Multi purpose GPS on Canadian lakes?

First of all: Hi there, I am new here.

Just bought a boat, a Lund 1600 Explorer tiller.

I can't wait to take it out on the lakes where I live (Ontario, Canada).
The problem is however, that I am 'directional challenged' and really need a GPS system to find my way back.

So I was looking for a multi purpose GPS unit because I would also like to use it on my 4 wheeler and snowmobile.
I have seen a few possibilities at Garmin, a 60Cxi, a Zumo 660 and a Oregon 400, but I am not sure if they will work on water.

But it is difficult to make a good choice. Should I go for a multi purpose one or buy a dedicated unit for the boat? And if so, which one would suit my needs?
I haven't found to much info on Canadian inland lakes so far.

Re: Multi purpose GPS on Canadian lakes?

A GPS receiver cannot really tell if it is on water or on land. A GPS receiver works in either location as long as it has a clear view of the sky. You can get a great GPS receiver for under $50 these days.

Here is one that provides your current position, heading, real time, speed, and distance to destination:

http://www.semsons.com/nosygugpsdal.html

Re: Multi purpose GPS on Canadian lakes?

As pointed out, GPS prices have really dropped. There are a couple things to consider. Does the unit accept map imports? Does it support autorouting on roadways? Battery life? Storage capability? Those a just a FEW considerations.

I have a Garmin Vista CX and really love it. Little bit more money but full featured. I take it with me in the car (has full autorouting capabilties), boat (full marine charts from coast-coast) and back country canoeing (full topographical maps coast-coast). Has electronic compass (in addition to the GPS compass), altimeter (barometer) and accepts micro-SD memory cards for almost unlimited memory capacity. Battery life is exceptional at about 30 hours if used judiciously.

As for detailed info/charts an any of the smaller inland lakes (ie not popular waterways) I have not found anything, but the topo maps are very detailed showing shorelines, roads, powerlines etc etc.

I find it small enough to "take it with me" and big enough to be able to read it comfortably, and my eyesight aint what it used to be .