Need GPS advice

[Shawsee]

Hi guys,

I am in need of GPS advice. I will be purchasing a GPS soon and my budget is limited. I know there are GPS units that are really expensive and I am wanting just a basic unit that wont cost me an arm & a leg. I was wondering if those Garmin E-Trex are any good. They are reasonably priced but, would it serve my needs on the ocean? So I am asking you experts because this is still all new to me. I just don't want to buy something that wont serve the purpose and needs, while on the other hand I cannot spend a lot of money right now. Later on (next year) I will upgrade but for now cheap is the only way. :-/

Thanks guys.

[Shawsee]

Hi guys,

I am in need of GPS advice. I will be purchasing a GPS soon and my budget is limited. I know there are GPS units that are really expensive and I am wanting just a basic unit that wont cost me an arm & a leg. I was wondering if those Garmin E-Trex are any good. They are reasonably priced but, would it serve my needs on the ocean? So I am asking you experts because this is still all new to me. I just don't want to buy something that wont serve the purpose and needs, while on the other hand I cannot spend a lot of money right now. Later on (next year) I will upgrade but for now cheap is the only way. :-/

Thanks guys.

[tsubaki]

Look at your post in "Off Topic"- "First Launch"
and I would use the Garmin as a backup.
I've got one and that's what I do. Plus you can take it on your buddies boat and steal drops. ;D ;D

[tsubaki]

Look at your post in "Off Topic"- "First Launch"
and I would use the Garmin as a backup.
I've got one and that's what I do. Plus you can take it on your buddies boat and steal drops. ;D ;D

[THEFERMANATOR]

My only beef with the Etrex is they have a SMALL display on them. I've got good eyes and couldn't imagine having an Etrex. I've got an older GARMIN GPSMAP76, but they still sell it. I have nothing but good to say about it myself, plus you can get the MAPSOURCE discs and upload maps and such to it. I think there down to $199 for them as well.

BOATERS world has the GPSMAP76 for $199 or you can get the GPSMAP76CX for $299. If you want a basic unit you can get the GPS72 for $129.

http://www.boatersworld.com/handheld-gps-chartplotters.htm?bct=t13046503%3Bcielectronics-navigation%3Bcigps-chartplotter

[THEFERMANATOR]

My only beef with the Etrex is they have a SMALL display on them. I've got good eyes and couldn't imagine having an Etrex. I've got an older GARMIN GPSMAP76, but they still sell it. I have nothing but good to say about it myself, plus you can get the MAPSOURCE discs and upload maps and such to it. I think there down to $199 for them as well.

BOATERS world has the GPSMAP76 for $199 or you can get the GPSMAP76CX for $299. If you want a basic unit you can get the GPS72 for $129.

http://www.boatersworld.com/handheld-gps-chartplotters.htm?bct=t13046503%3Bcielectronics-navigation%3Bcigps-chartplotter

[tsubaki]

That Garmin also gives you sunrise-sunset,peak feeding times, it is downloadable to a pc with the connections and disk. Look and you may find someone like Bass Pro Shops who has the disk and pc connecter for sale with the gps.

Bass Pro Shops
Garmin® GPS Accessories - PC Interface Cable
This PC Interface Cable allows you to make a powerful connection between your Garmin GPS and your PC. Create routes and waypoints on your PC and transfer them to your GPS. You can also download map detail from MapSource CD-ROMs to compatible units. Cable features a standard 9-pin D connector.
Cost Item
Number Description Size *
* $34.99 *38-525-878-00 * PC INTERFACE CABLE E MAP
& E TREX MODELS *
*

[tsubaki]

That Garmin also gives you sunrise-sunset,peak feeding times, it is downloadable to a pc with the connections and disk. Look and you may find someone like Bass Pro Shops who has the disk and pc connecter for sale with the gps.

Bass Pro Shops
Garmin® GPS Accessories - PC Interface Cable
This PC Interface Cable allows you to make a powerful connection between your Garmin GPS and your PC. Create routes and waypoints on your PC and transfer them to your GPS. You can also download map detail from MapSource CD-ROMs to compatible units. Cable features a standard 9-pin D connector.
Cost Item
Number Description Size *
* $34.99 *38-525-878-00 * PC INTERFACE CABLE E MAP
& E TREX MODELS *
*

[macojoe]

I have seen many GPS and Garmin win's hands down!!

