I have just purchased an O'day 25, which I will soon learn to sail on Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay to be exact. I am looking for information about GPS Receivers and would like to know what everyone else uses. Like many people who have just purchased a boat my funds are limited, so I am looking for a good reliable unit in the $200.00 range. I have thought about the Meg. 12 or 315 and even the Etrex. However I would like to get some opinions. I do not care for all the possible luxuries (hinch the Etrex model) but I would like to get the best gear for that price. I am somewhat skilled with a chart and compass already (thanks to USMC) but would like the bells and whistles of a GPS. Any help would be great. Actually any help with sailing at all would be great, because I have only been sailing a couple of times. Yes, lessons are planed for this summer, however my first sail will be from Lorain to Sandusky (about 30 miles) It’s a good thing the old owner is taking me there and teaching me on the way!! Cannot wait!! Thanks again Al
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John Finch
GPS?
Al: I don't know which GPS to buy. The only one I've had any contact with is the Etrex--it worked fine. The reason I am responding is your boat. You just purchased a beautiful boat. I had one for 11 years and raised two kids on it (summer weekends) I had sailed very little before getting it, so I learned most on it. I have since owned an O'Day 28 and now a Catalina 30, but the O'Day 25 was still my first love. Like a lovely lady, she is initially very tender but will stand up to a blow when necessary. Enjoy her, she is special. John Finch S/V Doxology
Al: I don't know which GPS to buy. The only one I've had any contact with is the Etrex--it worked fine. The reason I am responding is your boat. You just purchased a beautiful boat. I had one for 11 years and raised two kids on it (summer weekends) I had sailed very little before getting it, so I learned most on it. I have since owned an O'Day 28 and now a Catalina 30, but the O'Day 25 was still my first love. Like a lovely lady, she is initially very tender but will stand up to a blow when necessary. Enjoy her, she is special. John Finch S/V Doxology
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Thomas Ehmke
Garmin, Al. By the way, we're neighbors.
Al, There was a similar thread about GPS's awhile back which you can find in the archives. At that time it was Garmin hands down. Several different models were mentioned. I own a 12XL and am happy with it, but as I pointed out in the thread, I'm envious of the 48 owners because the later models have a marine database which lists major aids to navigation. I sail an ODay 272 out of West Harbor (east of Port Clinton) not far from Sandusky at all. Would love to check out your boat some time this season. My e-mail address is tomclaud@wcnet.org. Keep in touch. Tom
Al, There was a similar thread about GPS's awhile back which you can find in the archives. At that time it was Garmin hands down. Several different models were mentioned. I own a 12XL and am happy with it, but as I pointed out in the thread, I'm envious of the 48 owners because the later models have a marine database which lists major aids to navigation. I sail an ODay 272 out of West Harbor (east of Port Clinton) not far from Sandusky at all. Would love to check out your boat some time this season. My e-mail address is tomclaud@wcnet.org. Keep in touch. Tom
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
2 schools of thought
One would be to buy the unit with the most bells & whistles for whatever you can afford (say $200). The other would be to buy the cheapest one that would do (about $100). It'll do the basics for half the cost. Pick the one that suits you. LaDonna
One would be to buy the unit with the most bells & whistles for whatever you can afford (say $200). The other would be to buy the cheapest one that would do (about $100). It'll do the basics for half the cost. Pick the one that suits you. LaDonna
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greg
Most Expensive
If you HAVE to ask, GO FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE. Good Grief, you are sailing on Lake Erie. How lost can you get? On the other hand, all you need is a chart (recent) and a cheap GPS (like a Magellan Blazer 12 <$90). Spend the difference between Super expensive GPS and the low end GPS on long distance telephone calls to your buds bragging about the cool sailing you are doing while sipping an adult beverage on a broad reach (at night)! You know 3 GPS receivers are cheaper than a high end sextant! Go figure. Bottom line for a limited sailing area is cheap GPS (or two) and a decent chart. You got your LAT and LONG, what else do you need except lots of ice?! :>)
If you HAVE to ask, GO FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE. Good Grief, you are sailing on Lake Erie. How lost can you get? On the other hand, all you need is a chart (recent) and a cheap GPS (like a Magellan Blazer 12 <$90). Spend the difference between Super expensive GPS and the low end GPS on long distance telephone calls to your buds bragging about the cool sailing you are doing while sipping an adult beverage on a broad reach (at night)! You know 3 GPS receivers are cheaper than a high end sextant! Go figure. Bottom line for a limited sailing area is cheap GPS (or two) and a decent chart. You got your LAT and LONG, what else do you need except lots of ice?! :>)
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Robert Entwistle
Garmin
I will only buy a Garmin because of the great service I got from them when I had aproblem. I have a Garmin 12 and it has taken me to the Bahamas and all through the Florida key's .Does everything I need.
