GPS...what I use

Posted By: Joe McCary, Aeolus II-Catalina 27, West River, MD
Date: 3/29/08 10:24p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: GPS Recommendations------WebKitFormBoundaryasI6BMFFAOV+rNZY (John/Illinois------WebKitFormBoundaryasI6BMFFAOV+rNZY)

I have had a Garmin 176C for several years, before the C27. I also have a Blue Chart chip for my sailing ground (Chesapeake Bay) I it some advantages and some disadvantages. The advantages are amazing accuracy. I have yet to find any places where the chart is not accurate. I have sailed the length of The Bay using this as the primary chart (always have paper chart handy). As an anchor monitor it works well. In one severe storm I wanted to know if I was dragging anchor in the 70 knots winds. I decided to use the GOS and it worked well in fact. as i zoomed in I could watch us swing back in forth in what looked like a big smile on the plot. When I first used this unit I found it absolutely mesmerizing, it is the best nav aid I have seen (GPS+ChartPlotter in general, not just the Garmin), the tendency is to watch the GPS and not the horizon. Other advantages in my mind is it uses AA batteries, which I can stock in nearly unlimited supply as opposed to a Lithium Ion battery that needs AC to recharge. I have since added a 12v power source to the mix so AAs are less a big deal beyond a backup. Disadvantages are it is difficult to read in bright sun. Also, while I can zoom in and out to nearly any level I might want, seeing the "big picture" is difficult. A paper chart is easier for planning a cruise and the GPS is great for getting there. I plan my watypoints ahead and then enter them in while at dock/home. Other disadvantages is this unit can be dangerous at night. It is bright (yes you can tone down the brightness) and the tendency is to steer by the GPS alone and not watch where you are actually going. Some bonus beyond simple where you are info it also gives very accurate speed and max speed of your time on the water (remember this speed over the gorund NOT through the water). It also gives time to waypoint, ETA. Also, one feature I have not used is the MOB button. If someone falls overboard you can enter a MOB and help get back to your crew. I bought mine used and have had no problems with it.