Replacing Hand Held GPS

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WoodyP

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My old GPS back up has died and on the principal of abundance of caution, to back up the chart plotter need to replace it.
I note that the Standard Horizon DSC handheld VHF can provide the GPS function and is waterproof. My existing XM2000 handheld VHF is still in good condition but not waterproof.

Trying to make up my mind which option is better, either a cheaper Etrex or similar GPS and a cheaper waterproof VHF handheld or a new SH DSC VHF hand held. I would welcome your thoughts before I decide - its a Christmas present to me, so cost is not really the issue. I'm worth it :)
 
pvb said:
Definitely go for the SH HX851E - £179 inc 12v charging lead from JG Tech.
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There are also competitors from Lowrance and Icom, possibly worth the bit extra as they are newer designs?

( I wonder if YM has done a comparative test of them, then we can find out which company pays most for magazine advertising.)
 
What do you want from your HH GPS?
I like the fact that mine is small and gives display modes that I find useful, for instance a sort of speedo-compass display that is good in a sailing dinghy.
I like that it's separate from the VHF, that makes it easier to read stuff off the display and tell someone over the VHF. I use that now and then for things like mark laying.
 
The GPS functionality on the DSC VHF's are limited and in no way replace the usefullness of a dedicated HH GPS unit unless all you want is a LAT / Long readout.

I have the Icom M91D which is a great DSC VHF unit but I also have a Garmin Montana with full UK charts. This acts as a backup chart plotter although I find I use it more than the dedicated SH300 on the boat.
I'd go for a wee garmin unit but one that can take charts or if no charts needed, the 72 unit is great as it floats.
 
As you already have a working VHF,albeit non-waterproof,I would go for a standalone GPS (72H) which is very quick and accurate and has the range of useful functions like 'GO TO' and a page with bearing and track.Also most usefully plugs into the 12V system.I'm assuming that you also take the paper charts or some digital version.Seems better to separate the functions unless the multifunction VHF has a very friendly user interface and also allows the loading of routes/waypoints from the PC e.g.via Seaclear or OpenCPN.
You might then have some change in your pocket.
 
jerrytug said:
There are also competitors from Lowrance and Icom, possibly worth the bit extra as they are newer designs?
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Personally, I wouldn't buy a Lowrance, both SH and Icom have much better heritage and reputation in radio technology. The Icom is £50 more than the SH, and can only store 50 waypoints (versus 200 on the SH). As repeated posts in these forums show, SH products are highly rated by owners, and in my limited experience SH handhelds have been better than Icom handhelds.
 
I would consider how often you used the back up GPS versus how often you use the VHF. I have a handheld waterproof VHF that I almost never use. I have two hand held GPS I would not be without, (no plotter). I'd replace with another GPS or get a decent waterproof case for my mobile which has a GPS lat long function, rather than replace a decent functioning VHF. If you use the VHF a lot then I can see the temptation over replacing a barely used GPS. I am guessing you might be aware that if your old GPS is simply taking a hell of a longtime to locate itself there is a reset method to get it working again normally.
 
I'm surprised that some people aren't aware of what GPS functions a handheld VHF can have. Far more than just a lat/long readout. The SH HX851E can store 200 waypoints, and you can navigate to a waypoint - there's a compass display, bearing, COG and distance data. One thing it won't do is store a route, but as an emergency GPS source it's far from basic.

The OP's existing handheld VHF isn't waterproof - a basic requirement really. If you're going to buy a waterproof handheld today, you might as well get a DSC version, as in an emergency it could be worth its weight in gold. And it's probably cheaper than buying a cheap GPS plus a cheap VHF.
 
pvb said:
in an emergency it could be worth its weight in gold. And it's probably cheaper than buying a cheap GPS plus a cheap VHF.
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The cheap GPS and cheap VHF in my grab bag cost about £60 together.

They are very much last-resort items, though, and I wouldn't want to use them for day-to-day stuff on board.

Pete
 
prv said:
The cheap GPS and cheap VHF in my grab bag cost about £60 together.

They are very much last-resort items, though, and I wouldn't want to use them for day-to-day stuff on board.
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Are they both waterproof? And did you buy them recently?
 
pvb said:
Are they both waterproof? And did you buy them recently?
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The VHF is allegedly splashproof, but is in a waterproof bag/case. The GPS makes no claims to being waterproof, and is also in a sealed bag through which it can be used.

I bought them two or three years ago; I do note that the VHF is now considerably more expensive. It's a Midland Atlantic, and I was able to find it for £49.95 at the time (just checked old order emails). The GPS is real Chinese cheapy stuff, a tenner from eBay. All it does is display a lat and long on a small screen, but for sending a Mayday message from a liferaft that's all I need.

Both are backups to a PLB which itself (together with the rest of the liferaft kit) is backup to a well-found boat and good seamanship, so I fart in the general direction of anyone claiming I'm being irresponsible by not buying the best available for this purpose :)

Pete
 
pvb said:
I'm surprised that some people aren't aware of what GPS functions a handheld VHF can have. Far more than just a lat/long readout. The SH HX851E can store 200 waypoints, and you can navigate to a waypoint - there's a compass display, bearing, COG and distance data. One thing it won't do is store a route, but as an emergency GPS source it's far from basic.

The OP's existing handheld VHF isn't waterproof - a basic requirement really. If you're going to buy a waterproof handheld today, you might as well get a DSC version, as in an emergency it could be worth its weight in gold. And it's probably cheaper than buying a cheap GPS plus a cheap VHF.
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I had no idea they could do all that. I was last in the market probably 10 years ago. My point was replacing really what kit you actually use and what kind of sailing you do.
 
Thanks to all the replies. Just got back near a key board and now have some good but conflicting advice.
Quite like the idea of going up market on the GPS to get a mini plotter, but PVB advice on getting the waterproof handheld seems to hold the most sense for me.
Best wishes all.
 
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