I will only buy a Garmin because of the great service I got from them when I had aproblem. I have a Garmin 12 and it has taken me to the Bahamas and all through the Florida key's .Does everything I need.
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Ron
Mama always told me...
You get what you pay for. Remember buying that car, you wanted it to be cheap so you didn't get power windows, cruise control, and all the goodies. Well now that you have owned the car for a year, you wished you had spent the extra bucks. I found this to be true with electronics. Wait a little longer and save up for the premium products. If you don't get all the "bells and whistles" you might want them later. Besides it won't be so "out dated" tommorrow.
You get what you pay for. Remember buying that car, you wanted it to be cheap so you didn't get power windows, cruise control, and all the goodies. Well now that you have owned the car for a year, you wished you had spent the extra bucks. I found this to be true with electronics. Wait a little longer and save up for the premium products. If you don't get all the "bells and whistles" you might want them later. Besides it won't be so "out dated" tommorrow.
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David Foster
Garmin 48 for $200
Gives you all the navigation aides for the Great Lakes, and a number of other good features. But nothing wrong with the advise to go with a simpler model if you don't want/need those features. I find them very useful for cruising Lake Erie.
Gives you all the navigation aides for the Great Lakes, and a number of other good features. But nothing wrong with the advise to go with a simpler model if you don't want/need those features. I find them very useful for cruising Lake Erie.
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Pat Spino
GPS
The Garmin 48 is on sale at West Marine for $179.00. However, check out the new eTrex by Garmin for the same price. It's a smaller package and, if I'm not mistaken, it looks as if it is going to be the replacement for the 48. PAT
The Garmin 48 is on sale at West Marine for $179.00. However, check out the new eTrex by Garmin for the same price. It's a smaller package and, if I'm not mistaken, it looks as if it is going to be the replacement for the 48. PAT
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Davor
GPS for your boat
The strongly recommend the Garmin 48 for sailing. I have both an ETrex and a 48. The advantages of the 48 are the built-in navigation aids data base, the external antena is more sensitive and will make a fix much faster, you can view your coordinates without having to "mark" your location and the viewing screen is larger. Get the 12VDC plug and mouting bracket if you travel at night and need to use the back light continously. I use the ETrex when I go on wilderness backpack hunting trips and every oz. is important. Lasts forever on a pair of lithium batteries.
The strongly recommend the Garmin 48 for sailing. I have both an ETrex and a 48. The advantages of the 48 are the built-in navigation aids data base, the external antena is more sensitive and will make a fix much faster, you can view your coordinates without having to "mark" your location and the viewing screen is larger. Get the 12VDC plug and mouting bracket if you travel at night and need to use the back light continously. I use the ETrex when I go on wilderness backpack hunting trips and every oz. is important. Lasts forever on a pair of lithium batteries.
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Todd Osborne
Garmin 12
The Garmin display font is bigger & bolder. It will come in handy on a moving boat. The features are more related to navigation on the water (Velocity made good, etc.). I have compared the garmin & the Magellan side by side on the water (both models under $150) and the Garmin performed better & was slightly more user friendly. If you are a data nut, you'll love GPS either way you go!
The Garmin display font is bigger & bolder. It will come in handy on a moving boat. The features are more related to navigation on the water (Velocity made good, etc.). I have compared the garmin & the Magellan side by side on the water (both models under $150) and the Garmin performed better & was slightly more user friendly. If you are a data nut, you'll love GPS either way you go!
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Bryan C.
Another vote for Garmin
Have a Garmin 12 (<$150 these days) and it's all you need. It did break down after the one year warranty, but Garmin replaced it anyway. If I was buyng a new one, and I needed on right now, I'd consider the 48, it has a built in marine database and archor drag alarm (does anyone ever use this feature?) for < $50 more. But that stuff isn't essential. If you can wait 6 months, the newer WAAS capable receivers will be on the market in bulk, which are more accurate. Current GPSs should be accurate enough for what you'll need them for, however.
Have a Garmin 12 (<$150 these days) and it's all you need. It did break down after the one year warranty, but Garmin replaced it anyway. If I was buyng a new one, and I needed on right now, I'd consider the 48, it has a built in marine database and archor drag alarm (does anyone ever use this feature?) for < $50 more. But that stuff isn't essential. If you can wait 6 months, the newer WAAS capable receivers will be on the market in bulk, which are more accurate. Current GPSs should be accurate enough for what you'll need them for, however.
