I want to get a handheld GPS to use on my bass boat but am I confused. I
want to be able to get on a new or old lake and cruise around using my two
fish finders and mark spots on a GPS so I can save them and come back to
them. Each GPS has so many options and the prices, I am lost. Knowing
nothing about GPS I need some input. I want to basically map a new lake and
put in fishing spots. which unit is the one you guys would use for this, I
don't want a GPS and fish finder combo. Since I may want to use the GPS off
the boat. Thanks

"oldgoat" wrote in message
...
I want to get a handheld GPS to use on my bass boat but am I confused. I
want to be able to get on a new or old lake and cruise around using my two
fish finders and mark spots on a GPS so I can save them and come back to
them. Each GPS has so many options and the prices, I am lost. Knowing
nothing about GPS I need some input. I want to basically map a new lake and
put in fishing spots. which unit is the one you guys would use for this, I
don't want a GPS and fish finder combo. Since I may want to use the GPS off
the boat. Thanks

There are basically three types of GPS receivers, 1:non mapping 2:maps
3:maps and routing capability.

I would recommend the Garmin Legend ($140) if saving money or small size is
important. I would recommend the Garmin GPS map 60 ($250) if you want a
unit with a larger display, faster microprocessor, more memory for loading
maps and an auto routing capability. you can order either of them from
www.tvnav.com at a discount.

http://www.tvnav.com/legend.htm

http://www.tvnav.com/map60.htm

Garmin Mapsource maps :

1: Roads and recreation is the cheapest map and just shows roads and lakes
2: Metroguide map will let you search for street addresses
3: City Select map will allow the GPS map60 to pick the route for you when
you enter the destination address.

The map CD/DVDs should be also be available from www.tvnav.com but I can't
seem to find the link for the maps.

ted wrote:

snip
I would recommend the Garmin Legend ($140) if saving money or small size is
important. I would recommend the Garmin GPS map 60 ($250) if you want a
unit with a larger display, faster microprocessor, more memory for loading
maps and an auto routing capability. snip

Garmin just recently released a line of "x" models (60cx, etc.) that use
removable flash memory (TransFlash or Micro-SD cards) to expand the
memory for data and map storage. Those are just now getting on the
street and, for many GPS users, the expandable memory will add a lot of
usefulness and flexibility to a handheld GPS.

You may be in doubt about your need for expansion memory now. But if
you are thinking you want to use the GPS for multiple purposes
(street/highway, topo, on the water, etc.) you'll definitely benefit
from getting it now.

If the budget it on the tighter side, a used or closeout buy on a
Magellan Meridian series might be a good choice. The Meridians are
competitive with the Garmins and have been using SD cards for expansion
memory for a long time.

Magellan should probably be given credit for driving Garmin to add
expansion memory to their handhelds also for their finally abandoning
their proprietary data cards for an open market media. If it was not
for us consumers voting with out wallets these companies would never do
the right thing.

Now if we can just drive them to marketing a good waterproof and
ruggedized handheld that allows us to use open architecture mapping...

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

I use my Magellan Meridian Gold to do exactly what you're talking about. The
display is easy to read even in the dark or bright sunlight conditions. The
unit works off it's own AA batteries or can be connected to a mount that
will allow you to supply 12 V from the boat or car. You can get software and
a cable that will also allow you to download and upload to/from computer to
GPS. This allows you to later see exactly where you went, how fast you were
going, how long you spent at each spot, etc. I have seen them on ebay for
under $125 which is a terrific price. I love mine. Have had it for 2 years
now.

Good luck,
Bill


"oldgoat" wrote in message
...
I want to get a handheld GPS to use on my bass boat but am I confused. I
want to be able to get on a new or old lake and cruise around using my two
fish finders and mark spots on a GPS so I can save them and come back to
them. Each GPS has so many options and the prices, I am lost. Knowing
nothing about GPS I need some input. I want to basically map a new lake and
put in fishing spots. which unit is the one you guys would use for this, I
don't want a GPS and fish finder combo. Since I may want to use the GPS off
the boat. Thanks