[Rhodes22-list] Hand held GPS- What unit to get?

[Bill Effros]

Bob,

Thanks for the report.

I took my GPS to Costa Rica 2 years ago because we decided to drive the
country rather than fly.  We were strongly advised not to try this, as Costa
Rica has a notoriously poor road system and even worse signage.  Using
mapping functions available on the Internet, I programmed waypoints into the
GPS while still at home, not knowing if my little unit could even pick up
enough satellites in the mountainous regions.  I also brought along plenty
of the best maps I could lay my hands on.

To the enduring surprise of everyone in the car, I was able to navigate for
2 weeks solely using the pre-programmed GPS in conjunction with downloaded
paper maps I printed out for myself.  We didn't get lost a single time, and
only made one wrong turn which I was able to correct within 100 yards of the
error, due to the incredible accuracy of these devices.

The key, just as it is on boats, is pre-planning.  For me, this is a lot of
fun as it extends the enjoyment of the trip, whether that trip is on land or
on water, and turns time that is boring for others into a race against time
for me, trying to figure out exactly where we are on a real-time basis.  I
don't know how people on boats can do more than 6 kts. and take all the
necessary bearings to understand exactly where the dangers are in relation
to the boat at every instant.  In Costa Rica the roads are so bad we had
days when we averaged only 8 mph.  It was a trip we will not soon forget.

I just went on line to look at the Garmin 176C, and it looks like a great
unit.  You have made me start to think about what I would really want.  I
think what I want would be a laptop computer connected to a GPS with
software that could display vector charts that I could modify to alert
myself to upcoming hazards and how to solve for the best course in real
time.

I would also print out my charts, with notations, and a float plan before
embarking.  I am planning to do more distance motor cruising in the near
future, first around New York, and then, if I enjoy it, down in the Keys.
The R-22 reaches hull speed so effortlessly with an 8 to 9.9 hp outboard
that we can motor cruise as fast as much larger sailboats.

In long distance sailboat cruising, the ability to steer the truest course
can result in hours saved every day.  Plotting courses in advance is always
the trick.  The charts can be very deceptive when eye-balled en route.

Thanks again, for your report.  You have really started me thinking,

Bill


----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Quinn" <rjquinn@bellsouth.net>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2002 10:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Hand held GPS- What unit to get?


Bill:  Kathy and I have the Garmin 176C.  We picked it up last Christmas in
preparation for our bareboating trip to St. Maarten.  It is a great piece of
work once you learn to use it.  The direction booklet that came with it is
not necessarily the most user friendly document out there.  Actually, there
are several outright errors in it.

As it turned out we spent our second day of the charter hanging on the hook
owing to a tropical wave going through.  This it turned out was an excellent
excuse to sit there an play with the GPS all day in an effort to master it.
We plotted out course from St. Maarten's Grand Chase (spelling is probably
off), out past Tintamere, and down to La Froche, to St. Barts and return.
Worked very very well.  We had planned to go on to several other islands but
the weather kept us between St. Maarten and St. Barts.  The GPS kept us on
track all the way.  Was kind of neat as I could put in way points along the
way to give us good clearance from the several "rock islands" along the way.
As the weather was clear (but very windy and the ocean was a mess), it was a
"nice to have item" versus a "necessity."  However, had we experience fog or
rain which would have cut down on visibility, we would have been well served
by the mapping aspects of the GPS 176C.

We are picking up the "chip" for our local sailing area the Christmas - they
are expensive $149.  But hey, it is fun!

Bob and Kathy on the "NoKaOi"

PS:  Elton broke the spell - No rain in St. Petersburg for the Strictly Sail
show this weekend.  Cold on Saturday but Thursday, Friday and Sunday were
okay.  Winds on Sunday dismal at best.

Saw Al and Michelle, plus several other owners at the show.    A great time.






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