"Guy" wrote in message
news:bXPef.21503$9T4.4418@trnddc04...
I searched the archives and found a few similar articles,
but nothing in the last few years. Sorry if I missed
something and am asking about a too frequent thread, but
flame on if you must. Also, I am not planning on using a
hand held GPS instead of charts. I always carry my own
charts, as you can always depend on the charter company to
have them. That said. . .

I used to be on the water all the time, inland and offshore,
and have quite a bit of experience in navigation coastal and
open water between islands. For the past 10 years I have
been boat free (boatless ?), but have chartered every year
or two in the BVI and Florida (crossing Florida bay and
heading to DT). I have always been happy with the equipment
on the boats, but now would like to have something to save
routes and bring home to load into charting S/W so I can
remember where we went (okay, senior moment).

I am at the point where I need reading glasses to read my
watch (sigh) so I need to play with units in a store to see
how readable they are for me. Other than that, the features
I would like to have other than basic navigation to
waypoints a
- route tracking to store where we sailed
- Man Overboard button (or similar instant WP function)
- Anchor alarm
- and it would be nice if it had tidal information (a
feature some of the newer ones have that seems like a nice
thing to have, if anyone can provide feedback on it I would
appreciate)

Based on that, I am interested in the groups experience with
the current crop of handheld GPS offerings and what
features were great and which disappointed. I would love to
hear your raves about how happy you are with brand X, but
please let's not get into cartoon characters urinating on a
brand because Chevy is better than Ford, is better than
Dodge, is better than ...

Again, sorry if I missed a recent posting about this.
Thanks in advance for all your input.

Guy

I did the same thing you did.....researched the archives and concluded, as
Dennis wrote, that it is a matter of personal preference. That being said,
I chose to utilize my laptop, buying a waterproof USB GPS receiver and MS
Streets and Trips on E-Bay for $60. Works like a charm although the marine
application is basic. It only shows the channel of the Columbia River, not
depth or buoy markers. However, at this stage in my learning curve, the
channel location is what I need, particularily at night or in case of fog.
Down the road, I'm hoping to access some marine software that gives me more
extensive information.

-Greg