February 01, 2006
By Jeff Weakley
Entry-level-plus handheld GPS, for simplicity or backup.
Raymarine RC400
Receiver: 12 channel differential, WAAS
Waypoints: 500
Dimensions: 6.5" X 3.6" X 1.8"
Waterproof: 1 m immersion, 30 min.
Battery life: NA; 4 rechargeable NiMH or AA
PC Interface cable: Yes
Bonus features: Color screen, Navionics Gold charts
Suggested retail price: $486
We've covered some amazing innovations in navigational electronics in recent years. Depending on your level of commitment and investment, you can navigate an Intracoastal channel with pinpoint accuracy; pull up detailed Bahamas charts on your boat; make complex, multi-day route plans; watch the horizon line and your course on a screen, like a commercial jet pilot flying in Instrument mode; find the nearest fuel dock, all on screens as bold and colorful as a home television set.
At the same time, electronics manufacturers have kept up with the basic needs of anglers who use the same inlet and same dock, day in, day out. These are guys who just want to jump from number to number, wreck fishing or trolling.
Sound like someone you know?
Magellan eXplorist 210
Receiver: 14 channel, WAAS
Waypoints: 500
Dimensions: 4.6" X 2.1" X 1.3"
Waterproof: Weatherproof
Battery life: 14 hours, 2 AA
PC Interface cable: USB port
Bonus features: Download more maps
Suggested retail price: $179.99
Nowadays, you might meet all your nav needs and then some at a modest price in a handheld, AA-battery-powered GPS.
There are numerous systems on the market, but if you're looking for a simple, durable unit for wreck fishing, here's a look at some of the features you'll want.
Today's units pack an impressive amount of memory. For starters, 500 waypoints is usually more than enough to make you the envy of your local fleet. Sophisticated internal receivers can track up to 12 Global Positioning System satellites at one time (older units take longer to “lock on” and provide your position, especially around T-tops and other structure). Newer units may also utilize the Wide Area Augmentation System ( WAAS), promising 3-meter accuracy. That's helpful for finding small stuff.
Lowrance iFinder H20
Receiver: 12 channel, WAAS
Waypoints: 1,000
Dimensions: 5.6" X 2.5" X 1"
Waterproof: 1 m immersion, 30 min.
Battery life: 12 hrs., 2 AA
PC Interface cable: Yes
Bonus features: Optional mapping charts, new color version also available.
Suggested retail price: $209
The guts of these things are surprisingly durable. I'm still using an 8-year-old Garmin GPS 48. I had the factory update the internal backup battery a few years ago, and it's still going strong, if a little slower than the modern units. The backup battery—a feature on most, if not all, units these days—ensures you don't lose your waypoints if your main batteries go dead. Even so, it's best to save a copy of your waypoints, either written in a “little black book,” or on your computer. A PC interface cable is highly desirable for a handheld GPS. This allows you to connect to one of several waypoint management programs available for home computers, or to receive on-line updates from the manufacturer.
Garmin GPS76
Receiver: 12 channel, WAAS
Dimensions: 6.2" X 2.7" X 1.2"
Waypoints: 500
Waterproof: 1 meter immersion, 30 minutes
Battery life: 16 hrs, 2AA
PC Interface cable: Yes
Bonus features: 1 mb memory; download map details
Suggested retail price: $228.56
A 12-volt connection is essential, I think, either hard-wired into a console bracket, or in the form of a cigarette lighter adapter. You'll find a bracket-mount handheld next to a basic fishfinder on a lot of Florida bay boats these days.
If you're taking your handheld along as a backup on someone else's boat—or as your private guide—carry an extra set of AA batteries in a resealable plastic baggie. You might be a day-saver if your host isn't able to use his system, for one reason or another. Just be sure to let the skipper know before leaving the dock, as there is no faster way to ruin a relationship with a guide or wreck-fishing buddy than to secretly stow a handheld in your bag.
The best handhelds are the easiest to understand. The more buttons, labeled in plain English, the better, especially those with names anyone can remember. Want to Goto a wreck? Hit the Goto button, scroll down the list of wrecks, and you'll get your course to the spot. Simple as can be.
If you're learning the GPS system, you'll find a handheld very handy. You can tool around with it at home or at the office, so you'll be a whiz when you hit the water.
FS
