[Paddlewise] GPS Units

Ally,
 
I've been using a Garmin GPS V for about a year and a half for both driving
and paddling. I would not recommend this unit solely for paddling as it's
expensive and has features which are not needed in a kayak ("Turn left
after the next sea lion...").

That said...some observations: If you buy a Garmin unit, I would recommend
getting the Map Source software. Being able to save tracks and look at them
on a computer screen is half the fun for me. It's also much easier to plan
a trip. The Map Source software isn't great (OK, I'm a programmer so I'm a
bit picky), but it's reasonable. 

The problem with the system I have is the lack of a removable storage
cartridge on the unit and the small amount of on-board memory (19 MB). I
would never again buy a unit without some sort of removable storage. This
problem is especially annoying given that one cannot download
waypoints/routes/maps individually. The download process is via low-speed
serial port(!) and takes about 45'...amazingly clumsy from a technology
company. 

I don't use Garmin's marine navigation software as it is expensive, not
rated very highly by reviewers and the Garmin base map already contains
shoreline features for coastal areas and inland waterways. 

Although this unit is advertised as waterproof, I always keep it in a dry
case. 

I think the most important issues for your intended use are:
-battery life (mine seems to be good for about 8 hrs on NIMH batteries
-whether the unit can either hold all of the maps you need or has removable
storage so that you can carry additional maps. 
-ruggedness and ease of use while underway
-mapping capability if it's in your price range
-WAAS-enabled (improved accuracy)

You may also wish to investigate the Pocket PC and Palm-based systems from
Maptech. Maptech's charts are great, but these systems are more complicated
and expensive...maybe too much so for kayaking. (You can also plan trips
using MapTech's PC software and download the waypoints to a Garmin (and
other) units. 

Have a nice trip!

Jeff
jkayak_at_sopoint.com


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