Handheld GPS/Chart Plotter Recommendations
- Thread starter Leo Smith
- Start date
I'm one of the dinghy explorers.. For years I've used a Magellan Meridian color handheld GPS, from ca. 2003, however the last couple of years I've left it at home and have just been using my cell phone when I go out on the dinghy. Maybe not the best idea, but the display is better plus I'd be carrying the phone anyway for internet/phone/texting/photos, etc. (I do carry a handheld VHF as well). 4G LTE coverage has gotten pretty good where I boat.
Sorry I'm no help in answering your question, but I too wouldn't mind picking up a newer handheld GPS to replace my Magellan so I'll be interested to see if others have recommendations as well. Handhelds are also good to keep onboard the big boat as a backup for the main GPS, not just for the dinghy.
-Mike
Sorry I'm no help in answering your question, but I too wouldn't mind picking up a newer handheld GPS to replace my Magellan so I'll be interested to see if others have recommendations as well. Handhelds are also good to keep onboard the big boat as a backup for the main GPS, not just for the dinghy.
-Mike
I used to use a Lowrance H2Oc handheld with a Nautipath US map chip in it.
http://support.lowrance.com/system/self ... LE_ID=2201
I still have it with all the cords, the map create software, RAM mount, other bits. If anyone wants it I'll let it go for a good price.
http://support.lowrance.com/system/self ... LE_ID=2201
I still have it with all the cords, the map create software, RAM mount, other bits. If anyone wants it I'll let it go for a good price.
smittypaddler
New member
I like the Garmin 78SC. You can see a brief evaluation here:
http://smittypaddler.com/garmin/index.htm
http://smittypaddler.com/garmin/index.htm
I run a Garmin 78 unit on the kayak with chart card as well and it works great. I have two of these units and ran two of the previous 76 units the same way over the last 14 years. You can do well with smart phone and navionics so long as you protect/tether the phone and operate within the limited battery life.
The Garmin 78 floats, is water proof, has a water proof power supply connection, and is usable with gloves on. I use the cheaper 78 model and add my own charts. A built in compass and altimeter sensor is useless for me on the water. I have a built in deck compass and won't pretend I can equate pressure changes to weather patterns with great precision. I would rather listen to the weather forecasts each day.
I just ran mine in the kayak for 6 days (56 miles) of paddling on Yellowstone lake. It did that on one set of 2 lithium AA batteries.
Try that with a smart phone.
Greg
The Garmin 78 floats, is water proof, has a water proof power supply connection, and is usable with gloves on. I use the cheaper 78 model and add my own charts. A built in compass and altimeter sensor is useless for me on the water. I have a built in deck compass and won't pretend I can equate pressure changes to weather patterns with great precision. I would rather listen to the weather forecasts each day.
I just ran mine in the kayak for 6 days (56 miles) of paddling on Yellowstone lake. It did that on one set of 2 lithium AA batteries.
Try that with a smart phone.
Greg
Here is the track of our on water travel for the trip directly off the 78 unit using Garmin Basecamp free software. We always have two of these units running with charts to meet our navigation needs on our normal off season paddling trips in BC. They also do a great job of tide/current planning with built in data.
Greg
Greg
AstoriaDave
New member
Got 10 years of regular use on a Garmin Map 60C, an early HH mapping GPS using the first round of BlueCharts. Just keeps on working. A used one, WITH THE BLUECHARTS would be an economical choice. The newer BlueCharts will not work on them.
That Garmin 78SC will be at 199 at west marine for 5 days next week. Can be purchased online and shipped free as well. That is the model with US charts included and a very good deal.
http://www.westmarine.com/blackfriday
Greg
http://www.westmarine.com/blackfriday
Greg
Peter & Judy
New member
When sea kayaking I've been using a Garmin 62st in a soft water proof case. I like the 62st because it has hard buttons instead of a touch screen which can be used with gloves on and a very good antenna. I always like to have a paper chart or topo map and a compass with me. I like to compare the map on the gps with the paper map. I feel that from decades of hiking, climbing and backcountry skiing in the backcountry of the Canadian Rockies that you should "always" know where you are. That way if you have a problem you know where you are starting from. I like the GPS, but like everything with a battery it is only as good as its battery.
I have had Garmin hand helds, I suspect since they first came out...Most recently the 76. But this 78SC is such a good deal, I'll get one on "black Friday"..
The 62 and 78 are basically the same spec wise--except the 78 floats as well as being "water proof" (I would not put it under water for any length of time!). The 62 does have the buttons arranged perhaps more conveniently for one hand use..
The 78SC has all of the US Coastal Maps, you can load lake maps, road maps, or topo maps from SD cards. The 78 can be operated with gloves, and also makes a great hiking instrument with its topo maps. (I also used like to take a topo map and compass--after all, that is all we had just a few years ago.) But in today's world, one can put all of the route in the GPS.
I like all of these because they use AA batteries--and all of the items in my ditch bag use AA batteries (flashlights, 2 meter radio, VHF radio, Strobe light, GPS) And I keep at least a dozen fresh AA batteries in a baggie in the ditch bag.
The 62 and 78 are basically the same spec wise--except the 78 floats as well as being "water proof" (I would not put it under water for any length of time!). The 62 does have the buttons arranged perhaps more conveniently for one hand use..
The 78SC has all of the US Coastal Maps, you can load lake maps, road maps, or topo maps from SD cards. The 78 can be operated with gloves, and also makes a great hiking instrument with its topo maps. (I also used like to take a topo map and compass--after all, that is all we had just a few years ago.) But in today's world, one can put all of the route in the GPS.
I like all of these because they use AA batteries--and all of the items in my ditch bag use AA batteries (flashlights, 2 meter radio, VHF radio, Strobe light, GPS) And I keep at least a dozen fresh AA batteries in a baggie in the ditch bag.