I used a Handheld plain GPS (no charts) for years and always got in and out with out any problems!!
I went from Chatam to the Vinyard always right on the mark!!

But I now have a Chart Plotter, not hand held, but they have them handheld and if there is any way you can get one thats what I would go with!!
They are the balls!! I never leave home with out it!!

[macojoe]

I have seen many GPS and Garmin win's hands down!!

I used a Handheld plain GPS (no charts) for years and always got in and out with out any problems!!
I went from Chatam to the Vinyard always right on the mark!!

But I now have a Chart Plotter, not hand held, but they have them handheld and if there is any way you can get one thats what I would go with!!
They are the balls!! I never leave home with out it!!

[Shawsee]

Thanks guys!

I will be looking and I do value all your advice. I plan on a spending limit of $250 for now but by next season I will be able to afford one for more money.

Thanks again, you guys are the best!

[Shawsee]

Thanks guys!

I will be looking and I do value all your advice. I plan on a spending limit of $250 for now but by next season I will be able to afford one for more money.

Thanks again, you guys are the best!

[macojoe]

If thats the case, get a Handheld this year and go with a dash mount next year, Then you have a great back up, that you cann take on a buddys boat!

[macojoe]

If thats the case, get a Handheld this year and go with a dash mount next year, Then you have a great back up, that you cann take on a buddys boat!

[THEFERMANATOR]

The PC INTERFACE cable came with my GPSMAP76, all I had to do was buy the charts and upload from my computer. When I helped a friend bring his 43' TORRES from BOSTON MASSECHUSETTES to SARASOTA FLORIDA, we ended up using my GPSMAP76 for the whole trip. The $2500 STANDARD HORIZON crapped out less than 5 minutes after leaving port, so my handheld brought us all the way back without issue.

[THEFERMANATOR]

The PC INTERFACE cable came with my GPSMAP76, all I had to do was buy the charts and upload from my computer. When I helped a friend bring his 43' TORRES from BOSTON MASSECHUSETTES to SARASOTA FLORIDA, we ended up using my GPSMAP76 for the whole trip. The $2500 STANDARD HORIZON crapped out less than 5 minutes after leaving port, so my handheld brought us all the way back without issue.

[randlemanboater]

I have a Garmin GPS V that works great, I don't think they sell em anymore but you might find one used.

A GPSMAP 276 might be had for your budget if you catch one on ebay.

[randlemanboater]

I have a Garmin GPS V that works great, I don't think they sell em anymore but you might find one used.

A GPSMAP 276 might be had for your budget if you catch one on ebay.

[shicks007]

Garmin GPS 76 handheld. This is the unit I use for navigating. Great little unit for less than $200. I bought the package from Cabelas that came with a Ram mount, case for $220 , probably 2-3 years ago. This unit is for marine use and is already preloaded with Nav aids.http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0012289015073a&type=product&cmCat=sear ch&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=garmin+76&N=4887&Ntk=Produc ts&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=garmin+76&noImage= 0

[shicks007]

Garmin GPS 76 handheld. This is the unit I use for navigating. Great little unit for less than $200. I bought the package from Cabelas that came with a Ram mount, case for $220 , probably 2-3 years ago. This unit is for marine use and is already preloaded with Nav aids.http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0012289015073a&type=product&cmCat=sear ch&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=garmin+76&N=4887&Ntk=Produc ts&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=garmin+76&noImage= 0

[turbinedoctor]

I started out with a hand held but after one trip out in the ocean in rough water it was a real strain to see the display when it was cover with water along with my glasses.

I since have gotten a 5 inch display that is much easier to see when I need it.

[turbinedoctor]

I started out with a hand held but after one trip out in the ocean in rough water it was a real strain to see the display when it was cover with water along with my glasses.

I since have gotten a 5 inch display that is much easier to see when I need it.

[macojoe]

Old Blind guys ;) ;D

There some nice deals on ebay right now if you watch you should get somethingn cheap!!

