I need to replace my old, handheld GPS because it will not feed location signals to my VHF. Looking for first hand experience with the current generation of GPS equipment. I think I would like one with a database of navigation bouys. Are the databases worth the cost? Which brand and model do you "old salts" prefer? Thanks. Genesis (Hunter 335)
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Ken Sturgill
The Garmin Map 76
I work for a marine electronics store locally. By far Garmin is the best gps system now on the market. The Map 76 is the best value, it has a base map with lights, you can download charts into it, it has 8megs of memory, it has tide tables, it's hand held, can be mounted and hard wired and with the blue chart CD Rom it can turn a lap top into a charting system. Check it out at WWW.garmin.com, they run around $350 plus $139 for a Blue Chart, and right now you'll get a $50 rebate. This is the system that I picked for myself and so far it gives the most bang for the buck.
I work for a marine electronics store locally. By far Garmin is the best gps system now on the market. The Map 76 is the best value, it has a base map with lights, you can download charts into it, it has 8megs of memory, it has tide tables, it's hand held, can be mounted and hard wired and with the blue chart CD Rom it can turn a lap top into a charting system. Check it out at WWW.garmin.com, they run around $350 plus $139 for a Blue Chart, and right now you'll get a $50 rebate. This is the system that I picked for myself and so far it gives the most bang for the buck.
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Mike McVay
GPS MAP 76
I agrre, the GPS Map 76 is by far the best value and most usable. I run the Blue Chart CDs. I can plot my courses on the laptop, download to the GPS and away I go. It is a fantastic tool.
I agrre, the GPS Map 76 is by far the best value and most usable. I run the Blue Chart CDs. I can plot my courses on the laptop, download to the GPS and away I go. It is a fantastic tool.
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Michael O'
Garmin 76 S
Garmin has a new version called the GPSMAP 76S. The "S" in the product name stands for "sensors", because the GPSMAP 76S incorporates a GPS receiver, barometric altimeter, and an electronic compass that deliver location, elevation, and bearing information with plenty of memory (24 MB) for downloading MapSource data. It’s also waterproof and floats in water. That's why it get's my vote for cockpit GPS.
Garmin has a new version called the GPSMAP 76S. The "S" in the product name stands for "sensors", because the GPSMAP 76S incorporates a GPS receiver, barometric altimeter, and an electronic compass that deliver location, elevation, and bearing information with plenty of memory (24 MB) for downloading MapSource data. It’s also waterproof and floats in water. That's why it get's my vote for cockpit GPS.
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John Thomas
A cheaper Garmin
The 76 is a wonderful choice, but if you want something cheaper ($180), the little Garmin "Mariner" which is available only from West Marine is also pretty great. It does not have mapping, but does have a marine database with bouys, lights, markers, cities, etc. It is VERY small, but has a very sharp display which makes up for its small size, it's pretty easy to read. It'll drive your autopilot with "Seatalk". It's waterproof, but does not float. Like all these units, it's a battery hog and you really need the expensive optional lighter plug power source.
The 76 is a wonderful choice, but if you want something cheaper ($180), the little Garmin "Mariner" which is available only from West Marine is also pretty great. It does not have mapping, but does have a marine database with bouys, lights, markers, cities, etc. It is VERY small, but has a very sharp display which makes up for its small size, it's pretty easy to read. It'll drive your autopilot with "Seatalk". It's waterproof, but does not float. Like all these units, it's a battery hog and you really need the expensive optional lighter plug power source.
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Tim Leighton
DON'T JUMP THE GUN!!
George: From another Hampton Roads sailor... don't jump the gun getting a GPS that will feed your VHF. I just commissioned a new Catalina 400 and had the GPS hooked to the Icom M502 VHF. Only after I had it done (and paid a pretty penny for it!) did I learn that NO ONE IS LISTENING yet! What I heard from the CG Auxiliary is that it will be at least 3-4 years before the CG and other stations will routinely be able to pick up DSC "Mayday" calls. If you are just getting the interface to see current position on your radio panel, then any suggestion made by others here will work as long as the GPS has NMEA capability. As for the type of GPS, although I went with Raymarine for my boat, I'd take a very close look at the Garmin charting GPS's out there. Their "blue chip" cartography is about as good as it gets. In addition, they (both the GPS and chart chips) are very affordable. Good luck! Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic") Norfolk Naval Sailing Center
George: From another Hampton Roads sailor... don't jump the gun getting a GPS that will feed your VHF. I just commissioned a new Catalina 400 and had the GPS hooked to the Icom M502 VHF. Only after I had it done (and paid a pretty penny for it!) did I learn that NO ONE IS LISTENING yet! What I heard from the CG Auxiliary is that it will be at least 3-4 years before the CG and other stations will routinely be able to pick up DSC "Mayday" calls. If you are just getting the interface to see current position on your radio panel, then any suggestion made by others here will work as long as the GPS has NMEA capability. As for the type of GPS, although I went with Raymarine for my boat, I'd take a very close look at the Garmin charting GPS's out there. Their "blue chip" cartography is about as good as it gets. In addition, they (both the GPS and chart chips) are very affordable. Good luck! Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic") Norfolk Naval Sailing Center
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Ken
DSC
Your right about the CG but the DSC Panic button alerts all DSC radios to your call giving Lat & Lon data to them. Out Here in Puget Sound the CG only has two to Three boats on duty, plus helocopters to cover a large area. With 911 they're patroling boarder areas and Ports, with a slow response time in anything but helocopter. A boat listening in a mile or two away can come to your aid. All commercial vessels carry DSC and by law respond to an SOS.
Your right about the CG but the DSC Panic button alerts all DSC radios to your call giving Lat & Lon data to them. Out Here in Puget Sound the CG only has two to Three boats on duty, plus helocopters to cover a large area. With 911 they're patroling boarder areas and Ports, with a slow response time in anything but helocopter. A boat listening in a mile or two away can come to your aid. All commercial vessels carry DSC and by law respond to an SOS.
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