Mika wrote:
On Fri, 29 Sep 2006 15:09:32 GMT, "Small Sailboat"
wrote:


Small sailboat,,, no GPS. For next season I want to get a handheld Garmin
GPS. I see them all over.

What is a good one? I don't want to spend too much money.




Search eBay for used Garmin 48. I´ve had one such handheld for three
years, and quite happy with it. Large display, easy to use, can get
software to upload/download data such as waypoints and track to/from
your computer.

Mika

Or Garmin GPS 12XL. its a handheld but can be run on ship's 12V power,
has connector for optional external antennae and has audible alarms for
waypoint arrival. This means you CAN use it as a fixed mount GPS below.

The very similar GPS12 lacks the direct 12V power in (you need a
converter cable as its 8V abs. MAX), the antennae socket and the audible
alarms.

Both are similar in appearance to the GPS48 but are rather more modern
and easier on batteries. ALL THE ABOVE GPSes DONT DO MAPS. Garmin
mapping GPSes only work with maps and charts from Garmin :-(

Before getting an electronic chart plotter, get someone to demo a Yeoman
Plotter. http://www.yeomanuk.co.uk/ You have to carry the paper
charts anyway, Why not make them easy to use with your GPS? (Ideal
companion to any of the above GPSes)

N.B. MOST CHART PLOTTERS ARE FAR FROM WATERPROOF. ESPECIALLY IF THEY USE
REMOVABLE DATA CARDS. Many claim to be water resistant when new but a
couple of years later you are lucky if they've stayed splashproof.
--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
[at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & 32K emails -- NUL:
'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.