Garmin GPS72H input data

[walker3901]

I recieved Garmin's 72H as a gift and seem to be having trouble figuring out how to use it. The reviews I've read seem to indicate it would be a good one to start out with navigating on the water, but it is not clear how to input data and get back useful navigation. The manual offers very little help that I could use to get started. This is my first GPS intended for marine use and I really expected to find it similar to use as those I have used for driving. I didn't want to start out with a more sophisticated unit until I could learn enough about them to know what really would suit me. At this point I am still trying to decide whether this is what I need to get started or if I should return it and get a different one.

[MSN2Travelers]

I'm not sure what you expected that is not there. This is a basic navigation aid. This type GPS will assist you when travelling from point A to point B. It assumes you create "waypoints" (destinations) from map coordinates that you have. String together a couple of waypoints and you have a route.

The typical automotive GPS units have map sets loaded in the unit and display route (navigation) data in map format.

If you want an on-water navigation unit that displays route information in a map format, then you want a unit that is part of the Garmin GPSMAP product line. An example would be the Garmin GPSMAP 76 Waterproof Handheld GPS.

A Chartplotter is a "big brother" to the handheld GPSMAP units. Additional functions at an additional price.

[walker3901]

I expected less features and am not disatisfied with that. The manual does not give me useful information on creating routes. If what I vaugely understand is correct, I should be able to use 1 or more methods to input waypoints, then combine them to create a route. If this is the case, I could not get that definately from the manual, and think it should be the first thing mentioned. Alsok, if this is how it's done, would start and destination be sufficient or would that just point me to the destination as the bird flies.
Example, in order to navigate to Fletchers Boat House from Anacostia Boat Ramp it would take several directional changes, some of which are required only to stay in the channell. Would each chang in direction become a waypoint, or would I just need those for Anacostia and Fletchers?

[Faster]

Even with a map program YOU need to program the course changes via waypoints at each alteration. The system will not 'take you around' charted obstacles.

This text copied from the manual:

Creating Routes
A route is a sequence of waypoints that lead you to your destination. A route must have at least two waypoints and can have as many as 50. The GPS 72H can store up to 50 routes. Create or modify a route using the Routes page, and add waypoints to a route. You can also create routes using MapSource mapping.
To create a route:
1. Press MENU twice > select Routes.
2. SelectNew.
3. Press MENU to add a waypoint from the map or from your saved waypoints.
4. Select OK to add it to the route.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to add additional waypoints to the route.
6. Press MENU > select Start Navigation.

This model does not appear to support charts so you're entering waypoints by lat/long most likely (taken from a paper chart, for example). It does say you can add routes from mapsource - that would require buying the program and creating routes on your PC and then downloading them to your unit.

We once preplanned a route from Tacoma to Vancouver BC on a 76MAP and had at least 20 waypoints for the Snohomish Canal (aka the La Conner ditch) alone.

[walker3901]

I don't recall seeing this in the manual or anyplace else. I believe you've given me the info I need to get started. I'll update you if I get it right. I do intend to get a Chartplotter, but later after I learn enough about use to make a good decision.
Thanks

[Faster]

I found that on this site:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/ma...=144&pID=38309

Appears to be a free PDF download, about the third one down (owners manual)

[walker3901]

I have the manual, came with my 72H. Simply didn't know how to apply the info in it and needed what you all related to me in order to make the connection. Thanks, I believe I can now use it pretty well. Using Mapquest to store all the waypoints I believe I'm gonna need. I plan to load those I might need before each trip. Don't plan to go farther where I can't navigate if I didn't have it. It would have come in handy on our first outing. Overstayed and had to go back in the dark. We noted landmarks on the way out, but couldn't see any but Regan National Airport landing strip when coming back in the dark. It was a relief to see those planes touching down right next to our boat ramp at Gravelly Point.

[PaulinVictoria]

I use OpenCPN to create my routes, then download them into my Garmin 72H. When you activate the route, it basically points you to the next waypoint (in a variety of ways, "road view", follow-the-arrow etc). When you get near the waypoint, it flicks to the next one and so on. Pretty simple stuff, then reverse the route for the way home.