Can anyone out there recommend a GPS Unit that would be good for using in the Cheaspeake Bay and surrounding area. I've read reviews of hand held units at store web sites, but haven't found any in kayaking magazines. Thanks for any help.
Johnrbour@msn.com

I think any GPS would work in the Chesapeake area. The question should be, how much do you want to spend and what do you want it to do. I only use my GPS (Garmin etrex H) to check my speed and distance and that is only occasionally. I'm not worried about getting lost, or about how to get to where I'm going; it's supposed to be water proof so what else is there?

thanks for your reply. I plan on using it to mark points for a multiday trip. I would like to be able to check how far I am from my destination. That way, I know if I need to increase my pace or not to arrive at a designated time. I was looking at the Garmin e-trex, but have never used one, so I was just looking to hear from anyone who has used one. Thanks again.

I probably should consult the instructions that came with the etrex before making this comment, but I don't think it would be able to tell you how far it is to a certain destination unless you had previously plotted it. It does have the capability to mark waypoints etc., but I don't know if you can download maps into it.

In any case, you will probably want to have a paper map (chart) of your proposed journey. Depending entirely on an electronic device that might fail, wouldn't be very prudent. It would be easy enough to check your distances left to go from said map.

Any device which can tell you Lat (L) and Longitude (Lo) can be used to calculate straight line distances, speed, and distance travelled and perhaps some averages. Sounds like you'd like a bit more such as electronic chart plotting ?

Other things to consider -
* SPOT Locator for rescue
http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/spot/

* VHF Radio (some have locator support)
http://www.marine-electronics-reviews.com/handheld-vhf-radio.html

* iPhone now has an app made by Fugawi that has maps etc.
http://www.fugawi.com/web/x-traverse/navionics_faq.htm



PS> remove your email address - or it's going to be a spam magnet.

Thank you for bringing this topic up. In looking through our index we realized we have not done a GPS review since 1999. Sea Kayaker has begun the review process on GPS units that would work well for kayaking. I'll add a post when I know the issue it will appear in.

Michael

I too am interested in the "right" GPS unit for kayaking and will be looking for the upcoming article in SEA KAYAKER. Thank you.

We have begun the process of evaluating GPS units. A reviewer has been selected and we are in the process of obtaining units to test. We have a target of publishing this review in the October 2010 issue.

Mike, there is a articles Power and Motor yacht about this that might interest you ... I think it was last summer's issue, nothing major but they had some nice items including iphone sync. They also had beacon locators... I'll try to get the issue..

Power and MotorYacht
January 2010 issue

mitch,

thank you - I've passed this info on our editor and from there it should get our reviewer.

Cheers
Michael

Garmin GPS Map76CSX- - It floats

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at all times and anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States government and is freely accessible by anyone with a GPS receiver.

The GPS System was created and realized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and was originally based on and run with 24 satellites. It was established in 1973 to reduce the large number of navigation aids and to overcome the limitations of previous navigation systems.

Are their any that are waterproof?

Yes, mine is supposed to be waterproof, but I wouldn't put it to the test.

I very seldom ever carry my gps with me, because I pretty much know where the heck I am and I don't really care how fast I'm going.