After navigating around the jetties, shipping channel, etc. in the thick fog recently, I decided I need a handheld GPS, to back up my built-in. The point would be to be able to follow a route from launch to end of jetties, or vice-versa, avoiding shipping channel and nav aids. It appears the Garmin 72 at about $150 would do the job. But is there a reason to consider another, spend more, etc.?
More importantly, is there a reason these devices would not do this? Have you had experience along this line?
Thanks
OM
I have a Garmin Oregon 400c that I will let go for 150.00. It has the g2 vision maps and a bunch of other features. If your interested I will let you look at it and see if it meets your needs. Jerms used it down in the everglades and I have used several times offshore. I don’t use it much as all the boats I fish on have backups. Pm for contact info.
I keep the 72 ( black & white model) as an inexpensive battery backup for offshore also. For tracks and routes and waypoints it’s fine. I don’t want it for cartography/charts.
Has served me well for many years. Would think you could find it online for less.
The Navionics app on a smart phone makes a good backup, along with googlearth app.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
I have a Garmin Map76 that I have had for years. still works great whenever I need it.
Larry, good tip on the Navionics app and iPhone. I got it today, and think it will work fine. Actually, with the upgrade, it shows nav aids, and other details, which is worth the $1/month to me.
Thanks for other comments,
Roger
Don’t you have to have access to towers with a smart phone?
Yes, you do have to access towers. But I am counting on cell service from jetties and in. Actually, Verizon seems to work from at least 6-8 miles and in, more in better weather.
I figure I can run a compass heading to the point where I get service and/or see the lighthouse. But my main concern was the last few miles.
The gps and Navionics app on smart phones use satellite GPS transmitters, not cell towers. I’ve never been anywhere it didn’t work. Much prefer the big screen Humminbird plotter, but this is just as accurate and has the the same software, just much smaller. And harder to see in bright sun. But it’s a heck of a good app and it only costs $10. It works.
But the smart phone has google earth and my Humminbird doesn’t, and it’s a really handy feature to have sometimes too.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
quote:
Yes, you do have to access towers
Not for GPS, it works off the satellites. Put your phone into “airplane” mode so it won’t wear out it’s battery searching for a cell phone tower. I’ve got a Motorola and a Samsung phone that doesn’t need a cell tower to navigate, and a tablet.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
In that case an iPad should offer the larger screen, along with the GPS capabilities. Again, the upgraded Navionics map seems to have all the detail I’d need.