I got my fish finder on there for less the $100 and its perfect!

[macojoe]

Old Blind guys ;) ;D

There some nice deals on ebay right now if you watch you should get somethingn cheap!!

I got my fish finder on there for less the $100 and its perfect!

[Shawsee]

Shicks,

That's the unit I just ordered from Cabelas, it was on sale for $199.99 which was fine with me. :D As mentioned, I do plan on upgrading next year before the start of the season rolls around. I have been looking and reading up on the Garmin 178 C Chartplotter/GPS fishfinder combo. Someone suggested that particular unit and said nothing but great things about it. Anyway for this year/season I will be using the Garmin 76 Pro Kit.

Thanks again guys for all your valuable insight and knowledge. I just love this website! :)

[Shawsee]

Shicks,

That's the unit I just ordered from Cabelas, it was on sale for $199.99 which was fine with me. :D As mentioned, I do plan on upgrading next year before the start of the season rolls around. I have been looking and reading up on the Garmin 178 C Chartplotter/GPS fishfinder combo. Someone suggested that particular unit and said nothing but great things about it. Anyway for this year/season I will be using the Garmin 76 Pro Kit.

Thanks again guys for all your valuable insight and knowledge. I just love this website! :)

[reelapeelin]

You get that 76 and you'll be able to find anyplace ya wanna go ;) ... is there a "hard-wire" option w/that? ... that unit is not a "battery-burner" so don't think I'm implying that it is, but any device that critical to gettin' home, you should have some spare batteries onboard ALWAYS ;) ... and keep an eye on the spares from time to time :D ...

[reelapeelin]

You get that 76 and you'll be able to find anyplace ya wanna go ;) ... is there a "hard-wire" option w/that? ... that unit is not a "battery-burner" so don't think I'm implying that it is, but any device that critical to gettin' home, you should have some spare batteries onboard ALWAYS ;) ... and keep an eye on the spares from time to time :D ...

[shicks007]

RAP,

That kit he's reffering to comes with a cigarette lighter adapter.

[shicks007]

RAP,

That kit he's reffering to comes with a cigarette lighter adapter.

[Shawsee]

Yes indeed the kit does have the 12 volt lighter adapter. I also plan on having some "spare" batteries onboard in my stow-away kit, just in case... ;)

[Shawsee]

Yes indeed the kit does have the 12 volt lighter adapter. I also plan on having some "spare" batteries onboard in my stow-away kit, just in case... ;)

[Stinky_Hooker]

Do tourself a favor and run the lighter to a permanent supply. Cut off the end and wire it. The cig socket always rust and never last long to me.

With that said I ran several Magellan handhelds for years and they are just as acurate as the big boys. I fished inshore/offshore, everything. I never liked the tiny screens and hard to reach buttons on the Etrex. :-/

[Stinky_Hooker]

Do tourself a favor and run the lighter to a permanent supply. Cut off the end and wire it. The cig socket always rust and never last long to me.

With that said I ran several Magellan handhelds for years and they are just as acurate as the big boys. I fished inshore/offshore, everything. I never liked the tiny screens and hard to reach buttons on the Etrex. :-/

[Blue_Runner]

I have a 172c and love it. *You can get one on eBay for $320 shipped but you still need the BlueChart card for it which will set you back another $100+ so I guess that's out of your range for now. *

The black and white 172 is about $60 cheaper but I recommend going with a color unit because its easier to distinguish between marsh, water, and hard land. *

So $375 (including shipping) *is the best I found for you in Garmin fixed mount.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GARMIN-GPSMAP-172-CHARTPLOTTER-GPS-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38631QQihZ006QQitem Z160126538693QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
One thing I like about the 172, its fairly compact so it doesn't take up much dash space while the display is plenty big. *Some of the newer ones lik the 198 and so on are larger while not really having a bigger display? *I don't really understand why someone would pay more for a larger unit that doesn't really have a LARGER display? * ::)

[Blue_Runner]

I have a 172c and love it. *You can get one on eBay for $320 shipped but you still need the BlueChart card for it which will set you back another $100+ so I guess that's out of your range for now. *

