Why You Might Need a Handheld GPS in Addition to Other Marine Electronics

by

D Harper

Many marine electronics feature multifunction systems that already include GPS, such as GPS/fish finder combos and GPS/chart plotter combos. Getting a handheld GPS for your boat might seem redundant if you already have a GPS/chart plotter combo or a stationary GPS but consider the benefits.

Unlike chartplotters or standard GPS receivers, portable units are a lot less expensive. Handheld GPS units are just as reliable and accurate as your other options so low price becomes a major benefit.

Portability is quite possibly the second most obvious benefit of handheld GPS. If you want to be able to use your GPS both on and off the boat, say in a car or while hiking, then you need a handheld unit.

On the other hand, small size has a major drawback small screen and small buttons. In rougher weather conditions hitting just the right keys or making out waypoints might become difficult.

Another drawback of portability is that it implies having to rely on batteries to operate your handheld GPS. In addition to monitoring battery charge levels in your handheld and keeping replacement batteries handy, make sure to select a model that can run on external power as well as on batteries.

Even if you already have a GPS system in place, you might find a handheld unit helpful. For example, if you use a computer connected to a GPS receiver, you already know that you won t be able to see much on your computer screen unless it s below deck or otherwise shaded. By choosing a handheld GPS with a screen that can be read in direct sunlight, you solve this issue and get access to GPS info at all times.

If you are looking for a portable GPS to augment your built-in marine GPS, the Garmin Geko series offers a super light weight, and relatively simple GPS in a waterproof case with WAAS-enabled navigation. The Geko connects to a PC for user-configurable trip planning and can store up to 10,000 trackpoints.

Garmin s Oregon series is considered by some to be one of Garmin s best handhelds. It has a large 3 inch display that is easy to read and performs well in strong sunlight. The Oregon supports turn-by-turn street navigation as well as Garmin s famous BlueChart G2 3-D map views for marine navigation, ocean and lake bed contours, harbors and coastal roads. Garmin offers a full range of United States coastal waters, inland lakes and international waters in addition to its extensive worldwide land map coverage. Simply select the map set you are interested in and use the SD-card slot to install the maps. The Oregon series is also PC compatible for instant configuration and uploading waypoints, favorite routes, etc.

Another great handheld GPS is from the marine electronics heavyweight, Lowrance. The Lowrance Endura Sierra is a high performance GPS with a full range of features that comes fully loaded with detailed topographic maps so you will lose no time in beginning your outdoor adventures. It has a large 2.7 inch color display and includes extensive outdoor trails as well as on-road maps. This hot little GPS also has a built in MP3 player and video player.

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Why You Might Need a Handheld GPS in Addition to Other Marine Electronics