Your 315 should work fine with rechargable batteries although the life per charge may be somewhat less than with regular alkaline cells. Many people use NiMH cells in these units, so I'm not sure why Magellan would recommend against them. The newer Magellan units (Meridian and Sportrak series) and most Garmins are rated as waterproof per IPX7 (1 meter for 30 minutes). However, in many cases this rating doesn't apply to the battery holder and in any event there have been reports of water intrusion in some samples of just about every model in the GPS newsgroup (sci.geo.satellite-nav). So I wouldn't trust any unit without using a waterproof bag. The actual waterproofness seems to be sample specific - one unit may stand up fine to repeated rolling while another of the same model may leak from just a few splashes. Unless you want to upgrade to a mapping unit, I'd stick with the 315 together with a good waterproof bag (I use an AquaPac). I prefer to have a unit which supports detailed maps (I have MetroGuide and Topo maps for my Garmin). It makes it easy to identify islands and shoreline features while paddling and can help if there's a need to change trip plans due to conditions. Garmin's Map76 has more marine-oriented features than most other units, including tide information, but many other units such as the Magellan Sportrak or Meridian models or the Garmin Legend would do as well and are more affordable. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Aug 05 2002 - 11:14:16 PDT
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