My foretrex finally bit it after many repairs - it lasted a LONG time.
Anyway, I did a search and found some people recommended the foretrex 301. Does this also have a start timer like my old one (I think it was a 101 with the replaceable batteries)? I have no need for a watch and the GPS is useful to have in different settings, so I am hoping for something that will do both.
Thanks

Yes, the foretrex 301 has a countdown timer. See page 20 in the owner's manual.

http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/Foretrex301_OwnersManual.pdf

but they don't make them anymore - so get them while you can. The current Garmin offering sucks and don't have the navigation features that the 201/301 had. If you do a search in the manuals for these new GPS units and there is no instance of the word "bearing" or "compass", it won't navigate. I can't find a GPS wrist watch device from garmin that's worthy of distance racing in their current offering.

Jake,

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=30025

Garmin still sells the Foretrex 301 & 401. I did a quick search as you suggested... The manual says the Foretrex 401 has an electronic compass.

Also from the manual: "The compass page guides you to your destination by displaying a compass and a bearing pointer." It goes on to explain how to use the device to navigate... Maybe you are thinking of something else?

no kidding!? That's awesome. I must have spent an hour on that site trying to find that. I thought they quit making the 201/301, etc. I've had several 201s and other than the crappy strap pins breaking, it's a great device.

It doesn't look like count up after count down is automatic from looking at the manual - is that true? Looks like you have to hit enter when the count down is complete for it to start counting up.

Anyone tried the Nike Sportswatch+ GPS?
It doesnt have a countdown timer but it is very compact, has good batterylife, and would be perfect for reviewing how you sailed at the end of the day.
The laptimer might be fun as well, I wonder if you would work when sailing an windward/leeward course.
http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_GB/products/sportwatch_pdp?pid=409503

Keith, if I recall it starts counting up automatically but I will have to double check this with my units. I do know the 301 has a 60 minute count up limit, which isn't long enough for some of our Tuesday night drift races. Not sure what the limit on the Foretrex 101 is.