GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

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najor730

Recruit
Joined
May 12, 2010
Messages
4
I am new to the boating world... and let me tell you.... I love it and can't wait to get the boat on the water this year! One of my friends told me that I better not even attempt to go out on the water without a GPS/Navigation... Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on a good one?? I was looking on-line and the only ones I have been finding have been $700 and up... and I just can't spend that much $$ on it right now! Anyone have any ideas on where I can find something cheaper and what I really need?? Any help or suggestions is so much appreciated!!!!:)
 
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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,582
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

GPS is nice to find particular spots in the water for fishing, mark hazards, buoys etc. To say you cannot go boating w/o one like saying you cannot drive a car w/o power steering or power windows.

There are all kinds of GPS units, from $89 handhelds to $7K Chartplotters. Most of the cost of the chartplotters is in the display. Smaller displays are much cheaper than larger displays.

Garmin and others make pleasure boating GPS/FF combos with build in maps. Pick the display size that fits your budget. a 4" display is likely smallest that has utility. These are in the $400-500 range.
 
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jetmart

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
116
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

I agree with above. I notice your from Michigan. What lake will you be boating in?
 
timmyjoebob

timmyjoebob

Seaman
Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
53
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

I'm not so sure you need it if you're just starting out. It really depends on what you're planning. If you're going out on the lake, you can normally get a chart of the lake at a local marina so you know what areas might be extra shallow and ones you might want to avoid, etc., or to just keep you from getting lost.

If you're planning on running the ICW, yes, you'll want to have something more substantial, but, again, charts and detailed guides are available.

It really depends on what you're doin'.
 
wa_ssv197

wa_ssv197

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
266
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

Get a multi use one.
The Garmin 76 csx is a handheld marine unit, and I know that Uniden makes a GPS/radio unit. Magellan doesn't make a marine unit, but you can get marine maps for it.
 
cribber

cribber

Lieutenant
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
1,338
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

I use my Garmin Nuvi that I use in the car for out on the local lakes. I mark my fave locations on the water as way points. If your going on on the Great Lakes you might want to save up for a chart plotter GPS.
 
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najor730

Recruit
Joined
May 12, 2010
Messages
4
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

jetmart said:
I agree with above. I notice your from Michigan. What lake will you be boating in?
Click to expand...

Lake St. Clair!! Very Excited.. Just want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before I get out there!!!!:D
 
JoLin

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

Learn how to read a chart and compass, and plot a course. Everything you do with a GPS really makes sense to you then. Plus, you have a backup when that bad ground wire under the dash sidelines the electronic unit.

Charting really isn't hard to do and IMO is very satisfying to learn. It's learning how to use the GPS that's giving ME fits! I think it's an age thing... :)
 
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Doemaster62

Cadet
Joined
May 3, 2010
Messages
8
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

Most of the popular Gps/ff companies (hummingbird, lorance, eagle, ect...) have a low-end unit that will be sufficient for your application... I have found them as low as $250-300... try your major sporting goods stores online for sales (bass pro, cabelas, academy sports, dicks, ect...) they are always running a good sale on something.... if that doesnt work, revert to ebay... but make sure you buy a whole unit w/transducer and gps reciever(if necessary). But for somebody to say that you cant hit the water w/out one is crazy... i have been boating for years and have never owned one... Nothing beats a good ole' map...i will say a gps is convient at times, but a map is a very cost efficent but equally effective option...
 
Boatist

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

You should get a GPS. Even a hanheld could save your life.
At Night or in the FOG they are a must have. Also in large open water where you can not see land.

I have 2 hand helds on my boat as back up for my main navigation.
I have a Garmin GPSMAP 76 and a Lowrance H2O C.
Both work perfect for finding your way home or running a route to you best fishing spot.
I like the Lowrance H2O C much better than the Garmin because
It is brighter, Clearer, Has a better Base map, Faster to redraw, More Sensitive and Cheaper.
The unit is discontinued but is still available many places.

Garmin unit works good also it just harder to read in some light like in the car,
Slower and less sensitive but it works just as good unless your in heavy forest.
It also cost more. I bought the garmin first and the Lowrance two years later.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...og_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCcQ8wIwAA#
 
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PDubs

Seaman
Joined
Feb 22, 2010
Messages
56
Re: GPS / Navigation Suggestions!

Been real happy with the performance of my Garmin 431s.
 
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