Looking to outfit a small center console with GPS. I have been advised to stick with Garmin handhelds - the price range is large. Any input on features I should look for and sugested models would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Handheld GPS suggestions please
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I recently purchased a Garmin 176 and absolutely love it. It can be wired in the boat to 12V or it can run on 4 AA's...Great for when I'm in other people's boats or ice fishing. I also highly recomend getting the Blue Chart for your area. I got the New York Chart...It contains LIS, CT river, Thames River and all the way out to the Canyons.
I have a Garmin 45...older unit..love it..Just make sure you get the dash mount that is make for the unit you get..I would stay awway from the universal mtg brkts..Spend the x-tra bucks for the right one. You'll be glad you did. I wish I had!! I threw the univ one overboard !!!!!!!
Garmin GPSmap 76s
I have a garmin GPSmap 76s is the most accurate handheld I use. This unit uses WAAS and track up to 12 satellite. But is the more pricey model. The 76S is physically the same as the 76(but has 24MB of map memory instead of 8MB for the 76). Also the tracklog has been increased to 5000 trackpoints, and the case colors are reversed. Is waterproof up to 30 min. and will also float. It can also convert your old TD number to GPS. This unit also have CELESTIAL menu lets you access the Tides, Sun and Moon and Hunting and Fishing. I highly recommend this unit. If you want to see a review on this model gps and others goto this site.
http://www.gpsinformation.net/waas/g76s/g76s-map.html
I have a garmin GPSmap 76s is the most accurate handheld I use. This unit uses WAAS and track up to 12 satellite. But is the more pricey model. The 76S is physically the same as the 76(but has 24MB of map memory instead of 8MB for the 76). Also the tracklog has been increased to 5000 trackpoints, and the case colors are reversed. Is waterproof up to 30 min. and will also float. It can also convert your old TD number to GPS. This unit also have CELESTIAL menu lets you access the Tides, Sun and Moon and Hunting and Fishing. I highly recommend this unit. If you want to see a review on this model gps and others goto this site.
http://www.gpsinformation.net/waas/g76s/g76s-map.html
I have a Garmin GPS 12 (around $150) thats all you'll need for a 17' center console (I have a 16')All you will want it for is to find your way back in the fog, marking a spot you hit fish, or refinding a reef. It takes 4 AA batteries. The only drawback to this unit is if you store your unit over the winter WITHOUT batteries it will lose all your waypoints(but if you reinstall the batteries every couple og months it won't! It has an internal battery that goes dead over the winter, the AA main batteries keep it charged! Every 2 months reinstall the batteries over the winter and run the unit for about 10-15 min!
This is all great advice. I can confirm that any current Garmin model from the 45 to newer is a great choice. But ditto on the advice from Hipshot about replacing the AA batteries when the unit is stored. You don't want to wait until you see that error message "Memory Battery is Low". At that point it's almost too late and you could lose all your stored positions as well as your routes.
Keep in mind, "easy gps.com"....You can store your waypoints & routes on this site. FREE !!!! I did & also put them on a 3 1/2 floppy for back-up!!! Great site !!! Like I said ,FREE !!!! Good Luck!! Also, I find that letting my garmin 45 sit for all winter (don't hunt) & all the stuff is still there with the batteries in it. Whenever on the boat, I use the 12v power plug. Good Luck, roger
Yup, the Garmins are nice. But, I chose a Magellan Meridian Marine: http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=91
I got it for $285 including the bracket at Coastal Marine: http://www.coastalmarineonline.com
Check it out!
I got it for $285 including the bracket at Coastal Marine: http://www.coastalmarineonline.com
Check it out!
On my Garmin GPS 12 you won't lose your waypoints if you store the unit with batteries in it (they should be fresh. I don't like doing this because I'm afraid leaking batteries will mess up my unit. That's why I take them out and only crank the unit up every couple of months to recharge the internal battery. This unit also has an accessory cigarette lighter hookup.I recommend fresh batteries, backup batteries and the cigarrette lighter hookup! You can't go wrong that way for only a few bucks more.
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I choose the Garmin ETREX Mariner sold by west marine for under $200. I love it once ,I got used to it and it shows all the bouys in your location. Only takes 2 batteries for 20 hrs. Definetly get the adapter for $30. You should check out the garmin website to do a product comparsion on the models that suit your price range. But also look at the outdoor models because my Mariner is sold exclusivly by west marine because it has the bouy data installed. Otherwise its the same as the Venture Model.Which is listed in the outdoor section and also contains the other models talked about in the other posts which are a bit pricey for a novice. I was very uncertain how to use mine till I got involved in Geochacing. Its a great way to explore your parks in your area. Check out www.Geocaching .com and enter yor zip code. Its fun for the kids if you have a hand held.
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handheld gps
I also have a hand held Garmin 45 and I love it. I use it on my boat and during the winter use it while deer hunting. Very accurate and easy to use.
I also have a hand held Garmin 45 and I love it. I use it on my boat and during the winter use it while deer hunting. Very accurate and easy to use.
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