GPS Advice Sought

[Roy]

Want a Handheld GPS for boat and possible use in car. I have no fixed set onboard but if I were to get a fixed set, it would be Raymarine as other kit is this make.

Any advice as to the best value/make? Much appreciated. Roy

 

[Solitaire]

Roy, I use the Garmin 76 and find it it really very good. I chose the standard version, they do a colour one but IMHO the screen is too small to be of any real value. PBO did a recent comparison and I think they came out with the Megallan as being the best buy. But for me, the Garmin 76 takes some beating.

 

[MrsMakkers]

hello Roy......
I have been reading over the Hubby's shoulder for a LONGGGGGG time and here's one I can answer.. yeah!

I have recently bought the Garmin Quest for my car.. I am a district nurse so it is very handy for me. also can take the Blue chart software so could be handy for you. It is about hte same size as a large mobile but the screen is amazingly readable and the little woman who gets cross with me for going off route is not too anoying either.

My hubby, who scoffed at my LITTLE GPS has been known to borrow the unit, and it is so transportable. I like it. Especially as I can put it in my pocket when I park up.. I sometimes visit some areas where one does not leave anything in the car!
Primarily I have it for the car, but I reckon it should do both jobs very well.

Also shop around a lot I found price differences of upto £150.00!!


Excellent...my first post done!!

MrsMakkers.

 

[makkers]

OY!!!

Havent you got a kithen floor to clean?

 

[whisper]

Agreed, the 76 is a cracking little bit of kit that is easy to use as well. 72 is also good and much cheaper but screen not as clear as on the 76.
There's a group test in April "Sailing Today" (sorry ipc) - though the group is not very comprehensive.

 

[Roy]

Thanks a lot Mrs Makkers - great advice and congrats on your first post!! Roy

 

[Roy]

Thanks very much David. Certainly seems to be a good piece of kit and all the better price wise than some. Many thanks. Roy

 

[MrsMakkers]

Oooooooooooohh, Makkers, you cheeky monkey! You can make your own dinner tonight MR!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Alistairr]

Roy, I took Davids Advice and bought the Garmin, But i got the GPSMAP 76 so as i could use its Map capabilities for road use.
IF you want, i will be up at the Marina on Sunday, I'll lend it too ya, and You can try it for a week ,and i will get it back of you at Easter Weekend, I will need it then as i like to log all the Sea miles i do each season, and thats the start of the season for us.

Hope this helps.

Alistair.

 

[hlb]

Dont understand. Your on Loch Lomond. The GPS will tell you your on Loch Lomond. Did you forget!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Roy]

Norra lorra peepel know that!! It has its uses on there too and will be handy for when I go to sea too and of course in the car. Real reason???? I love lil gadgets> Cheers

 

[Roy]

Thanks Alistair - most kind and informative too. Doubt if I will be up this weekend though, having been up there 8 days out of last 14. Anyhow, the boat is ready for the season apart from a clean and polish and.... and.......... and...... oh well. Noticed a Magellan Sportstrak bundle for £129, includes mount and case and leads. Seems to have a lot of guts to it and would be happy to hear if anyone can offer any advice on this one as opposed to yours Alistairr or the one that David has. BTW Mrs Makkers, my good lady won't go to the expense of your model - its for my birthday see, so I better not push a bad position.

 

[Solitaire]

If you are looking at Magellan - go look at the little Garmin Etrex as well. You can get them for about £80. That's what I had until I got the 76. Served me well for over 5 years of heavy use.

 

[Roy]

Thanks again Dvaid - is it not rather limited or do you feel its fine? Roy

 

[jhr]

I've got the Sportrak - it's a nice bundle. I thought it was good value at £145.00 for the package a couple of years ago, so at £129, it's even better. Ability to plug into a lighter socket is vv useful and avoids spending ££££ on batteries. I have the mounting bracket velcroed on the dash and, to all intents and purposes I have a fixed (albeit small) GPS.

Garmin allegedly has more intuitive operation, and they have legendary after sales support, but I'm perfectly happy with the Magellan.

 

[Roy]

Thanks JHR - it may be this one then as my missus will be buying and of course its her money so i can't force the issue on price. Clever idea that - velcro onto dash / boat etc. makes it all more transportable.

 

[Alistairr]

Roy, Remember this thread???

Thread from last month.

Maybe worth asking Tripleace if he took them on.

Cheers

Alistair.

 

[Roy]

Thanks Al - Had forgot about this and so, thanks for the reminder. Am a bit of a cynic and will prefer to go for well known and trusted brand name like yours or similar.