Handheld GPS Recommendations

Skip

Skip

Well-Known Member
Oct 5, 2006
1,085
Potomac River/Chesapeake Bay
Boat Info
07 58 DB
Truly Blessed IV

2010 Nautica 12' RIB, 40HP Yamaha
Engines
MAN CRM 900s
I currently have a 1997-ish Garmin handheld GPS that serves as a backup the SR Navigator on my 420DA. This simple Garmin GPS has speed, bearing, lat/long, time, and distance traveled; you an also program waypoints, etc. I get about 12 hours of use out of four AA batteries.

I'd like to get a new handheld that has a color chart with vessel location overlaid on it, plus time, distance traveled, lat long, waypoints, etc. I'd like to be able to connect to my PC via USB to get chart updates, etc.

I have seen a Garmin 376C and thought that was a nice unit.

Other recommendations?

Thanks
Skip
 
Just bought the 76CSx by Garmin. After talking with the Garmin techs it seemed this was the best system available for a handheld unit (from Garmin of course). Haven't had a chance to put it through its paces yet though. I already purchased the bluechart and am waiting for the new version of the inland lakes map to be released....
Here are the specs...

New high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
Built-in quad-helix receiving antenna with remote antenna capability
Unit dimensions: 2.7†W x 6.2†H x 1.4†D
Display: 1.5†W x 2.2†H, 2.6â€-diagonal, 256-color, transflective TFT (160 x 240 pixels)
Weight: 7.6 ounces with batteries (not included)
Sensors:
-Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still
-Barometric altimeter
microSD card slot allows for storage of optional MapSource detail (128 MB microSD included)
LED backlit display and keypad
Battery life: 18 hours (typical use) using two AA alkaline batteries
Includes a built-in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing capabilities, including highways, exits, and tide data (USA only)
Internal memory is preloaded with a marine point database
1,000 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 50 reversible routes
Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more
Large-numbers option for easy viewing; dual-position display mode
Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more
10,000-point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions
Elevation computer provides current elevation, ascent/descent rate, minimum/ maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, average and maximum ascent and descent rate
Navigation instructions can be shared with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots using NMEA protocols through the dedicated serial port.
Built-in celestial tables for sun and moon calculations and the best times to fish and hunt
Compatible with most MapSource products. See the MapSource Compatibility table (top right) for a list of software that Garmin recommends with this product.
Water resistant: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards
Unit floats when dropped in the water.
 
Skip,

That looks awfully big to be a "handheld"!

I was in the same situation as you and had a 1999 magellen handheld unit I used for backup. It crapped out on me last fall. Thank goodness... it was old and cranky...

I ended up getting a small unit a few months ago (Garmin etrex legend cx) but I have not even taken it out of the box yet or got the charts for it. I wanted something small that could hook into the pc for waypoint downloads but was not mounted anywhere.

A little story... I've only needed my backup GPS one time so far. It was 2002 and I was leaving the Tides Inn off the Rappahanock River and it was very dense fog that morning. I was in my 380 DA. I don't think you could see 500 feet around you. I had my mother and my sister and brother in-law with me. We get out of Carter Creek about 3 or 4 miles and heading into the Ches. Bay to head home to Williamsburg which is about a 4 hour run and all the electronics go black... no radar, no gps, and no power.... zippo... I was waiting for aliens to pick me up at that point. Pulled out the backup handheld and didn't tell anyone what was going on and about an hour later the fog started clearing. Electronics just started working again about halfway home. Backup GPS is goodness.
 
Greg

Can you read that screen and the map details? I almost bought a 76csx last week but the screen seemed so small to be my only GPS. Now I am debating a 440 Garmin because the screen is so much bigger.
 
Hey Paul,

I have to really play with it this week, but there is a zoom in feature that allows you to see the details better. Did you try that mode?

I thought about a larger model but I had a few issues with doing that. I definitely did not want to screw in a bracket on the new boat. I also worried about the stick on brackets and the suction cup brackets really being able to hold the larger GPS in place on a boat.

Once I have a chance to look through it a bit better this week I will let you know mate.
 
Greg

I did not try the zoom in mode so I will wait for your input later in the week.

