Speedo GPS Help!

[richyrich]

I want to know my speed and distance travelled on water. I don't want to drill holes in hull or run wires from transom. I have read GPS can give speed and am toying with purchase. Can anyone suggest best value waterproof GPS that will give speed, trip distance, easily visible readout if mounted on console etc. Or point me at earlier thread?

[ADS]

A gps will give you speed and distance travelled as well as average speed and the ability to set way points, and then let the gps navigate you to them. Are you interested in a fixed gps or a hand held?

regards

Alex

[richyrich]

Andy,
For security (ie remove when not in use) handheld would be better and usable for non-marine activity. For screen readability, and running off boat power, a fixed unit would be better. In ideal world handheld but mountable on console with repeater screen, (unless handheld unit GPS display is easily readable anyway?).
Richard.

[DJL]

I would go for a fixed set - something like the Garmin GPS 126 would be good.

You can still remove most fixed sets from the boat, so security isn't a problem. You'll find a handheld GPS quite difficult to read when the boats bouncing all over the place. However, if you do go for a handheld you will still be able to mount it on the console and run it of the boats power.

[Rogue Wave]

I think the guys are right but if you really want a totally portable solution then the gArfmin Etrek legend (mobile phone size) or the 276c would do you

[Andre]

Originally Posted by richyrich

I want to know my speed and distance travelled on water. I don't want to drill holes in hull or run wires from transom. I have read GPS can give speed and am toying with purchase. Can anyone suggest best value waterproof GPS that will give speed, trip distance, easily visible readout if mounted on console etc. Or point me at earlier thread?

Get yourself the Raymarine Raychart 435i has a built in antenna so no need to run cable back to the A frame only fix the bracket to the top of the console and drill a hole for one cable. Remove from the bracket when not on the water

[IanE]

raymarine also do a handheld here

Ian

[limeydal]

The Humminbird I have has a very clear easily readable display and when you are finished ,a push of a button and the unit slides of its mount!
waterproof and lots off accesories to expand the system. Gives speed/water temp/GPS/fishfinder/depth /and even barometer pressure and weather
cheers Dal

[richyrich]

Great tips, thanks - now I am narrowing down on Garmin Etrex which I can use for walking and car navigation (for the 49 weeks of year I am not boating) . There is a waterproof colour monitor (visible in sunlight) version called Vista C which is "WAAS enabled" claiming 3 metre accuracy in Europe + base maps for Europe-wide driving - motorways, A roads etc. Has anyone had one of these and can comment on quality? For about £275 it seems a bit pricy, but are you getting what you pay for, and with accurate route-finding by car in UK and Europe a real add-on benefit? Only other thing with Etrex, will I have to buy software on top for boating?

[Biggles]

Rich,

Go for the Garmin 126 or 128. Don't think you can use just one GPS for car and boat. GPS is good for boat but for your car you will need something more like Tom Tom.

Both jobs can not be served by just one unit. However if you just want speed and location then the 126 can do all that.