Garmin Handheld GPS

[DavidBolger]

Hi,

My Garmin Handheld 12XL seems to be at the end of its life so I was thinking of replacing it. I have been looking at the Garmin GPS MAP 60CSx or Garmin GPS MAP 76CSx. Does anyone have experience of either? Do they come with basic marine charts? I have also been thinking of using these in the the car as they seem to come with routes etc. Does anyone have any experience of this?

regards

David

 

[SvenglishTommy]

I had a look at some of the handheld 'plotters', and in the end just went for a GPS 60. The displays on the handhelds just aren't up to providing the sort of info you need to navigate on the fly, and the with the cost of electronic charts you may as well get a proper plotter with a decent sized screen. The only thing I saw that was reasonable was the Raymarine RC400, but I still dont undertsand what chart plotters are for so I couldn't bring myself to spend the money.

 

[AIDY]

Agree... i too have the GPS60.... the screen is too small for maps of any detail....

cant knock the 60

 

[srp]

Another vote for the GPS60 - I too thought about getting a map version and decided against it for the same reason as Aidy and Tommy.
I use a computer at home with a chart plotting program to plot all the waypoints, and then transfer to the GPS with the supplied cable. After a trip out in the boat I can then transfer my tracks back to the computer so I can remind myself where I've been. Memory loss in old age is a real bugger.

 

[Channel Ribs]

I use an eTrex with mapping, the screen is small but works fine for navigating and for planning. I tend to use paper charts where discusions or overviews are needed, but the screen is fine at arms length.

Pretty good value for money too, if I do say so myself.

 

[whipper_snapper]

I have a 76CSX. The mapping is nice, I use it for land nav with specialist maps of Africa and it works very well for that.

I have not used it in anger on a boat, but I have just uploaded a set of bluechart charts. Having played with it, it is clear that the screen is far too small for routine navigation. It will serve as a battery powered ultimate backup for me.

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi,

My Garmin Handheld 12XL seems to be at the end of its life so I was thinking of replacing it. I have been looking at the Garmin GPS MAP 60CSx or Garmin GPS MAP 76CSx. Does anyone have experience of either? Do they come with basic marine charts? I have also been thinking of using these in the the car as they seem to come with routes etc. Does anyone have any experience of this?

regards

David

[/ QUOTE ]

Interested to know whats wrong with the 12XL .. you mention at end of its life .. why ? Just curious.

If you really want to plot on a Handheld - which is actually despite what some will tell you - not so good and sunlight is your biggest problem ... then there are plenty of Win CE PDA set-ups to do the job ... my Mio 168 Digiwalker has built in Sirf GPS engine ... you can install TomTom / Median etc. for roads and many different other for marine. I have Ozi-Explorer CE version for marine use ...

But in terms of Marine plotters - you can buy a good Eagle Plotter for little more than a Hand Held job AND get Nauticpath charts incl.

 

[NFCN]

I agree with the sunlight issue. That said, I am really pleased with my Magellan Explorist XL, bought recently as a package with charts for the whole of the south coast of England and the North Coast of France, Holland and Belgium for less than £400. Excellent detail, good refresh rate and with the added bonus of lots of detail (tide times etc) included and portability.

Don't overlook the latter - I take it off its mount by the wheel pedestal and down to the cockpit for a detailed look from time to time, and take it home after a sail - so no security worries.

In sum, it's a good alternative and it has recently been very helpful getting in and out of Beaucette Marina in Gersey, Braye Harbour in Alderney and Bembridge.

The one criticism is that it is difficult to read in strong sunlight - and I mainly use it for pilotage.

 

[jb2006]

I have a GPSmap76CS - needs a bluechart which can be loaded onto a PC then you can download part or all of the area. Works very well despite the small screen and route planning and waypoint creation can be done on the PC - very pleased with it .