I only cruise in Lake Ontario between Burlington-Toronto but i was just looking for something basic to help me find my way back to the Marina if it gets dark. I'm new to nav stuff so i was wondering if there is a unit that kind of plots a line from when i left so thet i can follow it back to the Marina ? This is not something that i would be using often but i am looking for suggestions.
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I really like my Garmin 441. Top of the line GPS stuff, with great sonar if you want it, and one of the nicest, and most economical units out there. Really nice nav unit. Around $500. shop around, but your likely to be within 10% or so. Don't go with a car unit, it will leave a line, but lacks any kind of navigation abilities, since they are looking for roadways to keep you on (been there, done that). They also cant stand any wetness.
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If you have a smart phone, there are numerous apps that use the built-in GPS function of the phone to function as a plotter. Coat- about $50.
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Do you want a plotter or just a plain gps? The plotter is a permanent mounted unit and if that is what you are after I would suggest you decide on the make of chart cartridge you like (Radio World in Toronto has a good selection of both plotters and cartridges) then get the unit that runs that cartridge.
If it's just a plain gps I still suggest you go have a look at Radio World. They have the biggest selection I know of. If it could be used at night be especially concerned about the back light. Some are pretty week.
I do suggest a permanent mount for a boat but a handheld on a bracket is acceptable.
Larry
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An iPad with GPS is even better, larger viewing screen. If your ipad doesn't have GPS, you can get a plug in made by Dual for $99. http://www.adorama.com/DUXGPS150A.ht...FcHPKgod43Gc2w. Fly-to-map is 19.99 at the iTunes store, but definitely has some holes in it's coverage. They offer the map on their website, so before you buy you can go and look to see if where you plan to go is covered.Pau Hana wrote:
If you have a smart phone, there are numerous apps that use the built-in GPS function of the phone to function as a plotter. Coat- about $50.
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Back in my first boat, that was all I wanted, a basic GPS to help me find my way back home, with a basic depth finder so I could find shallow areas to anchor up. A number of companies make some fairly low cost marine units that will do just that, you don't have to get into full blown chart-plotter prices. For instance: http://www.basspro.com/Lowrance-Mark...5011714/247264
PIPER1 wrote:
I only cruise in Lake Ontario between Burlington-Toronto but i was just looking for something basic to help me find my way back to the Marina if it gets dark. I'm new to nav stuff so i was wondering if there is a unit that kind of plots a line from when i left so thet i can follow it back to the Marina ? This is not something that i would be using often but i am looking for suggestions.Comment
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Ditto on the iPad recommendation. Search for the numerous threads on this website. Having an Android tablet as well, I strongly recommend you pay the little bit extra and get the iPad. Android devices are almost always "tweaked" by the manufacturers (operating system changes), and very few of the manufacturers provide upgrades to the OS of already-sold devices, so within 6 months you'll likely be staring at an obsolete tablet. Apple is fantastic about supporting their devices, and you will absolutely love the iPad. The cost justification is very easy, especially when compared to a chartplotter. Make sure you buy a Verizon or AT&T ready device, the GPS antenna is part of the cellular network chipset. Wi-Fi only models won't do you any good at all.
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Thanks guys, a friend suggested the standaard Horizon 190i. Looks like it suits all my needs so I picked one up. $500 wasn't a bad price for a chartplotter.
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