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Pat Spino
eTrex again
West Marine had Garmine make a version of the eTrex exclusively for them. It is called the eTrex Mariner. It seems to have all of the features of the 48 and is downloadable, has 500 waypoints and 20 routes, and comes with the data base. Check it out before you buy the 48. If you go with the 48 great. It's a great unit. However, as I said in the previous response, it appears as though the eTrex MARINER(!) is going to be the 48's replacement. PAT
West Marine had Garmine make a version of the eTrex exclusively for them. It is called the eTrex Mariner. It seems to have all of the features of the 48 and is downloadable, has 500 waypoints and 20 routes, and comes with the data base. Check it out before you buy the 48. If you go with the 48 great. It's a great unit. However, as I said in the previous response, it appears as though the eTrex MARINER(!) is going to be the 48's replacement. PAT
More on GPS
All GPS units (not counting DGPS or the new WAAS that are due out soon) have the same degree of accuracy. The more expensive units just have added features like waypoint & route storage, backtracking capability, preloaded aid-to-navigation databases, download capability from navigation CD's and ability to share data with other electronics like an autopilot or chartplotter. Most sailors seem to feel that the Garmin GPS 48 offers the best all-round bang for the buck. Go for it. If you plan to sail at night or go out of sight of land, I would also suggest that you get up-to-date charts and a cheap GPS for backup. A decent compass wouldn't hurt either. Good luck! Peter S/V Raven
All GPS units (not counting DGPS or the new WAAS that are due out soon) have the same degree of accuracy. The more expensive units just have added features like waypoint & route storage, backtracking capability, preloaded aid-to-navigation databases, download capability from navigation CD's and ability to share data with other electronics like an autopilot or chartplotter. Most sailors seem to feel that the Garmin GPS 48 offers the best all-round bang for the buck. Go for it. If you plan to sail at night or go out of sight of land, I would also suggest that you get up-to-date charts and a cheap GPS for backup. A decent compass wouldn't hurt either. Good luck! Peter S/V Raven
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Wait for the Garmin WAAS models
Al - I am going to create a war here no doubt, but I'd wait a few weeks for the new WAAS models from Garmin. In my opinion, Garmin offers the most user friendly models by a substantial margin. Others have varried opinions, but in my experience I find the Garmins easiest to use and I have had this observation backed up by lots of people I know and sail with. That said, Garmin has scrapped its current handheld line. This is not because they are not good units; they are. I have a Garmin GPS12xl that works great. However, the replacement units will add to the already superb quality a WAAS receiver increasing resolution from a probable error of about 60 feet to a probably error of about 8 feet. Prices are not going up that much, and I find the increase justified. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Al - I am going to create a war here no doubt, but I'd wait a few weeks for the new WAAS models from Garmin. In my opinion, Garmin offers the most user friendly models by a substantial margin. Others have varried opinions, but in my experience I find the Garmins easiest to use and I have had this observation backed up by lots of people I know and sail with. That said, Garmin has scrapped its current handheld line. This is not because they are not good units; they are. I have a Garmin GPS12xl that works great. However, the replacement units will add to the already superb quality a WAAS receiver increasing resolution from a probable error of about 60 feet to a probably error of about 8 feet. Prices are not going up that much, and I find the increase justified. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Nate Shawl
Upgrade From Handheld
I've found the Garmin 126 to be an excellent unit. Very easy to use, good size screen, and it has a lot of information usefull to sailing. It's also easy to install because it has no separate antenna. I tried several brands (brought them home and tried all their features) before I decided on the Garmin. The other brands had problems ranging from annoying to dangerous. It seemed like the Garmin was in a class by itself. I see the latest etrex WAAS receiver is only $249. That's got to be one of the best deals on a handheld.
I've found the Garmin 126 to be an excellent unit. Very easy to use, good size screen, and it has a lot of information usefull to sailing. It's also easy to install because it has no separate antenna. I tried several brands (brought them home and tried all their features) before I decided on the Garmin. The other brands had problems ranging from annoying to dangerous. It seemed like the Garmin was in a class by itself. I see the latest etrex WAAS receiver is only $249. That's got to be one of the best deals on a handheld.
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J R
Garmin 48 replacement?
Replacement may be the new 76. It is WAAS and priced about where the 48 was when it was first introduced. Check the Garmin web page as no one has it in stock yet.
Replacement may be the new 76. It is WAAS and priced about where the 48 was when it was first introduced. Check the Garmin web page as no one has it in stock yet.
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Gary A
Magellan 320!
I have a very old Garmin 75 that I paid a whoppin $800 for many years ago, and it still works like a charm, but seems like a toy compared to today's models. I have a Magellan 330 and I love it. I only regret buying it before the 330M (M is for Marine) came out. This is the most sensitive GPS I have ever used (my fifth). I bought a Garmin e-Trex for my brother for Christmas and it is awful. Side-by-side, the Magellan gets a fix five times faster than the e-Trex every time and does a much better job holding it. If it wasn't too late, I would return the e-Trex and get a 330 for my brother instead for a little more money. I can even get a fix on my 330 inside my house, but only on the top floor.
