I'm considering a handheld mapping GPS. Three models have caught my attention and was hoping y'all might be able to provide some guidance. I will be sailing mostly in bays, sounds and lakes in the NE USA. I know I could get by with a regular GPS, but I'm a gadget nut and mapping is just sooo nice. The models I'm looking at are: Lowrance GlobalMap 100 Magellan Map 410 Garmin GPS 12MAP / GPS III+ (different pkg, same features) So what are the plusses and minuses. Of course price with needed mapping software is a factor. Most of the info I can find out there focuses too much on land based use. I'd rather a unit that was richer in nautical info. Thanks & Happy New Year Ron M Hunter 26 Hydro-Therapy
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I know you said handheld but...
I installed the Lowrance 1600 Global Map early this past season on my newly acquired 97 H29.5. It was on sale for like $549 an I am very pleased with it. It was easy to install and does a lot. It stores a lot of waypoints and whole routes, which you can tell it to run forward or back, etc. If the budget affords you might want to consider it. (I must admit though that it is a little scary to think that that 12 satelites know where I am - is big brother watching?)
I installed the Lowrance 1600 Global Map early this past season on my newly acquired 97 H29.5. It was on sale for like $549 an I am very pleased with it. It was easy to install and does a lot. It stores a lot of waypoints and whole routes, which you can tell it to run forward or back, etc. If the budget affords you might want to consider it. (I must admit though that it is a little scary to think that that 12 satelites know where I am - is big brother watching?)
handheld
I've been using the Garmin 175 for the past 2 years (until I dropped it overboard). Having looked at all the alternatives including the new models with which I plan to replace it, my opinion hasn't changed - it's still the best one. As long as you plan on staying within homeport range of one single G-chart, the cost of the add-ons is minimal. Don
I've been using the Garmin 175 for the past 2 years (until I dropped it overboard). Having looked at all the alternatives including the new models with which I plan to replace it, my opinion hasn't changed - it's still the best one. As long as you plan on staying within homeport range of one single G-chart, the cost of the add-ons is minimal. Don
Maps with a sounder !
I've been using a Garmin GPS135 Sounder which is nice for a small boat since it puts both instruments in a single package. They now have the same thing with a built in antenna that would be even nicer than mine. The new color displays are easier to read too. The cost of the map carts is a real deterrent with these things. If you stay in one area and a good cart is available it would be great. The carts for inland lakes are a little questionable at times. It's also screwed to the boat so it can't tumble overboard! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
I've been using a Garmin GPS135 Sounder which is nice for a small boat since it puts both instruments in a single package. They now have the same thing with a built in antenna that would be even nicer than mine. The new color displays are easier to read too. The cost of the map carts is a real deterrent with these things. If you stay in one area and a good cart is available it would be great. The carts for inland lakes are a little questionable at times. It's also screwed to the boat so it can't tumble overboard! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Gudget? --What Budget?
In planning a small cruise this summer (which never happened thanks to Dennis)I decided it was time for a GPS so we'd have some idea where we were. Set a limit of $150 and hand-held. HAH! Fat chance. Nice units with all kinds of screens except what I realy wanted, which was to have a quick, graphical idea of my position relative to hard things. Proceded to look at the next step up with small screens and ended up with the $347 Magellan 410. Garmin was geared towards land, and the proprietary carts seemed expensive. The Magellan 410 has very nice coverage of aids to navigation as well as mapping of highways. When I zoom in on Barnegat Bay I can get to a very comfortable view where I'm certain when I'm going to run aground. I've also used it in the van and was able to get un-lost using it. The unit is capable of surprising detail including soundings by downloading from a CD ROM. I'm hoping to pick one up at the Atlantic City show for less than the current $100 price. I'm pleased with the unit and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
In planning a small cruise this summer (which never happened thanks to Dennis)I decided it was time for a GPS so we'd have some idea where we were. Set a limit of $150 and hand-held. HAH! Fat chance. Nice units with all kinds of screens except what I realy wanted, which was to have a quick, graphical idea of my position relative to hard things. Proceded to look at the next step up with small screens and ended up with the $347 Magellan 410. Garmin was geared towards land, and the proprietary carts seemed expensive. The Magellan 410 has very nice coverage of aids to navigation as well as mapping of highways. When I zoom in on Barnegat Bay I can get to a very comfortable view where I'm certain when I'm going to run aground. I've also used it in the van and was able to get un-lost using it. The unit is capable of surprising detail including soundings by downloading from a CD ROM. I'm hoping to pick one up at the Atlantic City show for less than the current $100 price. I'm pleased with the unit and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Garmin GPS III
Ron, I like the Garmin GPS III. Good detail on the maps, small, lite, and satellites can be picked up below in the cabin with a small stick-on antenna on the window. I would also get a DC adapter as a back-up to the AA batteries. Good luck, Jeff s/v Twilight
Ron, I like the Garmin GPS III. Good detail on the maps, small, lite, and satellites can be picked up below in the cabin with a small stick-on antenna on the window. I would also get a DC adapter as a back-up to the AA batteries. Good luck, Jeff s/v Twilight
Garmin III for $200.00
I'sell you my Garmin III,(1999 model) for $200.00 C.O.D. It includes a $40.00 dash mount free. Still under factory warrenty. I have upgraded to a better chart-plotter. E-mail me if intrested. Steve, s/v Odyssey H310
I'sell you my Garmin III,(1999 model) for $200.00 C.O.D. It includes a $40.00 dash mount free. Still under factory warrenty. I have upgraded to a better chart-plotter. E-mail me if intrested. Steve, s/v Odyssey H310
Reminder
Just a reminder that boats and gear should not be offered for sale in the forums. Please use the Gear Here ads (they're free) for that. Thanks!
Just a reminder that boats and gear should not be offered for sale in the forums. Please use the Gear Here ads (they're free) for that. Thanks!
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