Handheld GPS

MasterCaster · 07-24-2003, 10:33 PM

I have used the search feature and gained alot of info on both GPS and VHF but I have one question I need answered. Im going to buy a handheld GPS within the next few days. I wont be out in the ocean very much but want to be ready for it when I am there. I have been looking at the Magellan sportrak units. I dont have alot of money to spend but want to get something reliable and not just a hunk of junk. Now for my question, Would you get the sportrak map for about $180 and download just what you need or get the sportrak Pro Marine that already has it all in there for $250. I would aso like to use this unit for some hunting.

It seems like an easy answer and Im pretty sure Ive already made up my mind but is there anything I should know about the Pro Marine before I go ahead and get it? :grin: Will it work ok for hunting and such? Do any of you salty guys/gals have this unit already? How do you like it?

Thanx
Jon

HOGGEMIN · 07-25-2003, 07:30 AM

Somebody please answer this I'm woundering the same thing. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Fishmstr · 07-25-2003, 08:18 AM

I have a garmin gps76 map....the basemap is a nice feature for it has a decent map, plus navigation bouys, tide tables, etc...it costs a little more, but I think it is worth it. If you need detailed maps for an area, you can purchase them later. I also use mine in my car and kayaking. It is awesome.

Gus Orviston · 07-25-2003, 08:37 AM

You aren't getting a chart plotter but with accurate bouy locations loaded in with a marine package, your safety has just increased a bit more. Otherwise you will need to load all the coordinates for the navaids in your favorite bay/ocean area, then the columbia as you fish etc... good practice, but there are hundreds of navaids you might want to take advantage.

My sister has the same question...does she buy a marine, or topo version. My answer was you probably won't get lost in the coast range and die if you don't have topos,,,however, if you need assistance in the ocean the marine package will make all the difference. my .03 cents.

gus

Zodman · 07-25-2003, 08:55 AM

I would second the Garmin 76 map, I also own one.

Badger · 07-25-2003, 09:23 AM

Don't know much about Magellans except that a friend's seemed to be a bit more difficult to navigate through various functions. The ones I have are all Garmins.

I've got three, none of the upper end (real expensive ones), and I use them all the time. The 12XL is nice and small, quite handy to carry around in the pocket, but doesn't accept downloadable maps.

The 162 has a decent size screen, great on the boat but wouldn't work for hunting.

The 176C is in between the other two in size, has color, accepts detailed map downloads, can be run on batteries or hard wired, a decent all around unit (although the screen can be difficult to see in bright daylight). It doesn't fit in my pocket very well and I don't need the basemaps as much on land so I don't use it much for hunting, the marine maps (bouys, water depth, etc) are great on the boat though.

If I were buying one right now and could only have one, I'd get the GPS76. It looks like it has all the features you need for both fishing and hunting, accepts map downloads, has a decent sized screen and is still very portable. And if I could afford a new one for the boat, I'd get the 2006C.

By the way, my friend with the Magellan handheld said he just got a new Garmin (model unknown) because he liked how mine worked better.

Just my $0.02.

Gus Orviston · 07-25-2003, 09:44 AM

In my case I am garmin fan, however, my sister decided she like the magellans, so I directed to the Marine options since that is their weakest link.

I have the 176C and a III plus. they both use the same upload download cabling, power cable, both work with mapsource, and the functions between the two are similar so it is easy to use one or the other at any given time.

gus

DriftR · 07-25-2003, 12:28 PM

I use a Magellan 315. I save certain starting and ending waypoints. Nice when the fog rolls in. Was kinda fun learning how to operate it. Takes some time but really is a added safety feature. I do use mine out in the big blue.

Orca · 07-25-2003, 01:11 PM

Garmin 76S is my navigator.

go fisch · 07-25-2003, 02:06 PM

I would got with a Magellan 315 or 320. The 320 has the buoy's on the coast which is a great help or you can get a disk and add them to the 315. Obviously 315 is cheeper.
When you buy one you can get the video and the instruction manual is easy to read. Has several funtions on it which are helpful that others don't have.
Check out the Magellans.

