Garmin E-trek Vs GPS72?

Little Rascal

Little Rascal

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Garmin E-trex Vs GPS72?

Hi all,

Does anyone have any opinions on the etrex or the GPS72?

I'm just wondering which functions I actually need in a handheld for short passages in my Hunter Europa... Anyone using the etrek for trailer sailing? Or would the 72 be better?

Thanks...
 
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A 72 gives you more details on screen at the same time. The Etrex (base one anyway) is a one display at a time ..

The Etrex is waterproof and can be operated with one hand easily (that's what it is designed to do) - never had a 72 to try ...
 
Does the Etrex float? The 72/76 does... And does it take a data cable? Much easier to set up waypoints/routes on the PC and download them than to do it on the unit...
.
 
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I use a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx as a backup - love it to bits and does everything I need (including telling me how fast we are going in a aircraft).

Both models you ask about do basically the same thing
 
Little Rascal said:
Hi all,

Does anyone have any opinions on the etrex or the GPS72?

I'm just wondering which functions I actually need in a handheld for short passages in my Hunter Europa... Anyone using the etrek for trailer sailing? Or would the 72 be better?

Thanks...
Click to expand...
Used the 72 for our trip to Brittany with our TS240 last year.

It is a very rugged unit and was used after planning all our routes on paper charts and lap-top uploading way points and routes.

We have upgraded a little this year as My MIL asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I am now using a Garmin Montana which is superb. The 72 is still in use and drives our cockpit repeater and tiller pilot.

If you go the 72 route the older versions need a serial to usb converter to allow them to be connected to a modern lappy. I am not sure if the latest model can be linked directly to USB?
 
Little Rascal said:
Hi all,

Does anyone have any opinions on the etrex or the GPS72?

Thanks...
Click to expand...
You dont say which of the eTrex models you are considering

THIS PAGE compares the eTrex 10 the eTrex H and the GPS 72H..

If I was considering a basic hand held GPS I think I would choose the GPS 72H with marine pack ie case, mounting bracket, and 12 volt power cable.
 
Thanks for the opinions. I would like a new 72H but as it's going to have to be a secondhand one then a standard etrex will have to do... or a 72 at the right price.

I'm in the market for a cheap handheld VHF too if anyone has any recommendations or tails of woe...

Dylan - does the slug have VHF? I've never actually noticed you using one?
 
E trex

I have had an Etrex (base model) for many years and yes it will do marvelous things. I certainly would not go to sea without one. However I find the data a bit too difficult to read especially at night. I have to take my reading glasses. I carry the Etrex around my neck on a lanyard for this reason. It seems OK for me on rechargeable batteries.
I have been exposed to GPS72 lately and I am inclined to think it might be more user friendly. A few friends have the 72 running on ships power with a NASA repeater in the bulkhead which seems really good. good luck olewill
 
What about a Garmin Dakota 10 for just a little bit more, you get allot. I have an Oregon had Etrex before I would not look back.
 
Not sure if the Etrex can be run off 12 volts. The 72/76 both can and was the decider for me. Either the 72 or 76 give me what I need. Which is course to steer, info about how much off course I am, speed over ground and time to the waypoint [ pessimist though ] all on one easy to read screen.

I am working on how to upload waypoints from my laptop now.
 
Etrex

The Etrex can be run off 12v if you have a small regulator taking 12v down to 3 volts. You will need a special plug to connect to the 4 connections on top this also allows for connection to a PC for all your usual stuff. A small regulator can be made from an LM317 regulator chip and some resistors. I have made one but really it is easier on rechargeable batteries. good luck olewill
 
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