I have a very old Garmin 75 that I paid a whoppin $800 for many years ago, and it still works like a charm, but seems like a toy compared to today's models. I have a Magellan 330 and I love it. I only regret buying it before the 330M (M is for Marine) came out. This is the most sensitive GPS I have ever used (my fifth). I bought a Garmin e-Trex for my brother for Christmas and it is awful. Side-by-side, the Magellan gets a fix five times faster than the e-Trex every time and does a much better job holding it. If it wasn't too late, I would return the e-Trex and get a 330 for my brother instead for a little more money. I can even get a fix on my 330 inside my house, but only on the top floor.
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Jim
Sailing With The Owner
Sounds like you're buying your boat at about the same time in your sailing life as I did, while still learning to sail. I also had an opportunity to sail my "new" Hunter 25 crewing for the previous owner for about 80 miles or so, from Tom's River NJ, along the Jersey coastline, through NY Harbor and out to Port Washington, Long Island. That was really a great way to get to know the boat and its capabilities as well as it limitations in various wind and sea conditions. Fortunately the skipper and I got along very well for this two day & two night trip. As for your GPS choices, I posted the same question a while back and the votes came in largely for the Garmin, with one vote coming in all the way from Israel for the Garmin 12, which I bought and am happy with. Best of luck with your new boat... Jim
Sounds like you're buying your boat at about the same time in your sailing life as I did, while still learning to sail. I also had an opportunity to sail my "new" Hunter 25 crewing for the previous owner for about 80 miles or so, from Tom's River NJ, along the Jersey coastline, through NY Harbor and out to Port Washington, Long Island. That was really a great way to get to know the boat and its capabilities as well as it limitations in various wind and sea conditions. Fortunately the skipper and I got along very well for this two day & two night trip. As for your GPS choices, I posted the same question a while back and the votes came in largely for the Garmin, with one vote coming in all the way from Israel for the Garmin 12, which I bought and am happy with. Best of luck with your new boat... Jim
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Al Shaffer
Thanks For The Help!! here is what I bought!!
Well after careful consideration and allot of surfing and research I decided on the new etrex legand. I know no one had mentioned it here but I took all the point’s people made and tried to find the one that would work best. The Legend has mapping, (and I also purchased the Mapsourse Recreation and Nautical CD). WAAS capability, more waypoint and routes that both the 12 and the 48. Plus it is small enough to keep in my pocket and on my bike. I bought it yesterday and am amazed at what this thing can do. I never imagined the information GPS units could produce! WOW!! I have still purchased my charts, and charting equipment, to keep up to snuff, but I can see why you all love your GPS units. The manual that came with the unit is designed rather poorly, but I have been able to learn and use the functions that are most important. I would also suggest that if you have one with mapping capabilities, DO buy the Mapsourse CDs. They offer extraordinary detail. I understand the non-rec & naut CD offers more info about addresses and the like but the one I bought has more than enough info to get you where you are going. I plan on taking it on a hike an extended wilderness hike this weekend, with our adventure youth group to see how well it does in the woods. I am so excited about this thing I plan on designing a review page for it let people know the good and bad from an armatures point of view, so stay tuned. <a href="http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegend/">You can view the Legends specs here!</a> Thanks again and hope to meet some of you one the water!!
Well after careful consideration and allot of surfing and research I decided on the new etrex legand. I know no one had mentioned it here but I took all the point’s people made and tried to find the one that would work best. The Legend has mapping, (and I also purchased the Mapsourse Recreation and Nautical CD). WAAS capability, more waypoint and routes that both the 12 and the 48. Plus it is small enough to keep in my pocket and on my bike. I bought it yesterday and am amazed at what this thing can do. I never imagined the information GPS units could produce! WOW!! I have still purchased my charts, and charting equipment, to keep up to snuff, but I can see why you all love your GPS units. The manual that came with the unit is designed rather poorly, but I have been able to learn and use the functions that are most important. I would also suggest that if you have one with mapping capabilities, DO buy the Mapsourse CDs. They offer extraordinary detail. I understand the non-rec & naut CD offers more info about addresses and the like but the one I bought has more than enough info to get you where you are going. I plan on taking it on a hike an extended wilderness hike this weekend, with our adventure youth group to see how well it does in the woods. I am so excited about this thing I plan on designing a review page for it let people know the good and bad from an armatures point of view, so stay tuned. <a href="http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegend/">You can view the Legends specs here!</a> Thanks again and hope to meet some of you one the water!!
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