Recommendations for Multipurpose GPS

[katie_gaut]

Hello,
We've just upgraded to a Balboa 20 that we will be sailing both inland lakes in Montana as well as occasionally in the San Juan Islands (Puget Sound). Ideally, we'd like a GPS unit that we could load in bathymetry data as well as topography for use on land as well as water. I've used GPS units in the past that have tide tables downloaded in them as well - very slick. Any thoughts on brand/type/features to look for and also what we should be expecting to pay?

Thanks!

[sailingdog]

Depends on what you're wanting to do with it. The Garmin handhelds, like the Oregon or the Dakota, can have nautical, automotive and topographic maps installed.

What is your budget? A Garmin Oregon 450 is going to be about $375, which is pretty reasonable given what it provides. The charts and maps would be additional. You can also get a discontinued Garmin Colorado 400C, which has most of the same features and includes the US coastal charts pre-loaded for about $300.

[travlineasy]

Much of this will depend upon your budget. I just ordered a Lowrance HDS-7 for my Morgan 33 OI, but you may want something a bit smaller, such as the HDS-5. You can find the details at Fishfinder, GPS Chartplotter | LOWRANCE HDS-5

Good Luck,

Gary

[sailingdog]

I doubt that would be of interest to the poster, since they mentioned TOPOGRAPHIC maps, which would indicate a handheld that can be used for terrestrial, marine and possibly automotive purposes.

Originally Posted by travlineasy

Much of this will depend upon your budget. I just ordered a Lowrance HDS-7 for my Morgan 33 OI, but you may want something a bit smaller, such as the HDS-5. You can find the details at Fishfinder, GPS Chartplotter | LOWRANCE HDS-5

Good Luck,

Gary

[travlineasy]

sorry--double post

[travlineasy]

The main reasons I recommended the Lowrance GPS/depth finder is first and foremost they have detailed maps of nearly all U.S. Lakes built into their machines. This is in addition to the roadways. Finally, the boat is just a 20-footer, which would be considered small at best, therefore the combination of depth and GPS charting plotter all on a single screen would be highly beneficial. Most handhelds are a PITA when used for automotive purposes, and they do not provide real-time depth information, which is essential.

Cheers,

Gary

[HBar50]

I have a Delorme Earthmate PN 40 handheld that works very well. One of the pluses of the unit is that it comes with mapping software for the PC and a $20 credit for downloading maps also. After I ran that out a $30 a year subscription lets you download anything from the library...NOAA nav charts, topo maps, arial photography, free updates, etc. All the stuff that you have to pay through the nose for with garmin. Also had tide tables and so forth.

The newer version even has sat based text and distress messaging I believe