you forgot about it. Several suggestions for a handheld GPS can be found there. p.s. I wouldn't recommend trying to go to Catalina solo until you have many hours at your helm. Plus, I'd recommend you tag along with a group of people going just to be on the safe side. Remember, there is safety in numbers. Good luck.
There were several recommendations in this thread that is linked below (second page). Oceanside Harbor entrance is not that hard to negotiate. Granted, when the swells get big, then it can be tricky. I've been in and out of there many times. Anyway, check out the link if you forgot about it. Several suggestions for a handheld GPS can be found there. p.s. I wouldn't recommend trying to go to Catalina solo until you have many hours at your helm. Plus, I'd recommend you tag along with a group of people going just to be on the safe side. Remember, there is safety in numbers. Good luck.
I have used a Garmin GPS 76 for 4 years
and it has gotten wet and still works fine. Pretty sure it cost $200 at WM back then. It now sells for $170 at this link http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|344|302025|296556&id=321040 They make some cheaper ones that I can't comment on. You will need to carry spare AA batteries. Magellan, Lowrance and Navman also make handheld GPS's. The best place for GPS accessories is here: http://www.gpsgeek.com/
and it has gotten wet and still works fine. Pretty sure it cost $200 at WM back then. It now sells for $170 at this link http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|344|302025|296556&id=321040 They make some cheaper ones that I can't comment on. You will need to carry spare AA batteries. Magellan, Lowrance and Navman also make handheld GPS's. The best place for GPS accessories is here: http://www.gpsgeek.com/
Hello Rich, Welcome to SA Sailors Anonymous,
this is a whole new addiction. I have a Garmin Venture that is very accurate. I have not been able to locate marine charts for it however. I also have a Garmin 185 GPS/ Sounder that I picked up on Ebay for $120 with maps. I sold the maps that I did not need and bought the maps for the west coast. The unit is older but works well with extreme accuracy. It also acts as a depth sounder with all of the alarms with is important to have. The fish finder feature for me is a real bonus. I now use the Venture as a backup. If you are trailer able Duane Beaver is looking for someone to sail with out of Alamitos. You can also crew on his Mac 22. He has a thread in here for that. Nice fellow very knowledgeable.
this is a whole new addiction. I have a Garmin Venture that is very accurate. I have not been able to locate marine charts for it however. I also have a Garmin 185 GPS/ Sounder that I picked up on Ebay for $120 with maps. I sold the maps that I did not need and bought the maps for the west coast. The unit is older but works well with extreme accuracy. It also acts as a depth sounder with all of the alarms with is important to have. The fish finder feature for me is a real bonus. I now use the Venture as a backup. If you are trailer able Duane Beaver is looking for someone to sail with out of Alamitos. You can also crew on his Mac 22. He has a thread in here for that. Nice fellow very knowledgeable.
I have used Garmin products
for over 15 yrs and have never regretted the choice. Like CalebD, I also use a Garmin 76 and think it does a great job for what I need. If I were to replace it, I'd probably buy a Garmin 72, which is just about the same as the Garmin 76, but doesn't come with a PC power cord, an item I've never needed to use. I think the 72's are now selling for around $112 (@Planet GPS) -- a REAL bargain. "Practical Sailor" rates these units very well.
for over 15 yrs and have never regretted the choice. Like CalebD, I also use a Garmin 76 and think it does a great job for what I need. If I were to replace it, I'd probably buy a Garmin 72, which is just about the same as the Garmin 76, but doesn't come with a PC power cord, an item I've never needed to use. I think the 72's are now selling for around $112 (@Planet GPS) -- a REAL bargain. "Practical Sailor" rates these units very well.
Garmin GPS 76 is a great choice
as the unit is very durable and comes preloaded with all of the navigation aids for US waters. It is easy to read in a variety of conditions.... Check out the top right picture to see it in action under nasty conditions http://www.sailingseadragon.com/BadDayWater.htm Good luck Garner
as the unit is very durable and comes preloaded with all of the navigation aids for US waters. It is easy to read in a variety of conditions.... Check out the top right picture to see it in action under nasty conditions http://www.sailingseadragon.com/BadDayWater.htm Good luck Garner
Garmin 76
Get the GPSMap version. Even the base model is fully functional for most needs. It's waterproof and since it's mountable yet portable you can use it in other vessels, in vehicles and for bikinghiking, etc. I think they are about $200 at West Marine or better online. Google it.
Get the GPSMap version. Even the base model is fully functional for most needs. It's waterproof and since it's mountable yet portable you can use it in other vessels, in vehicles and for bikinghiking, etc. I think they are about $200 at West Marine or better online. Google it.
Jacklines and a tether
Since falling overboard while soloing is an pleasant experience I'd recommend installing jack lines and a wearing a harness and tether. Also always trim the boat so she has weather helm. That way if you do fall overboard and are trapped some how and can't get back on board the boat will at least stop and the sails will luft. This will indicate to anyone around that there is a problem and they will come to investigate.
Since falling overboard while soloing is an pleasant experience I'd recommend installing jack lines and a wearing a harness and tether. Also always trim the boat so she has weather helm. That way if you do fall overboard and are trapped some how and can't get back on board the boat will at least stop and the sails will luft. This will indicate to anyone around that there is a problem and they will come to investigate.
Garmin
I can also recommend Garmin for a GPS. I have had Garming for 4 years and couldn't be happier. I have a Lawrence hand held I have had for years and years, and although way outdated in technoligy, it still works fine, and serves me well as a backup. I also second the recomendations that you get a harness, and tether. When single handing, there is no outside help, so you are on your own. One thing I do when it gets really snotty, is I rig a double tether, one to each side of the cockpit, just to make sure that if I should go over, I don't get into the water. It is virtually impossible to get yourself back on board a moving boat, if you are being drug along by the boat. The double tether does limit movement, and is only usable when at the wheel, but it does make sure I can't get completely over the side.
I can also recommend Garmin for a GPS. I have had Garming for 4 years and couldn't be happier. I have a Lawrence hand held I have had for years and years, and although way outdated in technoligy, it still works fine, and serves me well as a backup. I also second the recomendations that you get a harness, and tether. When single handing, there is no outside help, so you are on your own. One thing I do when it gets really snotty, is I rig a double tether, one to each side of the cockpit, just to make sure that if I should go over, I don't get into the water. It is virtually impossible to get yourself back on board a moving boat, if you are being drug along by the boat. The double tether does limit movement, and is only usable when at the wheel, but it does make sure I can't get completely over the side.
my Garmin GPS76 lasted two years
Then, half the screen disappeared, as in window blinds with every other slat missing. I can still use it, but it's annoying. Of course the warranty is up and Garmin said it would cost $90 to fix. So I figure, it cost them $90 or less for the whole unit. Then, when you send yours in for repairs like I need, they just replace it with a new one. However... Two years? When you don't use it for 6 months a year? In fresh water? I am disappointed, again however, it might be the best one out there and I got one of the 25% that are faulty.
Then, half the screen disappeared, as in window blinds with every other slat missing. I can still use it, but it's annoying. Of course the warranty is up and Garmin said it would cost $90 to fix. So I figure, it cost them $90 or less for the whole unit. Then, when you send yours in for repairs like I need, they just replace it with a new one. However... Two years? When you don't use it for 6 months a year? In fresh water? I am disappointed, again however, it might be the best one out there and I got one of the 25% that are faulty.
Handheld GPS
Not to beat a dead horse but I've had my G76Map GPS for at least 5 yrs, have dropped it a couple of times and I and verify that it floats. Here's a page on my personal experience with the non-color version. Several friends have the new color version and they are very satisfied with it. http://kobernus.com/hunter260/gps/gps1.html
Not to beat a dead horse but I've had my G76Map GPS for at least 5 yrs, have dropped it a couple of times and I and verify that it floats. Here's a page on my personal experience with the non-color version. Several friends have the new color version and they are very satisfied with it. http://kobernus.com/hunter260/gps/gps1.html
GPS
I have a Garmis 76 that is working fine year 4. One last thing about solo sailing. That is what is do most of. In addition to a good PFD and tether, I also clip on my hand help submursable VHF. I use a tiller pilot in good weather, so it I go over the side, the VHF is my best bet to get assistance.
I have a Garmis 76 that is working fine year 4. One last thing about solo sailing. That is what is do most of. In addition to a good PFD and tether, I also clip on my hand help submursable VHF. I use a tiller pilot in good weather, so it I go over the side, the VHF is my best bet to get assistance.
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