Handheld GPS recommendations

[mikecaptnkidd]

I''m looking to buy a handheld GPS, as my previous one apparently grew legs and walked away. In a few years I''ll be buying a serious plotter/PDA device, but for now I just want something basic, and I want to avoid the limitations of my previous system.

Can anyone recommend a low-cost handheld GPS that:

1) Can show speeds below 1.8 knots? My previous system registered 0.0 whenever speed dropped below 1.8.

2) Has a configurable anchor alarm with an alarm sound that might be loud enough to wake somebody up? The previous system had this pathetic soft beep that was almost inaudible in the wind.

Thanks in advance...

Mike "Captn" Kidd

[maestro]

what type did you have last??

did you think about bidding on one on ebay?? I got my Garmin 315 for $80

[hamiam]

I have been the owner of 3 Garmin Units: the 48, the 12, and, currently, the GPS76 MAP. I would HIGHLY recommend buying a Garmin and, if you need supreme accuracy, a Garmin with WAAS capabilities. All of my units have been somewhat waterproof, float, and are very easy to use. You might want to check practical sailor''s site; Im sure they have a review of handheld GPS''s. Not sure if you have a tiller or a wheel but you can get a RAM mount and mount the GPS right at the steering station. If you put it inside the boat you will, most likely, need an external antenna. I would suggest that you goto a West Marine or similar store and see any GPS your are considering buying in action; I have found that the smallest ones have screens that are near impossible for me to read.

[e-27 sailor]

I''d also recommend the Garmin GPS76 Map. Easy to operate one handed, the batteries will last at least 8hr, and only takes a minute to change without dumping your waypoints. Get the 12v plug-in power cord, and add a power port, if you don''t have one. The unit will fit in a H/H radio pocket. The map feature has better detail than a chart, and got me safely into an unfamilure harbor one dark night.

Bill

[mikecaptnkidd]

Two consecutive thumbs up for the MAP-76, I''ll go check it out.

Thanks.

[hamiam]

IF you go with the MAP76, I would strongly recommend buying the Blue Chart CD and an unlock code for you geographic area. The blue charts have the level of detail necessary for proper navigation.