Handheld Gps

norseman · 02-07-2008, 10:11 AM

I am looking to purchase a new handheld GPS and would to like to ask if anyone has had experience with either of the*following units.* I currently don't own*a handheld so I'm looking for any input that will help.

Garmin GPSmap 76S
Garmin Etrex Legend HCx
Garmin GPSmap 60
Lowrance Ifinder H20c

Thanks
Tom

*

FF · 02-08-2008, 03:14 AM

We use the Garmin 76 and it works just fine, even in fog in Maine .

We usually use paper charts , but on the Loop recently there were holes in the chart kit charts.

We downloaded a program and the US gov free charts to iur lap top.

The Garmin would easily give a lat/lon readout and we would scroll that into the lap top and have a "moving map" display with no effort or Co$t.

In Florida where the viz is unlimited , no sweat , but even in the soup in a place like Maine it would work just as well. The fix time to position time is max 10 seconds , no biggie on an 8K cruiser.

And it will work as well with the Loran , if the Chinese EMP the comm & nav birds .

Works for me,

FF

**Baker** · 02-08-2008, 07:51 PM

I'll second the Garmin 76!!!

FF · 02-09-2008, 03:11 AM

Be sure to spend the bucks to get the 12V power plug , changing batts every day is a drag!

FF

norseman · 02-10-2008, 11:28 AM

FF & John,

I'm leaning very strong towards the 76S. It's black and white but in my price range. Is your 76 a backup or your primary?

Thanks
Tom

FF · 02-11-2008, 04:00 AM

PRIMARY , its all you need , unless you cant read a chart.

If so about $10K will get the latest Furuno majic that wipes your butt for you!

FF

troy994719 · 02-11-2008, 07:42 AM

I have a Garmin 76c that I used as a primary GPS for a year. Works great, the map source software is also great. *You can load the charts on the GPS and get more detail then the standard charts that it is pre loaded with.
I agree with FF on the power adapter, batteries dont last long in the GPS. West Marine puts the 76 on sale quite a bit for $179.

**Baker** · 02-12-2008, 08:49 AM

I used it as primary powering the Captain on a laptop. My boat now has a decent enough chartplotter(G182c) that I don't even break out the 76 anymore. But it never failed to provide for me for 5 years....I used the very first version of it.

norseman · 02-18-2008, 07:31 AM

Thanks for the info. It looks like I'm going to get the Garmin 76cx. I currently have a Garming 210 at the lower station. I think this will be a good replacement.

Tom