Are GPS speedometers worth the coin?

[Ten Years Gone]

Hey Guys,

I'm interested in these newfangled toys and wondering if anyone has any first-hand user experience or reviews? Since the pitot driven lie-o-meter is non-functional on my 250, and I wouldn't trust it if it worked anyway...should I spend beaucoup money on a GPS truth-o-meter, or succumb to the idea of using the wifes "dumb phone" with a speed app to identify velocity over the water? I need to re-prop this spring, and it's kinda hard to do when I don't know WOT speed. Here are the contenders...one of which is so new, it hasn't hit the market yet. http://faria-instruments.com/product...uge=2_speedGPS

I spoke with Faria on the phone the other day, and dude said another month or so to hit the retailers. Expect a $200 price point. My SR dealer said they won't even stock them...must order sight unseen...argh!

Sales dude at Teleflex opined that the Faria is inferior as it's antennae is internal and thus won't get the same reception as his external antennae model. http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/instrumentation/instrumentation/gps-speedometers/
Of course the Teleflex is $100 more with addition of antennae! I would love to get some feedback on these standalone GPS speedo's.

How about a race car version? http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto+Meter/10...&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CK6sjuLB_7kCFYwWMgodmmIAFg

Or Space Shuttle version? http://www.waterskis.com/precision-p/mastercraft_gps_speedometer.htm

 

[kaz911]

I don't know why anyone would by a GPS Speedo for > $200-$300+

For $300-$400 you might be able to find a Garmin GPSMAP 620/640 2nd hand. A small portable GPS with maps and battery that will give you just as good GPS speed as the Faria or Teleflex.

Or buy a Garmin quatix marine GPS watch for $449 - which has a GLONASS+GPS antenna and is possibly a lot more precise than any GPS Speedo.

Or even an iPhone 4S or later with GLONASS+GPS would be more precise.

So spend a bit more wisely and maybe just use your wife's phone ;-)

And remember to measure WOT both upstream and downstream and average them - as current can add or subtract a lot of speed on a GPS reading.

 

[IanBat]

I'm with Kaz.

My Navionics app gives me speed, and does GPS lite a free app, and so does my lowrance sounder


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