List of GPS waypoints

Rivers & creeks

Rivers & creeks

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The proud owner of my first GPS (Garmin 72). Great bit of kit but it takes a while to enter a waypoint so is there a list on the web of regulary used waypoints I could download via the link cable? (I sail the Swale/Whitsable area)


And a Happy New Year to us all!
 
This question has been asked many times, and to date I don't think has ever been answered satisfactorily - i.e. no online database does exist. I would point out though that it's not a good idea to input waypoints directly from a published list - so can everybody else and then you all converge on the same spot! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif You should also offset the position as well if it's say a buoy - you don't want to hit it! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

One very useful tool that I use,and I have the Garmin 76 (as well as an etrex and a fixed 128) is EasyGPS.com. This is a free download and you can set up all your own waypoints easily and quickly then upload via the data cable to the 72. It is very easy and you can also put in routes as well. Any problems then send me a PM and I'll try and help.
 
I live in the same area (Oare Creek) and would advise against downloading waypoints 'blind'. The buoys in the Estuary get moved around a fair bit for one thing, and even when I use Reeds as a reference for inputting waypoints I still do a 'reality check' using the chart. Inputting into the Garmin is really quite quick once you get into the swing of it.
 
two ways to ease the pain of entering a lot of waypoints-

a) make it part of your passage planning so you do it progressively

b) during your first few trips of the season use the 'put waypoint here' function. you'll then have them there ready for your first return home in thick weather.

here's a little tip for the garmin: you'll want to keep your local waypoints but will gradually get cluttered up with loads of distant ones. if you use a different graphic symbol for the permanent ones you can then do a 'delete by symbol' and clear out the crap without having to do it one by one.
 
I have a GPS 76 which uses the same data cable. I purchased my cable on Ebay - it is a combined power and data cable and I paid £14.00 including delivery from the US. A similar cable from Garmin would cost up to £50!!
 
Got mine from eBay £10.00 from the UK (power and data) - never used but 2nd hand (he had lost his 72!)

Can't believe how much UK marine stores charge for this cable. BTW, Garmin publish a simple wiring diagram to show you how to make one, it's on the web site via FAQ's. They also sell them direct.
 
Look on eBay - there's a guy who sells all the bits very reasonably and they are brand new. I just bought a data cable for my erex off him - £12 inc postage.
 
As said by others ..... can be dangerous as all head for same spot !!
Upload / download of waypoints is easy via any chart plotting program ..... or using text programs / spreadshet based programs such as Easygps, GPS4U, G7towin etc.

Typing in GPS waypoints to any shareware site or browser should bring forth a myriad of possibles ..... using such also provides back-up of the waypoints in case you want to transfer to another GPS or you losed on your present set etc.

I actually prefer to do it via the chart plotting software - as you can then set the wpt on the chart and upload without hassle of typing etc. Download as well ........ to be honest - often I don't even upload as the chart gives the approach / time to etc. without having to view the gps .... but then again having it on gps and display in cockpit is a bonus in that set-up.
 
I think this "all converging on the same waypoint" is a bit of an urban myth.

I use popular waypoints in The Solent (such as the starting platform at Lymington) in good and bad weather and have yet to come across a collision as a result. There are so many other variables (and hopefully people still keep a look out as well as using the GPS) that the odds of two boats arriving at the same second and not seeing each other (or hitting the waypoint) must be immense.

I have asked before, but does anyone else know of a verified (and not anecdotal) incident caused by a mutually used waypoint?
 
I don't know about collisions with other boats, but there was a case about a year ago of a mobo on delivery sinking after it hit a cardinal buoy whilst on autopilot at planing speed.

I have a mate who reckons his autopilot has paedophilic tendancies - it just goes straight for the nearest boy - I mean buoy/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. It even managed to find one in 50m of water mid channel once!
 
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