Which entry level GPS

I

IanC

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I've never used a GPS - and my motor-boating is mainly done on the rivers Trent, Ouse and Humber - but I am thinking about buying one, probably an entry-level hand-held at around 100GBP.

So, which one should I buy? What should I look for? I aready have DSC VHF, can I link it to that? Where are the best deals?

Can anyone help me with this - any other comments to inform/help me to understand it all would be much appreciated.

IanC

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My eyesight is not too good and i have big fingers so the cheapest smallest ones were ruled out.
I got a Garminwhich has done the biz, but I have also used a friends Magellan which seemed to match the way my brain works better. You might be different - but there wasn't a lot to choose between.
Oh yes--- the Magellan played up cos of damp getting in even though it was always tucked up beneath yhe spray cover
spuddy

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If all you're after is a backup to paper charts, i.e. position only, then the Etrex is simple to use and reliable. If you can work out how to drive a mobile phone, you don't need to read beyond page 1 of the handbook. I've not tried the fancy ones with charts and things built in.

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Your post raised interesting questions I had never thought about. Is the DSC emergency bit any use on a canal? Would the coastguard respond? Could they do anything much if they did? Indeed , is VHF any good for anything other than a chat with pals or the lock keepers?

Genuine questions - I've never boated on the canals so I dont know the answers

And why would you want a GPS? I would have thought you always knew where you were withing half a mile, and were able simply to stop at the side if you had a problem.

<hr width=100% size=1>this post is a personal opinion, and you should not base your actions on it.
 
As you want to link it to your DSC VHF I would opt for a fixed set. Having said that, there's only one serious contender (IMHO) -> Furuno GP32.
Ruged, reliable, does what it's supposed to, and... simple!!! You don't have to take a day off to read the manual & figure it out.

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.
 
Garmin always have a good name for reliability, backup etc. Bear in mind that if you have it on constantly you will use a lot of batteries. Get a version that can be externally powered - some of the cheaper garmins don't have this ability. You will need a power lead which can often be plugged into a cigarette lighter socket, this is what I use. The Garmin 126/128 are both reliable and have a decent size screen. Again if you want to link up to a DSC VHF, make sure this can be done. Look at the Garmin 72 which is on special offer thro' several chandlers, complete with a power lead & Marine mount I think. The 72 has a larger screen than the etrex.
Look around for the best deals - also try on eBay - look at 2489174951. But beware some of the other new ones - although they are perfectly OK, they do come from the US and don't have the additional power cord and marine mount. )and if I remember, about the same price)

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... :-) /forums/images/icons/smile.gif<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by dickh on 13/09/2004 12:28 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Suggest that you have a good look at the Garmin 76 before you make your decision. It is a bit more that the others but has a larger screen.

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Love mine which has taken over from a fixed set.
easy to use, big screen etc plus a charging unit and bracket should you need them

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>regards
Claymore<font color=purple>
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Could not agree more with the Furuno, I have the original model GP30, a brill set very user friendly, built like a brick shit house, a waterproof one at that and the figures on screen very large for my failing eyes.

Paul.

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