The black and white 172 is about $60 cheaper but I recommend going with a color unit because its easier to distinguish between marsh, water, and hard land. *

So $375 (including shipping) *is the best I found for you in Garmin fixed mount.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GARMIN-GPSMAP-172-CHARTPLOTTER-GPS-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38631QQihZ006QQitem Z160126538693QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
One thing I like about the 172, its fairly compact so it doesn't take up much dash space while the display is plenty big. *Some of the newer ones lik the 198 and so on are larger while not really having a bigger display? *I don't really understand why someone would pay more for a larger unit that doesn't really have a LARGER display? * ::)

[twistedparot]

i'm partial to lowrance myself. but, most any of the newer units are good quality. as far as a handheld goes, you can pick up a lowrance with a decent size screen, that is waterproof and floats, for around $100 or so at walmart. another 15 bucks for a mount and ur done. good luck.

[twistedparot]

i'm partial to lowrance myself. but, most any of the newer units are good quality. as far as a handheld goes, you can pick up a lowrance with a decent size screen, that is waterproof and floats, for around $100 or so at walmart. another 15 bucks for a mount and ur done. good luck.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Running a 172 now myself too. LOVE IT!

Blue, got any software? ;D

[Stinky_Hooker]

Running a 172 now myself too. LOVE IT!

Blue, got any software? ;D

[Zebra]

This guy has some good prices... Z

http://www.scubasteve.biz/

[Zebra]

This guy has some good prices... Z

http://www.scubasteve.biz/

[Blue_Runner]

Stink all I got is the chip for Norfolk VA to Charleston SC. * Don't you have the chip for your area? *My buddy recently bought a 198c and it came with the USA detailed map built in!

Here is the one I have:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/a2/71/a3f6_1.JPG
http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/a2/71/a4eb_1.JPG

[Blue_Runner]

Stink all I got is the chip for Norfolk VA to Charleston SC. * Don't you have the chip for your area? *My buddy recently bought a 198c and it came with the USA detailed map built in!

Here is the one I have:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/a2/71/a3f6_1.JPG
http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/a2/71/a4eb_1.JPG

[Stinky_Hooker]

Stink all I got is the chip for Norfolk VA to Charleston SC. * Don't you have the chip for your area? *My buddy recently bought a 198c and it came with the USA detailed map built in!

Here is the one I have:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/a2/71/a3f6_1.JPG
http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/a2/71/a4eb_1.JPG


Negative ghostrider I just have what is "stock". Im gonna get the cd and data cable of a chip though. Thanks anyways. 8)

[Stinky_Hooker]

Stink all I got is the chip for Norfolk VA to Charleston SC. * Don't you have the chip for your area? *My buddy recently bought a 198c and it came with the USA detailed map built in!

Here is the one I have:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/a2/71/a3f6_1.JPG
http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/a2/71/a4eb_1.JPG


Negative ghostrider I just have what is "stock". Im gonna get the cd and data cable of a chip though. Thanks anyways. 8)

[bassarama]

tsubaki

Will that cable power up you GPS unit too or is the cable for data transfer only?

I wonder if that cable will work on my Garmin 492.

[bassarama]

tsubaki

Will that cable power up you GPS unit too or is the cable for data transfer only?

I wonder if that cable will work on my Garmin 492.

[tsubaki]

The particular one I have is just for data transfer, I can't remember if there is a combo for that. I was just at the Garmin website looking at the wrist gps units and there is a lot of info and accessories there. I found no use in the wrist units, not enough power use time.

[tsubaki]

The particular one I have is just for data transfer, I can't remember if there is a combo for that. I was just at the Garmin website looking at the wrist gps units and there is a lot of info and accessories there. I found no use in the wrist units, not enough power use time.

[sfprovyn]

I got an old but in good condition Garmin 120 for $60 on ebay that I put on my Mako 17 and am very impressed with it. I can find my way around with buoys and charts but in foggy weather its a nice option to have even for compass guys like me...Frank

[sfprovyn]

I got an old but in good condition Garmin 120 for $60 on ebay that I put on my Mako 17 and am very impressed with it. I can find my way around with buoys and charts but in foggy weather its a nice option to have even for compass guys like me...Frank