Looking to get my first GPS...

Pookay · 14 June 2005, 19:59

Have been looking on Ebay and just Googleing things like "Garmin" or "Magellan" etc..

Already have fishfinder/depth sounder... so do not really want to replace that.

Fixed or Hand held?? Map or not?? Are they worth it?? (could stick to charts etc...)

Can pick up Etrex Garmin handheld for about £50, Garmin126/128 for £170or something like a Garmin gps map76 for about the same..

What do you Guys & Gals recommend??

Daniel TD5 · 14 June 2005, 22:10

garmin garmin garmin or garmin and garmin or you could go for a garmin

get the point
i broke my fish tank navman and changed to a 178c gps chart plotter with dual transducer
its the dog bits

i think you could get a 172 back and white plotter for about £269 with out the chart

chart potters are better than the standard gps hand held

dan

jyasaki · 15 June 2005, 01:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pookay

Can pick up Etrex Garmin handheld for about £50, Garmin126/128 for £170or something like a Garmin gps map76 for about the same..

E-Trex line are not mapping units. You probably want something that will give an idea of the coastline around where you're running.

The biggest disadvantage of the handhelds is screensize. In rough water, with spray everywhere, it's about impossible to read the tiny screen that a handheld usually has.

Another problem comes if you get a grayscale unit; they are often kind of tough to read in sunlight. You may be able to minimize this by devising some sort of visor for the thing.

Depends, I suppose, on what you want to spend.

jky

Pookay · 15 June 2005, 14:11

Thanks guys, not really on a budget but my boat is old and a bit tatty so a brand new all singing alldancing one would probably look a bit out of place ( and I'd look a nob...)

Have been to Garmin website to compare the suggestions with others...

Plotter it is,but still undecided on fixed or handheld with a mounting bracket..

The Etrex thing is looking pretty poor now / screen size tiny / no map...- so definitely won't be that..

I keep looking - but thanks for the comments.

Pookay

Searider · 15 June 2005, 17:53

I have Garmin kit and it's easy (intuiative) to use.

Mark Gill · 17 July 2005, 15:24

I recomend the Garmin GPS 76MapS as you can pretty much get all the south coast (to basic pilotage level) into the 76's 24mb Ram, the mono screen is easy to read and usage of the unit is very easy. But make sure you carry a spare set of battery's.

codprawn · 17 July 2005, 18:57

Another option is to use a PDA like the IPAQ with sperate GPS - very versatile and the newer Ipaqs have a 640x480 screen - you can get a jacket or otter box to waterproof it.

Seperate GPS can either be a unit that plugs into the top slot or a bluetooth gps or even an old handlheld such as a Garmin GPS12 which is what I have.

A MAJOR advantage is that you can then use TOM TOM road mapping software which is awesome and you can add the FREE speed camera database as well(fo uk users).

DM · 17 July 2005, 23:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

E-Trex line are not mapping units.

Sorry. but the Etrex legend is a map unit. I use one as a back up unit with maps downloaded from Mapsource and although the screen is small, I think it's a great bit of kit.

DM

Tim M · 20 July 2005, 21:58

I use a basic yellow etrax from ebay. It does the job very well; tells me where I am, speed, how far I've been, max speed, best time for fishing etc etc.
For £80 I think it represents great value. The "map" feature thingy isnt very good as u can't zoom in on specific bits. That's the only thing I'd change. The waypoint follow thing is easy to follow when your going along (I cable-tie mine to the steering wheel). It's also pretty good at night with the backlight on....

Jon Brooks · 21 July 2005, 08:57

I would say Garmin all the way.

I always say they are like Nokia moblie phones.
Drive one you can drive them all.

All of my GPS kit is now Garmin.
Hand held, in car all Garmin.

Hell wot do I know I work in radio!

The sevice and back up is second to none, well maybe ours

Regards

Stuart M · 28 July 2005, 17:31

Ive got a Garmin 172C and I agree with the Nokia style comment, very easy to use, easily readable in direct sunlight. I went for the removal type (built in GPS aerial) for easy of use and security. They do a model which has a fish finder in it, but the difference in price was the same as a seperate fish finder and while you looking at the fish you lose some / all of your map.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap172c/

I've found the map detail awesome

Another plus - leave it on whilst towing the rib home - gives you a wicked top speed on your GPS !

Bilge Rat · 06 August 2005, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel TD5

garmin garmin garmin or garmin and garmin or you could go for a garmin

get the point
i broke my fish tank navman and changed to a 178c gps chart plotter with dual transducer
its the dog bits

i think you could get a 172 back and white plotter for about £269 with out the chart

chart potters are better than the standard gps hand held

dan

Have to agreed with Dan, i have the same unit, infact i had mine first and told him to buy one as i was so impressed with it

What no one's mentioned yet is the superb customer service Garmin offer, i've heard stories of them replacing whole units even after they are out of warranty, if being able to have the thing fixed and backed up without question matters to you, then go or a Garmin