rockn'reel · 07-25-2003, 02:10 PM

I sold these things for about a year and I can tell you with most everything anymore, you get what you pay for! Questions to ask yourself are;
how much are you going to use this? Do I have access to a computer to download maps from a CD? How much am I willing to spend on memory cars and other accessories that do not come with the machine? Do I need one with all the bells and whistles?
Aftet you answer these questions make a run over to your favorite store and compare waypoint storage and battery life and along with how many you need. Also be careful about which ones are waterproof and which can be submerged. I know when I used to compare these, one thing I wasn't really happy about is how exposed the plug-in ports were exposed to the elements.
All that being said, my choice would be the magellan meridian. I don't think the government is planning to launch anymore satellites for public use so 12 channels will not be going out of style for a while. With the marine version you get all the important stuff like navaids, etc. Honestly, when I am on the land hunting I just mark important spots for comparison later (truck, tracks, where I left my hunting partner, etc). I know that I have a magellan map 330. older 12 channel, that tells me where navaid are and smaller rivers too. I use these when I am hunting for comparison also. It is more important to have marine markers than land topo. How many times do you honestly care where Mt. Hood is compared to you when you already marked you car as a way point which you will be hiking back to. Now when you are moving high speed over the water, wouldn't it be nice to know where the channel is in heavy fog.
All of the different GPS systems are relatively the same difficulty to use anymore because the companies know they have to be user friendly. Most of the time people have different preferences on brands depending on which one they learned to use first. When I started out I used the lowrance map 100. I loved it! It had a lot of buttons and gave the ability to get really detailed with several different commands at once. Most other people thought it was too complicated. So, just go into the store and try out several models and see which one you feel comfortable with, but your best bet would be to get a marine model. If you need to you can upgrade later on to a chartplotter for your boat if need be when you have more money to spend on playtoys.
Good Luck I hope this helped!

No Wishin Just Fishin · 07-25-2003, 02:42 PM

I have a GPS map 76 but have a few problems using it. Can someone go with me once and teach me how to erase needless info and reload for Astroria Bar. Free fishing trip for anyone who wants to help

garyk · 07-25-2003, 04:33 PM

MasterCaster, I'm installing the dash mount for my Garmin map76 tonight in our boat tonite. Looks like the map76 is a popular gps around here.

I'm also using the dataplug connection (along with a lighted dashboard switch) to supply power, so that once its plugged in, power is supplied by the boat's batteries rather than the unit's AA batteries (which I understand are good for less than 10 hours).

If you're relying on the unit's AA batteries, I think the rule is to carry at least one spare set.

wanafish · 07-25-2003, 05:16 PM

Mr MC,
I got the Garmin Map76S. Love it so far. Was real handy last Sat. when the fog rolled in. $309 at a certain website. Thought the xtra memory would be good to have.

Lovestafish · 07-26-2003, 04:51 PM

Rockn'reel, or anyone else: I have an E-trex "Summit", and I'd like to down load some maps into it, specificially the Jefferson Wilderness area & the ocean out of the Newport area. Can someone give me some guidance here? Thanks, LTF

MasterCaster · 07-26-2003, 07:44 PM

Thanx to all who replied both on here and in e-mail!

Well I ended up spending a bit more and got the Meridian Marine by Magellan. I think it will handle all our needs very well.

We went into GiJoes here in salem and talked to Chuck. He is a really nice guy and very easy to talk to. He also teaches classes on how to use GPS units. If anyone is looking to get one and you dont know much about em he is a great guy to deal with. He doesnt pressure you one way or the other either. Just gives you all the info and lets you decide whats right for you.

Thanx again for all the help and info!

Jon :smile: :grin: :smile:

Gobbaworms · 07-26-2003, 11:51 PM

I have a map330 and Megellan told me the marine software is not compatible. Doesn't make sense to me why, but not in the mood to fry it...yet.

Gus Orviston · 07-27-2003, 03:31 PM

MC, is there still a rebate on the Magellan GPS?

gus

MasterCaster · 07-27-2003, 03:41 PM

If there is I didnt get it. None of the guys I talked to mentioned one so I guess its past.

This is a great unit I got though and so far I am ver happy with all the features. Spending the extra few bucks was definately worth it I think. I cant wait to put it to use out in the blue!

Jon :smile: :grin: :smile:

Critr Gitr · 07-28-2003, 10:17 AM

I too use the 330 and am well pleased. Cabelas had the GPS and software for around $150 - they may be sold out by now -it was something like $10 off. I particularly like to download the days tracks into my home PC and edit them. Also great for uploading #s before o trip via the PC. You can get nice mounts with external power that go on the dash real nice.

proguide · 08-03-2003, 10:44 PM

no fishing just wishing I sent you a message on your gps question havent heard from you so I thought I would try this way. I have a topo cd and can load in the area you want. SEND ME A EMAIL

theles · 08-04-2003, 10:46 AM

Heads up, I just ordered a Magellan Meridian Marine GPS package on ebay for $312 plus $17 shipping, with a $75 rebate, so net cost is $254. The package has:

Magellan Meridian Marine Special Value Pack (contains Meridian Marine GPS receiver, swivel mounting bracket, MapSend BlueNav NA CD-ROM, 32 MB SD card and PC data cable) and a carrying case.

Can't wait to get it to play and get $75 bucks back of course!