searching for GPS ?

[sibelus]

Hello sailors! <br /><br />I'm looking for a GPS I do not what kind.<br /><br />My use:<br />sailing 5 miles max from Franch coast.<br /><br />I also use a PC at home and think to connect GPS to calculate way points and...<br /><br />Perhaps I may also use It on ground ?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Find you a magellan with GPS antennae that mounts to boat. It also has downloadable software with it.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Start with Garmin. www.garmin.com They're ahead of the pack. A lot of information on the Garmin site; I like the Garmin GPSMAP 76S for a handheld. It'll do more than you ever imagined. Take a look a www.GPSdiscounts.com or www.consumersmarine.com to purchase...they'll probably evan ship to France. http://gps.faa.gov/CapHill/geosat.htm http://217.204.152.210/support_maps.cfm Great background information on the above sites too. Good luck!

 

[Beaux]

Re: searching for GPS ?

i bought a garmin 76s from iboats marine mega mall...just as cheap as gpsdiscounts if you get the marine mount also.....and you are supporting this great forum. Garmin are my favorite (obviously) and i have had one before and loved it...( garmin gps12). good luck

 

[scotiany]

Re: searching for GPS ?

I want to get a GPS also. My question is if they are all capable of acting as a speedometer.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: searching for GPS ?

scotiany...absolutely. Speed over ground; on land, water, or air. Amazing technology.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Hello,<br /> I use the Garmin 162 Mapping GPS and think it is great.Easy to use,easy to see,Zooms,tracks etc.,etc.The only thing it does not show is depth and bottom contours.There is new software(cd) available now that covers depth,etc.I think it's called "Blue Chart" for Garmin GPS's.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Yup...Garmin 'BlueChart'.

 

[sibelus]

Re: searching for GPS ?

which is best and why<br />GARMIN or MAGELLAN ?

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: searching for GPS ?

I disagree about Garmin....it's fine for lower cost GPS, but their proprietary chart system is a disadvantage. <br />On the other hand, C-Map NT can be used in several brands of hardward systems (Furono, Ratheon, Standard, Navman, etc., and is more useful for world-wide applications. In addition, those who seem to know tell me C-Map updates their charts more often than other chart brands.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: searching for GPS ?

(laughing)Ok,here we go,GPS wars.... <br /><br />Capt.Mike,<br /> My Garmin unit can be used worldwide and software updates are available at the Garmin website.The first time I turned it on it was covering Taiwan on the chart.It zooms and pans from world view down to 1/8 mile.Seems to me you could go through alot of C-map cartridges if you move around much.How much are those cartridges anyway?

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Ugh. Don't want a war either. I'm sure all chart plotters have a map of the world. But if you want a marine chart of your particular area (which is the whole idea of a chart plotter), you "get" to pay extra, and then the charts need periodic updating (which ain't free) <br />Garmin makes a good product. But C-Map chips go into several brands, and as you upgrade (from, say, a Standard Horizen B&W to a Furuno color combo chart GPS/depth finder/radar (pant, drool), you take your chips complete with your routes, secret fishing holes, etc., with you. And C-map may not be appropriate for sibelus' area; might be Navionics, or what ever. I'm just advocating a non-proprietary system.<br />C-Map chips cost $100-$200 each, depending upon the area. My primary chip, from Monterey Bay, Ca to Cape Flaherty, Wa, Sacramento River, Columbia River, etc., was $200. Think they could get Puget Sound on it too? Of course! But that's another $200..... When I was shopping for GPS, Garmin provided one chart "free", then you paid extra for updates and additional charts. That was last year...I'm sure conditions are different this year!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: searching for GPS ?

I'd like to ask a question of you all. I fish and boat exclusively on good size lakes here in Missouri, so I don't need one that shows the World,Tides,Reefs and such. What would be the best handheld one around $200.00 that would basically show me where I've been and how to get back to that same spot(For fishing and night boating), but with a simple to use, easy to follow screen? Any ideas?

 

[JB]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Howdy.<br /><br /> http://www.whalerforum.com/?p=classview&c=7

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: searching for GPS ?

I bought a Lowrance iFinder as it has mapping, will take an antenna and was around the $200 (US). I bought one off of EBay. I like the unit (haven't used it much, bought it after I packed the boat up for winter) but I need to buy a map for it for my area (BC, Canada). They have a variety with built in maps for different uses or you can buy the Plus version with their mapping software.<br /><br />From what I've seen, I would have an easier time getting maps for the Garmin, but the up front cost was more (comparing to a Garmin V).<br /><br />As for speed, I've tested my truck against the mile markers (actually kilometre markers) and my truck is real accurate. I then tested it against the GPS and was bang on if travelling in a straight line. It should be good in the boat for cruising speed but I doubt it will be much good for trolling speed.<br /><br />Oh, I'm not sure if WASS will work where you are (does me no good up here). The iFinder has it as does the Garmin V.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Thanks JB and TW. JB, that might just be what I'm after. Gonna do a little research on it and if it looks like what I'm after, it's a done deal for $200.00. Thanks again,

 

[Beaux]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Rick-<br />I had a gps12 a while back and had nothing but good results with acquisition and accuracy. That gps 12map from JB looks like a good deal with all the accessories he is offering with it. It would most likely provide suitable accuracy (around 10meters) and info for what you say you need. The only real things you would be missing is ability to load a large area into the gps at once (less memory capacity in older models). If you buy new, and you are like me, you would get the mount ($25-35) and the 12v cord ($25) anyway. and that doesnt include the software. However, it is a classified ad.... offer him $175.00!! bad form to give someone what they are asking for. sorry JB!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: searching for GPS ?

OK, how about a new one? Which would be best recommended for my use? I would just like to be able to return to a fishing point or navigate at night on unknown lakes(Do not need to chart them). Just something to get me back to the dock. I understand that you can set it when you leave your launch point and it will "Show" you the way back. Are these not called the waypoints that you can store without all the extras.

 

[Beaux]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Rick-<br />yes you can do that with the non-mapping Gps as well. That is called "trackback" feature on garmins. You simply clear the trackback memory(it wont affect your stored waypoints) at the dock and it auto stores your path while on the water. The only thing to remember is that once it gets to a certain number of turns it starts either deleting or averaging your autosaved points to make for fewer actual turns. But in a lake, it would definitely get you back to your starting point. So you do need a mapping one right? I read it like you want to be able to see the outline of the map on your gps when at night. If all you want is to be able to get back to where you came from along the path already traveled that night and also to go to points that you have already marked (waypoints)during daylight areas or past trips, you might be able to get by with a nonmapping for much less $$$. depends on what you need it for. Hope that helps

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: searching for GPS ?

Beaux <br />Thanks for the reply. Yes, I would like one that Maps your course for you. When you said" I read it like you want to be able to see the outline of the map on your gps when at night", that is exactly what I want it to see!. So which one's will do that? And do you have any favorites or recommendations, as there are a ton of them out there. Keeping in mind I want to keep it simple as possible. Thanks,