Magellan 320

[Andy]

We sail exclusively on the west end of Lake Erie. The extent of travel in the forseeable future is Leamington, Ontario (a bit less than 50 miles) and Pelee Island/Put in Bay, etc. I can do coastal navigation if necessary but it would hard to get lost, except in bad visability. This is why I will get a GPS unit. I forced the manager of a marine supply store to admit our GPS need is probably a basic unit (waypoints and track). After looking at many, the Magellan 320 seems the best for the money. Obviously, Garmin leads in low cost units. Are they really better or just have better marketing? I would appreciate any objective views. It ain't a lot of money but I hate to pay for something twice.AndyS/V Baroque

 

[Ed Schenck]

Garmin 12XL

Hi Andy,I think you will find that whatever someone is using that will be their favorite. My Garmin 12XL suits me because 1) it was cheap, 2) has never failed, 3) mounts nicely on the helm with power from the boat and a remote antenna, and 4) easily supplies steering instructions to the autohelm.I pop it off and take it home where I can load up to 500 waypoints from the PC. But as you know we only need about six waypoints where we sail.

 

[Kevin]

320

I have the 320 and enjoy it. I've found the menu to be well ordered and the unit has performed well for me in the boat, the car and inflight... no complaints for the money. The mounting base and lighter adapter are very handy. There are other options out there and I think Garmin makes a good product. Better? Not convinced of that.BOLK

 

[Wanderer138]

Magellan 315

Same as the 320 minus the highway maps and the preloaded aids to navigation (which you can easily add yourself) for about $50 less. Mine works great and it floats too.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[skip]

garmin's for me

I sail in the same area, visiting the places you mentioned. I bought a Garmin GPS based on an article in Practical sailor. It has worked quite well.I don't have the unit handy but I think the model number is 48. As you said, all I needed was a basic handheld unit and I've been very happy with this one.