Marine GPS for 1st Time Boat Owner?

Question

Just bought my first boat and I am looking for a GPS or chart plotter to get me out on the water anhd back to slip. Also would be nice if it showed the marinas. I don't have a lot to spend ($150-$300). Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I was in your same situation last year, I think this model has been discontinued however if you can find one, its WELL worth the money ~$200. I bought one last year and have been nothing but pleased with it. The GPS chartplotting is outstanding for a unit this size and price, while you can not update the maps on it how often do things really majorly change? It has a good depth / fish finder as well with temp. I really cant say enough about it. It has all the major features, tides, moon, all the markers on the river (where I am atleast), route planning, all the data you could really ever need, and you can overlay the depth and temp data on the chart or the nav info on the depth finder, it does split screen...I could go on. Although I don't think it shows marinas, check a paper chart, then mark them as a waypoint on the unit, I always have a paper chart as a back up anyway.



Here is a link to a site that looks like they have them in stock and also a feature list. Might also check ebay.



http://www.johnnyspond.com/eacu250scoso.html



manufacture website, check the manual, it seems kinda overwhelming at first, but its VERY easy to use.

http://www.eaglesonar.com/Products/Combo/Cuda250SMap.htm



good luck!

Answer 2

You could get one off ebay...I have a garmin etrex and have used lowrance products,.. Try to get a lowrence on clearance or from a pawn shop.. make sure it works.. You will have a bigger screen and a better product. I carried the Garmin as a backup its useful and works well but the screen is small. The Lowrance screen was bigger clearer and easier to use. And it was combined with a fish finder. The garmin etex doesnt have marinas unless you pay for the upgrade software...

The lowerence I payed $100 etra for the marine card for florida. It had depth maps an fishing spots noted as well as marinas and bombing ranges in the gulf..





Just got back from wallieworld. They hae an eagle ( hummingbird) GPS and fish finder black and white for $298. That may be worth looking at.. too



Seatttles is exactly right.. You do need to have charts too..

We cary charts when ever we go in the gulf of mexico.. mainly becasue electronics are notorious for "dieing" at the wrong time. On the boat we had we bought a Lowrance gps and fish finder but always took charts nad the littl ehand heled etrex ... Always plot your course on a chart too.. often check your gps location and mark it on the chart. If you have to radio for help.. or phone .. ( mobiles work upto 3 miles of shore in good weather. When ever you stop... mark on your charts your location. basic books like boating for dummies give you a hint of how to navigate. Boating courses are good too.

Answer 3

first take a coast guard small boat safety course and learn basic skills including navigation.



purchase general nautical charts for your area and a good compass for the boat and practice using them.



West Marine and other marine supplier have a lot of GPS to choose from. we use marine charts and a garmin cs176 (hand held with color maps) and love it. the 176 also comes in b/w for less $.



the reason that i recommend use of marine charts is that the gps can fail, so you need manual knowledge and back up. its also much easier to see the big picture on a larger chart.



hope this helps

Answer 4

Cost limits what you can buy. I use a Garmin e-trex...very basic 100 bucks.,Very easy to use .on inland lakes. No maps..It lays out a bread crumb trail of your track and/or a direct bearing back to any waypoints established by you. I leave by sail from marina to middle of lake after establishing waypoint at dock & out in lake..follow track back to either waypoint but just don't bump into anything else...like a point of land.This is good enough for near shore day operation. But be careful about shoal water & other obstructions..

Answer 5

Garmin has a variety of units. a hand held type may do the job.

Answer 6

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