I started to look for a GPS, took a look in West Marine. I am baffled. So
many models.

For a coastal guy, along the coast of New England, what GPS is good. Is
there a last year model that maybe I can find on ebay.

And what is up with the software.

GPS ,,, ?????????????????

this is for a small sailboat.

Lester Evans wrote:
I started to look for a GPS, took a look in West Marine. I am baffled. So
many models.

For a coastal guy, along the coast of New England, what GPS is good. Is
there a last year model that maybe I can find on ebay.

And what is up with the software.

GPS ,,, ?????????????????

this is for a small sailboat.

These comments refer to handhelds, if you're thinking of a larger
fixed-mount type one, they won't apply.
For years I have used and recommended the eTrex Legend as a good
compromise between features (mainly mapping) and affordability. But
just recently I moved up to and am very happy so far, with the
waterproof lowRance iFinder H20 Color, which is not too much more to
purchase (about 200 on the street vs. around 140) and features a bigger
beautiful COLOR mapping screen which makes a big difference; I also
like this unit's compatibility with inexpensive, plug-and-play memory
chips for greater detailed maps without having to connect to a computer
or mess with any connections or software; the Garmins (more popular for
now but I think these new Lowrance's might give them a run for their
money!.. if you want to expand the Garmins' basemaps you have to buy
more expensive cd-roms and are limited by the amount of memory in the
unit (I was able to squeeze most of the east coast onto my Legend's 8mb
using their MapSource cd-roms; their BlueChart cd's are fancier but
much more expensive and only compatible with the higher-end units) but
now have detailed charts of the whole US on my Lowrance just by popping
in the chip which I bought for about 60 bucks). TO get color screens
on the Garmins you have to move up to either a GMPMap76C or Etrex
Legend C, both of which are well upwards of $300 and don't have plug-in
memory cards.

richforman

You have to ask yourself a few questions: do you want it builtin or
portable? Do you use paper charts and only want the gps to get your
bearings, or do you want to navigate entirely with a chartplotter?
Would you use it mainly as a front end for a computer? Do you want a
unit that would be useful in a car?

I tend to use the GPS more for backup than as the primary navigation
tool, so an older unit is just fine for me. If I felt flush I would
get a GPSMAP 376C, which can be used in the car and receives weather
radar.

If you want to save money, pick out your favorite at West, and then
search the Internet. Garmin has a "minimum advertised price" but they
are discounted, so its worth checking around.


Lester Evans wrote:
I started to look for a GPS, took a look in West Marine. I am baffled. So
many models.

For a coastal guy, along the coast of New England, what GPS is good. Is
there a last year model that maybe I can find on ebay.

And what is up with the software.

GPS ,,, ?????????????????

this is for a small sailboat.

My husband has been using a garmin GPS12 for years. It is a basic older
monochrome handheld unit. We now use it as a back up for our fixed
mount standard horizon GPS. I would recommend a Garmin unit. Hand held
of small fixed mount. I have found their units very user friendly. They
also have a good warranty. When looking around, know that West Marine
has a price match guarantee. You just have to bring them either the ad,
print out, or quote of a new item. West Marine also has a Product
Protection Program. You can get up to two years after the manufacturers
warranty. Plus, it is always nice to walk out with product in hand then
wait for it in the mail.

boomerswims wrote:
My husband has been using a garmin GPS12 for years. It is a basic
older monochrome handheld unit. We now use it as a back up for our
fixed mount standard horizon GPS. I would recommend a Garmin unit.
Hand held of small fixed mount. I have found their units very user
friendly. They also have a good warranty. When looking around, know
that West Marine has a price match guarantee. You just have to bring
them either the ad, print out, or quote of a new item. West Marine
also has a Product Protection Program. You can get up to two years
after the manufacturers warranty. Plus, it is always nice to walk out
with product in hand then wait for it in the mail.


A number of US Ebayers advertise brand-new GPS models on the UK Ebay site
and are doing good business because of the dollar/pound situation. I bought
a GPS MAP60CS (Garmin) from a retailer in San Diego for what seemed a
ridiculously low price, 2 day delivery, brand new, and it had European maps
ready installed. My point in posting is that you don't just get secondhand
Garmins on Ebay, but new stuff too, and I am sure the prices will be
discounted for US buyers. Worth a look.