Compass or GPS ?

I've got my eye on one of these.

http://www.garmin.com/products/foretrex201

Hopefully I can pick one up in the next few weeks.

The watch style GPS from Garmin is a really good idea... I would think about one if I would not already own something handheld. As far as I know the watch style GPS does not allow for Garmin's mapping software (I guess they call it MapSend or BlueNav) to be uploaded. Entering waypoints with those GPS’s is not easy and will take a long time.
I have an older Garmin Magellan which I carry around about every where. I have the most basic version and a couple of SD flash rom cards (one 64 MB would do the job - it is just very difficult to fit TX on 64 MB and with the outdate serial connection it takes literally hours.) The Magellan is kind of big and supposed to be held in a hand - In my case sailing the Hobie requires all of my hands. The display is big and you can select a setting that shows the info that would be important for tactical sailing unfortunately it is very difficult to see the info on the display in bright sunlight.
I have Garmin's topographic software which is generally good and accurate - the problem is it is based on information >10 years.
Does some one have experience with BlueNav (either as CD or in form of SD flash rom)???

Patrick

You can get a pin-on Brunton compass for $3. Take a magic marker and make a little mark for a point of reference.

GPS is always a nice thing and is uber-useful and you would be suprised how useful a $3 ball compass and a little math can be. always good to have a backup and something to doulbe check off of.

I bought a Garmin Fortrex 101 at www.gpsexplorer.com earlier last year. I chose it over the 201 as I did not want the rechargeable unit and have it go dead on me when I need it most. The 101 was about $129.00 and I bought some generic rechargeable ni-hi batteries. Carry a spare set and it will work all weekend. The 101 is about 3/8 to 1/4 inch thicker than the 201 which is no problem.

Entering way points is not that bad and it does have tracking capability if you have Garmin Map Source software. When you down load your tracks to the computer, it will show you your different points of sail and speed/time/heading at that time. VERY COOL. I also like the countdown watch/timer for starts. (Don't even think about the audible alarm, you won't be able to hear it unless you are in a soundproof room.)

The compass showing heading is fine but remember, you must be moving for it to give you a reading. Not that big of a deal, as I assume you will be moving!

This unit is a must have!

Terry

Both. Most W1000/T500 teams use a Tac-Tic compass (mounted on the spin pole) + GPS + charts. A magnetic compass and low/mid priced GPS may be suitable for your use. Also recommend posting this question to the General Discussion board for more response.

H16 is a tough boat on which to race long distance.

Okay, I've just purchased a Foretrex 101 off ebay. Hopefully it'll be here in a week or so. Then I'll let y'all know how it works! 8D

Jim

I would never put to sea with only electronic sources for navigation. System hitches do occur, stuff gets wet and stops, batteries die etc etc. But magnetism always works. Get yourself a real compass even if it is only for backup.

Have a good one

I'd never go blue-water sailing without a compass, but for use on an H16 in a lake where you're never out of sight of shore, I think a small waterproof GPS is fine, since I'm mainly using it as a speedometer.

Will GPS help you find the nearest beer tap?

I know a magnetic compass won't work, because beer kegs are made from aluminum and won't attract a compass needle.

I noticed the 201 model has a connector (for charging and serial port) that is exposed to the outside of the case...
At the same time the box claims the thing is water proof. Has some one first hand experience?

Patrick

That's the most annoying thing about the 101 is the little rubber plug for that port always comes out. It's connected so it doesn't get lost, but I'm also curious how it stays waterproof.

I will, however, say that it still worked fine after my capsize and subsequent dunking last week.

I went as fast as 16.0mph that day, but I was kind of taking it easy and I know I could've gone faster if I'd had my trap harness. I also wore it on the airplane yesterday. We went as fast as 495 knots on the little commuter jet in to DFW, but then on the DC-9 from DFW to TUS we never broke 420. Dunno what's up with that.

Anyway, it's fun as hell to bring a GPS on a jet and follow along.

We just about fried the one with the removable batteries in the Steeplechase. I think it's still ticking although I haven't spoken to Chris about it in a little while - the battery compartment got soaked after two days of sailing in the ocean. If you do get one, I suggest going with the rechargable one because it's battery is sealed inside - most of them die because water gets into the battery area.

I've been through two Etrex Legends and my current one is on it's last leg. I hope to get a foretrex soon. The charging / programming port is sealed from the inside but is susceptible to corrosion. I intend to fill my ports with vaseline to help keep the water out while underway.

I have a Garmin III Plus "Waterproof" handheld GPS. This is larger than an eTrex, but includes mapping.

A year and a half ago, I raced with it in the Version 2.1, a Hobie Fleet 32 race held in Virginia Beach. Conditions were rough. 3-5 foot choppy seas in 20+ winds. We got the living you know what beat out of us. The unit died on me half way through the race. Turns out, the gaskets to the battery compartment shrunk with age (something not mentioned much in any literature) letting water in. Garmin replaced it with a rebuilt unit for $75 - not a bad deal, so I am not bitching about Garmin.

But here is the lesson. If you can, always put, even a waterproof unit, in a waterproof bag. That wrist model looks really cool and I am very tempted as well, but if it has any gaskets in it, get them replaced about every 2 years.

I noticed some other issue with the 201 model... it has a small hole in its case for the sound... I do not care about the beeping. Mostlikely I wount be able to hear it anyway. Has any one tried to close (epoxy)those holes? Any advice regarding the contacts for charging and serial port? I am not concerned about water entering the case - more what water (especially salt water)and it's ability to conduct current could do to the unit.
I also have an older hand held mapping GPS - The manufacturer claims that the thing is waterproof. The way the battery cover fits on the case I doubt that. I never used that one with out a zip lock bag.

Thanks,
Patrick

I have a GPS (Magellan). I have loaded the appropriate maps. I sail a Hobie 16, and also large cruisers. This is a must when you go offshore. I carry a VHF Radio as well. Mist rolls in fast. Also if you are in trouble, you can give out your position. I carry a handheld compass as well, which helps with direction to the Channel Islands. They are cheap and work quite well. All are quite necessary, and fit in a small waterproof bag.