There are mounts available that will lock on to a verticle window support and rotate in various directions. They are basically a two sided clamp with a pivot that does not require you to drill holes. You might want to look at Ram Mounts and see if they have something that would work for you. Other people can also suggest additional brands to choose from.
 
Skip said:
I have seen a Garmin 376C and thought that was a nice unit.

Other recommendations?

Thanks
Skip
Click to expand...

Skip may want to go with the 276C only thing you get on the the 376C over the 276C the ablity to hookup to Sat weather. Other than that the x76C work great :thumbsup:
 
Skip, I have the 476 and its GREAT. I put my old SEFL/BAH card in it worked just like my 3010. Chuck is right the 276c would be fine. My 476 can get xm weather and sat radio but thats not how i use it(BACK UP). Iam getting ready to buy the New Garmin 5212(Touch Screen) which will be out sometime in June. Had to use my Garmin 476 to get my 450DA to the Keys. The 476 can be used in the car (my wife-sat radio) and it is very good. JC
 
Great input, guys, keep em' comin...and where best to buy online? I am guessing online beats West Marine, Boaters World, etc. on cost.

regards
Skip
 
Check the prices right here at our hosting company. They will not say it but great service and support :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
Skip, I bought my garmin 476 from our web host BOE and for a really fair price. Like Chuck said i probably overkilled and should have got the 276. Thinking about getting it for ditch bag. JC
 
I've had a Garmin GPS 76 since they first came out. You can now buy the GPS Map 76 for the same price (199). I've put in all the major waypoints that we use, and on every long or unfamiliar trip I just turn it on and leave it on the dash. Instant redundant crumb line. Runs seemingly forever (16 hours) on 2 AA's. Also fun to take on airplanes (prior to Jet Blue type video screens at every seat). If you have a window seat and hold the GPS just right you'll get speed, altitude, location, etc.

All the "76" series handhelds seem to get good reviews...I would highly recommend any of them.
 
Can you order the 276 with the charts pre-loaded, or do you have to purchase and download them online?

regards
Skip
 
Skip said:
Can you order the 276 with the charts pre-loaded, or do you have to purchase and download them online?

regards
Skip
Click to expand...

Purchase them via CD or cards. If you already have garmins blue chart cards they will work in a 276.
 
Skip, Unfortunately you will need to buy a Data Card for it to work like you want. Go to ebay and search. I just ordered the 276c(back up & ditch bag) and will order the data card or find one on ebay. I cant wait for the touch screens to come out. JC
 
Skip,

I see a new 276c on eBay for $399.00 + $20.32 shipping. So far, I have found that the eBay prices are much better than on-line dealers.

I bought a Garmin GPSMAP 492 on eBay for about $400. It comes equipped with Bluechart Coastal Maps for the entire US, Alaska and Hawaii. I used Garmin's Mapsource on my home system to program all the waypoints and routes I anticipated needing and downloaded them to the 492 before commissioning Moondancer. I used the 492 to transit the established channel from PWM to Quantico because I didn't have time to program the Raymarine. Plus....the 492 has far better resolution than the Raymarine (zooming in close).

I attached it to the dashboard with velcro and have a 12v auto type cable plugged into the cockpit 12v accessory socket. The only downside to this unit is it doesn't have a built in battery. It appears that the 276c and 492 utilize the same mounting bracket.

Brenda gave me a hard time for buying it, but after she saw it next to the built in Raymarine L760 system, she is now glad I bought it.

Brenda and I are going out today to practice our boat handling and will try to tie up to the gas dock to top off the tanks, but mostly to acquire a little more confidence in my meager boat skills.

Thanks for the kind (encouraging) words on close quarters maneuvering :).

Sam...
 
Amberjack01 said:
...... Also fun to take on airplanes (prior to Jet Blue type video screens at every seat). If you have a window seat and hold the GPS just right you'll get speed, altitude, location, etc.....quote]

I thought GPS weren't allowed to be used in the air???? I was thinking the same thing and It was listed as an approved device in the back of the the air magazine.
Click to expand...
 
On people who have the handhelds.

How good are your basemaps? Sometimes they have me driving the boat on land.

Anyone have the Garmin eTrex Vista C or equivalent? Which mapping programs are worth purchasing?
 
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