need guidance for GPS

[Stachi]

Heya all... I am looking to buy an inexpensive (relatively speaking) portable GPS that I can use in my truck or boat. I'll admit , I do not know what it is that makes a GPS unit suitable for marine use, but I want to learn. All information and opinions will be appreciated. THANKS !

 

[Fireman431]

Re: need guidance for GPS

Marine GPS systems concentrate on navigational waterways and the associated portions (docks, channel markers, ramps, marinas, etc) and are designed to leave trailing marks where ever you boat. Highway GPS systems are geared toward city's, street, addresses, etc and road landmarks (points of interest, restaurants, toll roads, etc). 2 totally different animals.

Get a road GPS for your car (you can get them for less than $100) and get a marine unit for your boat.

 

[NYBo]

Re: need guidance for GPS

I went that route and bought a Lowrance XOG. It's water-resistant and I got it with a freshwater map SD card. The biggest drawback is that it doesn't have a NMEA 0183 interface so I can't hook it up to my VHF radio.

 

[dingbat]

Re: need guidance for GPS

The only two differences between a "marine" and a "street" GPS is the unit?s resistance to moisture and the map sets the unit will support.

Most street units have the ability to load the marine maps but are not sealed for that enviroment although we?re starting to see more and more cross-over units designed specifically for your scenario.

The Garmin Nuvi 5XX series ?street? navigator is one of them. The unit is ?moisture? resistant and has the ability to load the Blue Chart G2 map sets for marine use.

 

[sbooy42]

Re: need guidance for GPS

I have a garmin 67... Its not marine specific but there are many data programs that can be added.. I use it for everything, streets, hunting, fishing, hiking, scouting..Plus it floats (I've tested) and its resistant to somewhere around 30fow

 

[Hank496]

Re: need guidance for GPS

Something else to think about is the use of a smartphone. I have an iPhone 3gs that I use extensively with a highway mapping app, and I also have a copy of the Navionics App as a backup for marine use. Keep in mind phone 'GPS' is not really GPS, but rather triangulation of various cell towers. SO if you are out of cell range you are also out of luck. Even though I wouldn't use the phone exclusively for boating in the ocean, it would be more than adequate for lake boating.

 

[zagger]

Re: need guidance for GPS

There is an app for it - seriously! New smart phones will have built in GPS and will work even when not in range of cell tower. My droid lightning will do that plus you can get the charts and apps for free. You only have to load and store your charts on the internal SD card. As stated before this option is not water proof so make sure and keep it dry.

 

[nikon]

Re: need guidance for GPS

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Waterproof-Chartplotter-BlueChart-Navigator/dp/B001HL4YMG

They make it, but it's not cheap.

For the price of the dual purpose unit and hassle of taking it in/out of car/boat your better off buying a cheap car unit and then a proper marine unit. I have a garmin 96c which is tailored to aviation but can also be loaded up with street maps and bluechart. The 76c is the cheaper version, won't do aviation but fits the bill for you...doesn't speak street names though.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Handhe...5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1302810848&sr=1-5

 

[Stachi]

Re: need guidance for GPS

Wow ! Thanks for the replies . I trailer my boat and it sits outside. All electronics will be stored off boat anyway. I will look into the Garmin units as advised. Thanks all.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: need guidance for GPS

Keep in mind phone 'GPS' is not really GPS, but rather triangulation of various cell towers. SO if you are out of cell range you are also out of luck.

Grab another cup of coffee and do your research. You should know better since you have an iPhone 3Gs which has a true GPS antenna built into it. I continue to be amazed at the bad information promulgated by those who think they know what they are talking about compared to those of us who do.

 

[QC]

Re: need guidance for GPS

Agree, cell phone GPS is real.

The unit you want is a Garmin 276. Does both truck and boat VERY well. Unless you have used one, I suggest you investigate. I can't recall right now what's on the base memory, but you can use a variety of modes and change data cards for a variety of locations and land or sea.

 

[nikon]

Re: need guidance for GPS

Agree, cell phone GPS is real.

The unit you want is a Garmin 276. Does both truck and boat VERY well. Unless you have used one, I suggest you investigate. I can't recall right now what's on the base memory, but you can use a variety of modes and change data cards for a variety of locations and land or sea.

Have used a very similar Garmin 496 (aviation) they are the tried and true units.....the battery however sucks. The XM on the 496 is nice, nexrad and xm radio is really nice to have no matter where you are.

 

[QC]

Re: need guidance for GPS

I've had the 176 and 276, yes battery sucked. I used hard wire for both applications with both units. The 176 used AAs . . .

For freshwater the bees knees is the 376 as the Freshwater lakes is preloaded. Usually way too high. 276s on eBay and Craig's list can be had for under $500. I paid $250 for a 276 and sold on eBay for $450. Wish I could do that daily

 

[Silk]

Re: need guidance for GPS

I just purchased a Hummingbird 365I GPS combo for 299 at my local Cabelas. I also purchased a chip that gives me lake topography (not just the outline of the lake). I borrowed a gps last year a couple times, loved teh ability to mark off favorite spots electronically and revist them later without having to throw out an orange marker, that was fun. So I decided to buy one for myself.

There were some very nice and very expensive ones, but this one did what I wanted it to and within my budget!

 

[zagger]

Re: need guidance for GPS

what it is that makes a GPS unit suitable for marine use

GPS is GPS, the main difference between car and boat is that a marine version will chart your course and allow for way point input, this will allow the unit to back track your rout or mark your favorite fishing spot. There are many other options but this is the main difference. You did not mention where you will be using the unit, if you are planing extended offshore trips then don't skimp on a good unit. The 76c is a great unit and has gotten me home couple times in complete fog, for inshore fishing the 365i combo unit is great bargain solution. The only vehicle/marine unit I know it the gamin 640 but it costs as much also. Good luck.