GPS

[Smitty]

Thinking about purchasing a portable GPS device.  Anyone want to offer any suggestions ?  Do not want to waste money on an expensive one if a less expensive one will do the trick, on the other hand do not want to buy a less expensive one and regret it. Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks
Smitty

[romei]

I use a uniden mystic gps/marine radio and am very pleased with it.  http://www.asenashop.com/ivn/pr-0/9316.html

It is submersible, although I hope never to drop it in the drink, but I keep 2 small floaties on it just in case.

[Rick Klages]

I have an old e-trex that works well (2 AA batteries last for ever).  It's not chart plotting but thats why I have updated charts for the waters I sail.  It's a good tool for position, speed (in Knots) and odometer (in Knots).  Don't get dependent on any one navigation aid.

[adschmid]

Garmin has some waterproof, handheld models that give you the basics, plus options to install more sophisticated maps. Here is a link to the one I have https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8701. It's a basic model, but, you cant beat the price for what you get. Plus, you can expand its capabilities to suit your needs. If you want something versatile...I think this is a good choice. I have had no problems with mine, and I use it off the boat as much as I do on the boat.

[Steve Ullrich]

Here is a link to the one that I bought a couple of months ago:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8707

To be honest with you, I've never taken it out of the box.  The local lakes aren't so large that you need a GPS to find your way back to the launch ramp and I generally don't really care which direction I'm sailing in or how fast I'm going.  I thought it might be fun to have if I take my 16 to the Apostle Islands but I probably could get by without it there either.  It might be handy for keeping track of where I find good fishing holes but I kind of wish I'd saved the money. I suppose it depends on where you are sailing...