gps nav help

[wenojardo]

Im looking into buying a gps/nav device for my boat and will mainly use it for fishing keeping track and finding spots, i was wondering if there is one out there that can keep a record of your fishing spots, be able to enter cordinates and track you by gps, an inexpensive one would be nice

[9D280]

Good fishing spots are easy - just mark good spots with a waypoint, and set it up to record trails. Most have a fish logo in the "add waypoint" screen as one of the options for that very reason!

If cheap is your main consideration, you should be able to pick up a used waterproof garmin handheld for around £50. The old GPS12 of early 1990s vintage is very basic, but does what you need and usually goes for around £40 on Ebay. B&W screen mapping ones (EG GPS 76map or GPS-V) will be slighly more expensive. Just be aware that some of the garmin <number> series had aviation related sofftware, and have basic aviation maps built in, which are obviously not much use on the water... the 12/72/76/II/III/V are all fine for boating use.



I'm not sure what you mean by "track you" - if you mean record where you have been so you have a "breadcrumb trail" to get back they will all do that. If you mean so that your fishing buddies can find you out on the water you'll need a DSC radio hooked up to the GPS, or if you fish in an area with a strong mobile phone signal, there are plenty of free apps to do that.

Be aware for the radio scenario that not all handhelds have an NMEA out. (the data signal the VHF needs to broadcast your position). Post back if that's what you mean & we can explain further.

[PeterM]

I've got a Megallan 315 I use for this stuff - no fancy mapping or charts but is waterproof. Just clear basic headings and position and waypoints ..always in my pocket too ..Cheap as chips on ebay nowadays ...£25 level

I even managed to find Exeter Airport using it once when I could only see a mile (in the air) - just dont tell the CAA !

[hadd]

Originally Posted by wenojardo

Im looking into buying a gps/nav device for my boat and will mainly use it for fishing keeping track and finding spots, i was wondering if there is one out there that can keep a record of your fishing spots, be able to enter cordinates and track you by gps, an inexpensive one would be nice

tp://www.rib.net/forum/f10/garmin-gpsmap-450s-47559.html Have a look at this one it's cheap

[wenojardo]

Also looking for one with a feature that will Allow me to enter coordinated and show me the way to a spot without being there before

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by wenojardo

Also looking for one with a feature that will Allow me to enter coordinated and show me the way to a spot without being there before

They should all do that as well.

[wenojardo]

Lol know of a good iPhone app that can do all that, just curious especially be able to enter coordinates and show you how to get there. I have been looking and have big been successfully

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by wenojardo

Lol know of a good iPhone app that can do all that, just curious especially be able to enter coordinates and show you how to get there. I have been looking and have big been successfully

Search the app store for Navionics

[9D280]

Just be careful of using smartphone apps for navigation... Iphone batteries are not renown for longevity...

[BrAinZ]

... And their dislike of water

[ssobol]

A Magellan Explorist will do what you want nicely. There are several models (100 to 600) as you go up you get color screens and more features, but I have used the 200 on my boat. I also have used the 500 model (color screen).

The 200 model will last all day on 2 AA batteries. The 500 can use 3 AAA batteries but will not last as long due to the color screen. You can hook up external power to these units if you want.

The Explorist model are weather resistant (IP7). The screen is a little small compared to newer plotters but still usable.

These models are obsolete but can be found on eBay pretty cheap.