DaySailer.org Forum

I have a Garmin, Etrex Legend. It is a small handheld GPS, and has mapping technology. It has map preloaded, and you can buy software to load more specific maps onto it.

It is kind of small, so the maps can be hard to read, especially with the Black and White LCD screen that I have, (there is a color version too)but it is inexpensive, and compact. It is also pretty easy to use, and waterproof. (Up to 2 Meters I think.) It is also relatively inexpensive, at about $150-$180, last time I checked.

I guess the only complaint I have is that the memory is kind of small. I can't put as many maps as I want on it, but that was more of an issue for a long car trip than a smaller boat trip. The Etrex Vista, is similar but has much more memory, (and costs about $100 more I think) It also has some other features that I wasn't too interested in, but might be handy.

Overall I'm pretty happy with it. I hope that helps.

Last year I purchased a Uniden "Mystic" which has GPS (with map screen)\VHF and DSC all built into one unit that is just a little larger than most handheld VHF radios. (approx 8"x 2.75" x 1.25") for about $225.

They are hard to find now but in my opinion it gives the most "bang for the buck" The DSC (Digital Selective Calling) can get the GPS position of any other DSC (with GPS) equiped boat, make a "phone call" to other DSC equiped boats so you don't have to wait for a break in Chan 16 to get your request for some other boat to reply to you.

The GPS has an entire US coast line MAP built in, so if your only a mile or two off shore You'll be able to track your position and route.

And you've also got a full channel standard Marine VHF radio.

if you are wanting a starter model and want to upgrade later, then the eTrex legend is a good place to start.

On the other hand if you want a GPS that you can 'grow into' then the Garmin 76Cx is the boating standard. It will allow you to start basic for a littel over $300 bucks, but you can add memory and maps as you start to go further afield.

A word of caution however, the technology grows by leaps and bounds each year, so if you are planning to use it for more than three years assume it will be obsolete by this time next year. ie don't buy the cadillac now thinking that it will be your GPS for life. Better off to buy the $100 unit now and pass it on a couple of years from now when the technology changes and your boating habits/grounds have expanded.

I would hesitate to invest in anything that costs over say $150. That's because of a principled desire to not spend more on add-ons than I spent on the boat.

That said, I've wondered whether GPS would be a useful addition.

The one navigational challenge where I sail would be to know with more precision how far I am from the shipping lanes. (And speed over ground would be a nice bonus).

The really useful thing would be GPS combined with an AIS receiver so that I could safely cross the shipping lanes, and not be surprised by something big suddenly rounding a nearby point. An AIS receiver would do that by plotting ships; even those that are not in line-of-sight.

So, here I have a question: are there handheld GPS/AIS receiver units like that, or is that a technology that's not ready yet?

Practical Sailor has done some recent articles about gps that may guide you. While it is true that the technology advances rapidly, it also means that last year's model are really cheap. Every day I get e-mails from sailnet and am surprised by the prices. I bought a Garmin 276 C and am delighted. It is in color, is easy to read and about $600. Sailnet is selling it for $450. Be aware that you will also need detailed street maps and marine charts.
Many units come with the "base maps" which are freeways and state highways - not city streets. You need the detailed street maps. You also need the marine charts - Garmin uses "Bluechart" which is very good and very detailed. As you zoom in you get more and more deteiled info. THe downside is that Bluechart is expensive. For your $125 you get one "region" You can see how Garmin defines regions online. For me, that means I got all the cahrts for Lake Superior. When I added Lake Michigan, it cost me another $100.

I have a Garmin Etrex personal navigator that is brand new, never used. It was given to me as a wedding present back in 2001. Have instruction book and everything. $50.00, plus shipping and it is yours. E-mail me at
tbews@triad.rr.com if interested.

Tom