What's the best toy?

Robert1 · 19 December 2003, 20:48

Whats the best electronic toy to measure speed and depth? I would also like the facility to put in waypoints and the device to tell me the bearings to steer to reach those waypoints. Any suggestions?

Robert

Brian · 20 December 2003, 11:45

Robert1
It seems as if you want a GPS/Sounder (combined unit). There are several makes around.
You could look at Garmin or Magellan products, here for example:

http://www.thegpsstore.com/

Rupert Bear · 21 December 2003, 22:17

I would recommend seperate units, at least if one goes on the bung you don't lose everything. Just make sure the sounder has a NMEA output for depth and connect it to the GPS to get depth added auto when plotting positions

matiboy · 21 December 2003, 23:01

a handheld waterproof GPS and a piece of string

Or if you have a little more cash to spare then some of the Fish finders on the market have trip logs powered by a paddle wheel on the senders , my Navman does this nicely , although I have never tested it for accuracy against my GPS , as I dont have any string onboard !?!

Michael · 22 December 2003, 22:49

Garmin GPS & plotters - good.

Garmin fishfinders - bad.

Mike

Hightower · 22 December 2003, 23:33

Been looking at the Navman 5500/5600 plotters, had a go at both the Garmin 182c and the Navmans for the first time today and like the large rubber buttons and the uncluttered look of the Navman screen looks clearer aswell!

Hopefully off to the States middle of January and know that K-Mart sells the Navman range of plotters, should be able to pick up a 5600 for about £530.

Also I'm in the market for a Depth sounder so I'll get one of those as well!!!

VHF will have to wait for a shopping trip in good ol Blighty, the Silva S10 DSC looks to be pretty good bargain. Anyone got experience with this rig?

Andy G

simmons0 · 22 December 2003, 23:36

Im not sure how Navman works but specially with Garmin watchout because in America it will come with an American basemap.

Garmin fishfinders - fine if installed correctly.(still not great)

Hightower · 22 December 2003, 23:48

I understand that if you Buy a Garmin from the States you only get a North America Chart in Blue chart cartography, but with the Navman it uses C-Map NT+ which I have been told uses a world wide base map to which you add your chosen maps to later.

I planned to buy the plotter in the States and the marine C-map chart from the UK. I also understand that C-Map is generaly cheaper and better than the Bluechart.....Is this right?

Andy

simmons0 · 22 December 2003, 23:53

No idea, all i know is that the Garmin base map is so detailed most people go a year or 2 before they bother to buy a bluechart chip.

The Navman more or less needs the C-Map to be of any use.

Ive no idea which is better. you'll have to ask someone whos actually got one.

Hightower · 22 December 2003, 23:56

Hey just got a sudden rush of adrenalin

What if all the measurments where in Imperial!!! One to watch out for one thinks. Miles/Kilometers/Knots......................

Do the Americans use Knots?

simmons0 · 23 December 2003, 00:02

I should think Knots are too much of a complecation to the Americans. The ones ive met have not been the cleverest of people.

Come to think of it though, why do we use knots?
Whats wrong with MPH?

Hightower · 23 December 2003, 00:11

Nothings wrong with Miles!!

I must admit though that Americans are a little "thick", I blame it on their TV

Most Yanks when first hearing you think that your Austrailian and one even thought I was German, now how does that one work.....

The Jackeens · 23 December 2003, 00:20

Hightower where do you cart??

They've stopped it in stokes bay.

Hightower · 23 December 2003, 00:38

Haven’t Carted for a while now. Used to practice at Stokes Bay, but Port Solent is still OK. Saw some lads Buggying there today actually.

My hunting grounds used to be West Witterings a couple of years ago until they banned it for one season. Then a club opened called the WWBC and made membership quite difficult to achieve, so calmed it down over the last couple of years.

Did go to Fuerterventurer (not spelt right) earlier this year and had great fun out there!

I guess that's why I've bought a RIB, I need a distraction of some kind. There's not many of places to Buggy around here but there's one hell of allot of WATER.

I have one wish though. Once in a Blue Moon the tide goes so low that there's a sand bank revealed mid Solent. I'd like to take my RIB and buggy to that bank for some serious mid Solent FUN.

Andy

Richard B · 23 December 2003, 00:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Hightower
Once in a Blue Moon the tide goes so low that there's a sand bank revealed mid Solent.

Twice a year I think. Just have a look in the Almanac for the lowest tides.

Hightower · 23 December 2003, 00:46

Thanks I'll do that. Once I get the RIB package together!!

Mark Halliday · 23 December 2003, 08:00

"Once in a Blue Moon the tide goes so low that there's a sand bank revealed mid Solent."

That'l be the Brambles. If you go there in the summer you will find a bunch of blokes playing Cricket on it.

Hightower · 23 December 2003, 08:36

Do ya think that they'll be pleased with someone buggying though their game. I think NOT! But it is a nice Idea though.

Have to get there before they get their stumps into the sand, place a flag in the middle and claim it to be my own (Like the Americans did with the MOON). Good old Yanks.

Andy