Portable GPS

[Jack M]

Has anyone used a portable gps on their boat ?

I have a Garmin Nuvi and I see that there are inland lake downloads available for it .

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

I've used my Nuvi for SPEED/DIRECTION.

It's not upgradeable for that, but does what it needs to do on our lake.

Hey, it's better than nothing !!!

 

[Jack M]

I've used my Nuvi for SPEED/DIRECTION.

It's not upgradeable for that, but does what itor mine needs to do on our lake.

Hey, it's better than nothing !!!

I am in Michigan and this appears to be for mine ( 1450 ) . It does have a spot for a card .

Here is the link .I just want to make sure it does what it should before I drop $100

https://buy.garmin.c...prod108249.html

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

I am in Michigan and this appears to be for mine ( 1450 ) . It does have a spot for a card .

Here is the link .I just want to make sure it does what it should before I drop $100

https://buy.garmin.c...prod108249.html

You better shoot them a email. The 1450 page is not loading optional map info.

It looks like it should, but at $100, I'd want to be 100% sure.

 

[Jack M]

There a quite a few new members here since I posted this .

Anyone else use a portable GPS ?

 

[Bigtop]

I use the Garmin Nuvi 255w which is a fairly old model. I use it for speed and direction. It does however have a "breadcrumb" feature that I use on large lakes that I infrequently visit to make sure I can find my way back to cabin. It basically leaves a blue line on your screen so that you can track yourself back following that line.

 

[kaydano]

I'd have to look, but I think ours is a 1450 too. I use the breadcrumb feature to mark the buoys in the lake (I just drive close to each one, and in a straight line from one to the next, and it leaves a nice line on the GPS). If I ever needed it at night, my "breadcrumbs" boundary line would keep me in the safe zones.

The GPS also tells you how many miles you went. Helps you estimate gas mileage, the distances to different parts of the lake, time to get there, etc. Even without the maps, a car GPS is very useful on a boat.

 

[Jack M]

I'd have to look, but I think ours is a 1450 too. I use the breadcrumb feature to mark the buoys in the lake (I just drive close to each one, and in a straight line from one to the next, and it leaves a nice line on the GPS). If I ever needed it at night, my "breadcrumbs" boundary line would keep me in the safe zones.

The GPS also tells you how many miles you went. Helps you estimate gas mileage, the distances to different parts of the lake, time to get there, etc. Even without the maps, a car GPS is very useful on a boat.

I use the Garmin Nuvi 255w which is a fairly old model. I use it for speed and direction. It does however have a "breadcrumb" feature that I use on large lakes that I infrequently visit to make sure I can find my way back to cabin. It basically leaves a blue line on your screen so that you can track yourself back following that line.

Have either of you purchased one of the "Lake Chips " ?

Garmin wants a $100.00 ,but it states they will only work in one unit .

I have seen them on ebay in the past ,but don't want to take chance ,that it may not be new or even copied .

 

[Bigtop]

No I have not and don't know anyone who has.

 

[kaydano]

Ditto.

 

[DJMbrooks]

If you have a smartphone, you can purchase an app called Navionics that's pretty solid. I have it on my iphone but it's available for Android as well. There is an inland lakes version for only about $10. I used it before I upgraded my Fishfinder to a full Garmin 431S. I found the charts to be very accurate, but you do need to watch for your phone overheating if you have it out in the sun too long!

http://www.navionics.com/en/mobile-pc-app

 

[Jack M]

I broke down the other day and bought the Garmin Lakes Chip ( Upper Midwest ) for my Nuvi .

Works better than I could have expected . Mine was $22 less @ Amazon than it was at Garmin

https://buy.garmin.c...prod106922.html