On previous posts, the GPS that seems to be recommended most is the Garmin 12XL. Are any of the newer models better for cat sailing? For example the eTrex Mariner, the GPS 76, GPSMap 76 or the GPS 175. I have no experience so far with GPS's, however, I do not want to make the mistake of getting the wrong one for distance cat sailing.
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<br>At the local marine shop, I looked at all of the models and was gravitating towards the GPSMap 76, but I was looking at that mainly because it had a cartographic map feature.
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<br>Any comments, advice, opinions would be greatly appreciated. I am not very technical so laymen terms would be greatly appreciated.
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<br>Thanks in advance,
<br>Russell Weaver
<br>H-16 98538<br><br>

Just about all GPS units do about the same things. They tell you where you are and give you a course to way points that either you have inserted the coordinates for or that come from a manufacturer in the form of a chip or computer down load.
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<br>If you are cruising short handed and fast in areas where there are hazards and or where there is fog then there is no substitute for a GPS chart plotter such as the GPS 76map with the appropiate chip.
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The Garmin GPS 12 is a good, reliable unit for $145. The 12XL has more memory that you'll never use, so save your $ and just get the 12.<br><br>The 76Map looks OK, but it is a lot more like $350 (?). Given that you'll be going fast and that the screen will be hard to read inside of a waterproof bag covered with condensation (inside), water drops (outside), and sun glare, you have to ask if the extra $$ was really worth it.<br><br>I'd start off with a simple Garmin 12, get used to it (there already way more features than you'll use), and then consider if you really want/need a mapping unit after you've lived with it for a year. By then the will be cheaper, and if you destroy the 1st one you are out less money.<br><br>BTW, none of them (any mfg, any model) are waterproof by catamaran standards. While a warrenty may replace a failed unit, if you really want it to work when you need it, you need to keep it in a waterproof bag ($20).<br><br>Sail fast and have fun,<br>Alan Thompson<br>I20 - San Diego<br><br><br>

Hey -
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<br>Posted a while back with an enthusiastic endorsement of the eTrex Vista - the added feature of an electronic compass with a nice fat arrow pointing at your next mark along with a perpendicular and VMG, I think its the best thing for cat sailing that's out right now. Smaller screen than the 76, but I've had no trouble seeing the compass or the map while the unit is in a waterproof bag around my neck, even in fairly sporty conditions. The only thing that the 76 had that I wished the Vista had was the tide data. Otherwise, the Vista won my cash hands down. Combining a Garmin unit with their MapSource software has made me feel like a navigation wizard on distance races, and the debrief with skippers when we review our track has been very educational - nice to see if you really were tacking in the headers!
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<br>Vista Vista Vista - there are on-line stores that offer good discounts, too. I saved about $50 off of retail, paid no tax, and got free shipping. Got a Port Supply card? Even bigger savings.
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<br>Good luck, and enjoy your new toy, no matter which you select -
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<br>John<br><br>