M-tech 500 VHF and Garmin 72 GPS - personal views?

[JesseLoynes]

I get to 30 in a couple of weeks time, and assorted friends and family have pooled some cash to get a VHF radio and a GPS for our 6 ton Hillyard.

With a bit of surfing of the web, and a little magazine reading, I reckon the M-tech 500 for a fixed VHF and the Garmin 72 for a handheld GPS along with the marine mount are my choices.

Our fixed radio is very old ( think bakelite! ) and needs replacing for peace of mind. I figured a fixed was a better choice than a handheld, in the case of one or the other.

And I picked the 72 to be small enough to take hiking, biking etc, but still do the job.


I've looked at the numbers, but was hoping to get some feedback from anyone who has actually used these products themselves. Any help would be great.

Ta in advance, Jesse.

 

[misterg]

I've used a GPS72 for the last 4 years, and I like it. Easy and intuitive to use, display large enough to see from 6 feet away, and can take it home to enter waypoints / download routes on the PC. Runs off boat battery or all day on a pair of AAs. Also waterproof & floats - so one vote for. Definitely usable for hiking, etc., but a bit big.

I don't know the VHF you mention, or the type of sailing you do, but if you prefer to sit in the cockpit, I would think again about a hand held VHF, instead of fixed - much more 'handy', but some loss of range. Have got, and would recommend the Standard Horizon HX270E - waterproof, 5W power, and can run off AAs in an emergency.

All I know is: don't get a Silva S10! - We inherited one on our *new* (to us) boat, and it is one of the the most un-intuitive, downright awkward things I have ever used - you need about 8 button presses to switch from high to low power, for example /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Andy

 

[jordanbasset]

Agree re good words for Garmin 72 GPS. Bought mine second hand off ebay, works well have had no problems. Menu easy to use and navigate around - excellent product

 

[stevebrassett]

Another vote for the Garmin. The only thing I would comment is that mine loses satellites very easily under trees. Not a problem on the boat, but it can be when out walking.