On 12/29/06, mike dziobak <mdziobak_at_mtu.edu> wrote: > > But, maybe others out there > can give me their best sales pitch on why I should own one? > Well... there must be a reason. I'm trying hard to think of it. I have a motley collection of the damn things that I've used for boating, for soaring (gliders) and - believe it or not - for work. But I do agree that they can be a pain in the butt to handle on a kayak. My Garmin GPS72 has a "tracking" ability that mostly just shows your track (zigs and zags in a dotted line) but also includes a rudimentary database with nav aids. It's waterproof and includes tide tables but I'm not sure they extend as far north as you may be traveling. The tide tables are really what sold me on getting another GPS; that and the fact that Garmin claims the thing is mostly-waterproof. So far it has ridden well over 100miles on my kayak with no indication that it's bothered by water in the slightest. Because a GPS doesn't have to be turned on all the time to give you a position (you can just turn it on, get a position and then turn it off again) you don't necessarily have to worry about batteries. And, anyway, if you have a headlamp you're carrying batteries anyway. Plus they're small and relatively light. So I don't consider that a hassle unless I need a position and the batteries are dead. Most units - including the GPS72 - can be pre-programmed for a track and safe-havens plugged in as waypoints so if you are overtaken by bad weather and visibility and need a place to hide they can be a help. Although I don't think I'd ever do that. I prefer charts but a GPS works well in conjunction with charts. But I think that on a long expedition for an experienced paddler (or mariner) who really doesn't need the extra navigation aid most of the time, the main reason I'd spend the $150 again is that one quick fix when you need it. Craig Jungers Royal City, WA *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Dec 29 2006 - 23:14:03 PST
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