GPS

I am not sure where to post this, so I figured Iwould just throw it here:

What is a good GPS for use on the Hobie (or any other small craft)?

I have read that a bunch of guys are using their GPS for measuring speed, etc.
Really would like a light weight (handheld?) and yet fairly waterproof unit that can do a little mapping.

Thanks in advance and all thoughts and ideas are welcomed.

Cheers

Any of the smaller Garmin marine units work well and are waterproof (more or less).

I've got (and had) several. The eTrex line is very small and easy to use.

Speed puck http://www.velocitek.com/products/speedpuck or SC-1 http://www.velocitek.com/products/SC-1. I use the SC-1, but if the speed puck was available, I probably would have bought it.

That Speed Puck looks pretty cool, and designed specifically for sailing but personally I like to also have an odometer, which it does not have.

Also, the OP asked for mapping capabilities. If you want mapping and an odometer, I'd go for one of the smaller Garmin units.
I have been using an Etrex Vista for several years and am very happy with it.
I'm thinking of upgrading to a Garmin 60csx (or new 62 series coming out soon) but only because it gets better reception for hiking under trees or in canyons, not a problem if you only plan to use it on the water.

I have a Garmin eTrex Legend HCx and I love it. I have lots of maps installed in it. It has a color screen and is handheld. It is somewhat waterproof (doesn't mean it will float!), but I still put it in a waterproof clear case. There are lots of free maps to install on them now. I spent a hundred bucks on topo maps which can be downlaoded for free. Kinda teed me off, but oh well. At any rate, nice little unit.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Electronic compass is a good thing to have, if not the compass only works when you are moving.

To keep logs of your sails a unit with a sd card is also recommended since the internal memory is limited.

Another vote for the Speedpuck here. The lift/header bar is kinda a handy. I haven't used the compass portion of it, I usually have it on speed.

I have this unit also.. Very happy with it. Use it in the car for Turn by turn directions with the USA 2010 maps on the micro sd card. Ubid has the loaded cards cheap. But gets more use in the AI..

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2010 Hibiscus Adventure Island

Thanks everyone, I am certainly looking towards the Garmins. I think the Oregon as it has a bigger screen then the Etrex. Getting a old, sucks.
I like the idea of the speedpuck, but I do want mapping capabilities. I have been lost a couple of times in the Delta area. All those channels and passages!
One thing that I always carry is a non-electronic compass. Relying on electronics and not knowing how to navigate without it can lead down a bad path.
Even the Navy still uses star and sun sightings and paper maps to back up the GPS, just in case.

The Garmin etrax Vista has a magnetic compass which shows on the screen. It works even when standing still. I just didn't want to pay the extra money for the Vista with the magnetic compass. Otherwise, it is exactly the same as the Legend which only has an electronic compass and works only when in motion.

_________________
'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic