Which Handheld GPS?

CodStewart

CodStewart

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'allo,
I'm currently in the UK and would like to buy a back-up handheld GPS for my boat. I already have a
The GPSMAP® 172C fixed-mount chartplotter but would like some back-up.
I am a beginner liveaboard whose first challenge will be crossing the South Pacific. Duh.
I'd be grateful for any recommendations for a handheld GPS.
Ta very much.
 
If you get one of the garmin range, with an appropriate cable you can copy all the waypoints/ routes from your main GPS to the handheld - invaluable if the main set fails ........
 
Really at end of day it all depends on what is available and also what level of data you want. You can buy a basic eTrex that will supply good back-up for the grab-bag / pocket, feed a PC if you need etc. Or you can go higher in the stakes with hand-held plotting etc.

Each person will have their favourite / recc'd machine - I like the basic eTrex - but at times wish I had a higher grade model with chart capability.
 
george do you have the gps 60 with the map or the standard graphical representation one. I'm looking to replace my handheld that has finally died. and looking at the non map version. can you tell me if it has a display that shows your COG / SOG / Bearing to wayoint and distance to way point all on one nav page and can you run it off the boat main electrics.

I will be using it as a backup for the main plotter and racing round the cans in the solent.

Any other info on pros and cons on it would be great.

TIA
 
Don't forget the sextant though, I've had three gps units fail within 24 hrs, when they would have been quite useful. Both Garmin handhelds failed due to water/moisture. They were back ups and hardly used.
 
Hi Delf,
I have the std GPS60 not the map. If I want a chart plotter I would get one with a bigger screen. Like you, I use it as a backup when cruising but have it in my pocket when racing. You can select the info you want it to display on any particular screen so I imagine it will do what you want, it's on the boat at the mo so I can't confirm. I believe you can run it off the boat's power with the correct kit from Garmin but I'm not sure why you would want to as the batteries seem to last forever (well 24hrs or so).

Hope this helps, G
 
thanks george. have looked on the garmin webpage and through the on line manual which does not give too much away. is it easy to use when racing. we have a limited crew and i seem to do most things from nav to putting the kite up. I like a nice screen that gives actual bearings to waypoints and actual course making over the ground in numbers rather than a graphical representation like the manual shows going ie... heading SE.

I'll try and have a play with one at the weekend.

Thanks
 
Quick view of your blog shows you already have a Garmin 172 plotter. Garmin allow two unlock codes for their mapping products, so you may be able to use the Bluechart software you have with a Garmin handheld GPS plotter.

I am very impressed with my Garmin GPSMAP60.
 
"I believe you can run it off the boat's power with the correct kit from Garmin but I'm not sure why you would want to as the batteries seem to last forever (well 24hrs or so)."

Essential IMO. As a backup to my fixed GPS, if that goes down when I am off for a week or two, I don't want to be faffing around replacing batteries every few days!

My boat is set up so I can plug the h/h's nmea into the boats nmea circuit. It then gives readouts on Autohelm Radar and pc as would the fixed GPS.
 
In fact I don\'t know of any that can\'t

Well in main stream use anyway ..... 12v ships supply to Handhelds is normal ......

It's nice to have batterys - but at every opportunity - I prefer to plug into 12V .... or via USB to Notebook.
 
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