Handheld GPS

[J Ko]

I am in the market for a new handheld gps and was looking for some opponions on different models out there. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[richhermes]

www.garmin.com

These are some great GPS units. I have owned the GPSMAP 76S, Etrex Vista and Etrex.

I personally like the GPSMAP 76 or 76S if you need mapping.

[SpearDiverTampa]

I highly recommend the regular GPS 76. It is EXTREMELY accurate and very user friendly. I used to have an ETREX, and just upgraded to the 76. It is sweet. It also comes standard with a PC interface cord, making it really easy to put all your numbers in it.
-Chris

[IyaDiver]

I just got a 176C Garmin..............beautiful but the color screen is not as easy to view as monochrome in some light angle. Get the non colour model. It can be used in a car too, comes with the bracket. The new Blue Chart is fantastic, it comes in a chip and can be downloaded from CD ROM too. 1 Blue Chart of mine has data equivalent to at least 5 or 6 of the older C-Map NT, and cost only like US$125.00-US$150 here in Jakarta. I would need to pay at least US$195.00 PER ONE CHART if I were using a C Map NT chart or Navionics Charts.

If you are cruising far remember to add the cost of multiple charts, that's the killer.

I used it for 500+ n.miles run Singapore to Jakarta, on an open deck with sunlight and splashes..... 10 hours non stop first day and 11 hours non stop second day.

I also have the GPSmap76. Whatever it is : just get a Garmin.

I had it with Magellan. Bought 5 of those best C Map NT mapped version 6000 ( i think that's the model in year 1999 ) handheld and none last more than 2 years.

GARMIN....YES !!!!!

[Denny]

I have had excellent luck with all of my garmins. It is time for me to upgrade my handheld and I ill be going with the Garmin 76. I say screw the map because the screen is too small, and I don't care where US 19 is, anyway.

[JCACTION]

Try the magellan meridian navigator it is very nice

[WreckDiver]

I've got the Magellan Meridian Marine VERY accurate, I know a couple of others that also have it, & they also like them, and you can add a map card to it for greater detail - channels, depth, tides ect.

[J Ko]

I have been looking at the Magellan Marne and was wondering about the BlueNav chip that is available. Their website is not too descriptive on what it actually gives you. Can anyone expand on this?

Do the Garmin's also have something like this feature? Does anyone ever use these? I want to get a good gps that I am going to have around for awile.

[WreckDiver]

I have the Florida Chart in mine the level of detail is great for a small screen you get all the normal stuff you see on fixed mount chartplotters.

[J Ko]

What all does it tell you? Is it just ggod for marinas and boat channels or is there detail on them for anything offshore?

[richhermes]

On the Garmin, the chart looks just like a paper chart, depths and all. You can turn off alot of that detail so the map refresh is faster.

[joens]

I have a magellan meridian marine .I also have been thinking about the map chip for the texas part of the gulf.some screen shots on magellans website would be nice.

[richhermes]

Garmin lets you see the maps on their website. magellan doesnt do this?

[pristine]

Garmen GPS map 76. Down to the foot. No need for chips, just turn on and go anywhere. All of the right info with nothing else to buy. One friend with a million dollar boat never turns on the massive array of instruments except the GPS 76 map. That says alot.

[JCACTION]

the magellan sells the blue nav chips avionics and allows you to also buy 3d charts or even aerial stuff. I got the blue nav chips for the state of FL and it is basically very accurate and provides contour, soundings and the whole bit very nicely. I dont know much about the garmin. I have it where it basically is the same as any chart plotter along with routes and of course marking the SPOTS!! I like it very much.