portable GPS for measuring speed

[kfa4303]

Hi all. I've seen several vids and read tons of posts about folks that use their GPS gizmos or iphones to check their speed. I have a pretty basic cell phone that doesn't have a GPS app, plus I don't always have cell reception when out on the water. I was just wondering if y'all could recommend a small, inexpensive, portable GPS unit that I could use as a speedometer. Nothing fancy just a simple, entry level model. Thanks

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

I used my car GPS to check speedo & WFO speed---it works anywhere.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

WFO speed??????

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Wide Friggen Open

 

[southkogs]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

I use my Garmin Nuvi out on the water - I bought it about a year ago for $160.

However, Bubba posted this on the forum in another thread: http://www.iboats.com/GPS-Speedometer-80MPH-Teleflex-Marine/dm/view_id.730632 It looks really slick - I'm thinking about it for next year. It's probably more of what you're looking for.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Sorry unwinding from a LOOONG Day--but yes- WIDE FRIGGIN OPEN.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bushnell-BackTr...0562579532?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item2c5e6a344c

 

[Fireman431]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

There are tons of handheld GPS' out there. Most older non-color models can be purchased used for around $50. Ask your friends, one of them is bound to have one. If you were closer, I'd let you borrow mine.

 

[roscoe]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

I don't see anywhere that that Bushnell Backtracker has a speed function.

Looks like just a compass, a direction pointer, and distance to waypoint. ???

 

[kfa4303]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Thanks Fireman431. That's what I'm thinking. I just need something super simple. I've seen little cell phone sized versions in vids, but never up close. I think I'll take a look on ebay for a used one or something.

 

[5150abf]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Poke around on Ebay, if you look enough you can get a handheld GPS for next to nothing and even the most basic unit will tell speed acurately.

 

[Philster]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Remember, GPS measures speed-over-land, so if you are going into a 5 MPH current/tide, the GPS is going to knock 5 MPH off your speed (Boat going 50 mph over water - 5 MPH head current = 45 MPH GPS reading)

Go with current/tide, and your speed will be 55.

One way you get 45... and turning around you get 55.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

I have one like this that I've had for years. Still works great and I use it for marking coordinates on land based items.

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Outdoors2/iFINDER-Explorer/

 

[pootnic]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Remember, GPS measures speed-over-land, so if you are going into a 5 MPH current/tide, the GPS is going to knock 5 MPH off your speed (Boat going 50 mph over water - 5 MPH head current = 45 MPH GPS reading)

Go with current/tide, and your speed will be 55.

One way you get 45... and turning around you get 55.

Alittle or maybe alot cofused here.
If current or wind is either helping or hurting you,isn't that your actual speed?
For some reason I have a tread mill scenario in my head,I'm there running but not moving so no speed.

 

[Kurt V]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Tough to go wrong with the little Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator. You can get it at Amazon.com for $82.00 http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313678629&sr=1-1

Will tell you your speed, compass heading and how to find your way back home. And it is waterproof. This was my first GPS unit and while I now have more complex and expensive units, I still keep this one around. Mine is 10 years old and they are still making them!

View attachment 108744

 

[BTMCB]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Just as an FYI to the OP......you mentioned not getting cell phone reception. While I don't get "cell phone reception" at one lake I use, the GPS App in the phone still works. The app is searching for a "satellite" not a "cell tower". Agree with other posters.....many choices of "reasonable" handheld GPS units out there. Good luck.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Tough to go wrong with the little Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator.

Same here, had one for years. Thanks for explaining WFO to us old geezers!

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

I have one like this that I've had for years. Still works great and I use it for marking coordinates on land based items.

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Outdoors2/iFINDER-Explorer/

I have an iFinder, and I HATE it. Maybe there's some differences in firmware between the models, but I feel bad about even selling mine to anyone, because I'd feel like I was robbing them.

If I ever get another handheld, it'll be a garmin.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

Do y'all think this sort of thing would work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAGELLAN-GP...0876160506?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item3a696269fa

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: portable GPS for measuring speed

I don't have any experience with other brands, as the only GPS that I've used is an old model from Cobra (yup, the radar detector people). I bought a used GPS-1000 from Ebay about 5yrs ago for only $60. Its pretty big compared to other units, and the screen is only grayscale. What I like about it is that you can go screen to screen very easily to access the different modes. There is also a screen that you can setup multiple parameters on (speed, elevation, etc). When I go dirtbiking, this is the screen that is almost always used. You can set it up with either 3, 6, or 12 different parameters being displayed at the same time. The screen and buttons are large enought that I can use the GPS while riding down the trail. I don't have to stop to fiddle with it. They are water resistant, back-lit, run off batteries or 12v cig lighter adapter, have roadmaps, and may come with mounting options. Mine came with a really handy suction mount for windshields.

Here is a shot: