Time to buy a new digital marine GPS?
The market increases each year with more becoming readily available. Check our our tips for selecting the right boat GPS:
Boating navigation has come a long way in the last decade. Modern technology is doing away with maps, books or looking to the stars. These days digital marine GPS are becoming common place, and there has been an increase in the popularity of these devices, with most boats being fitted with one. There is an extensive range of systems available and each year the market increases. This can make it difficult to know which device is best to suit you. The following information and tips will be worth considering when choosing your new digital marine GPS.
Why do I need to buy a GPS for my boat?
This could be your first purchase of a Marine GPS, or you could be looking to upgrade a current model. You could be the most experienced boater the world and know your route like the back of your hand, but there is no predicting the weather or unexpected engine problems. It could simply be such a wonderful day out on the water that you lose track of time and must find your way back at night. Or without warning the weather could change. The safest way for you to do this is with a marine GPS. While modern smart phones all have a mapping system and there are plenty of apps that can be used for boating, they are likely to be less reliable when it comes to battery life, service connection, and water resistance, than a dedicated device.
Most marine GPS devices use a complex network of satellites that have been developed by the military for navigation and often give from a 95% accurate reading. For your own safety and loved one’s peace of mind investing in a marine GPS is highly recommended.
What type of GPS do you want?
With the evolution of technology, most brands of marine GPS are on par in quality making brand selection a secondary consideration. Choosing the functions, you want on the device is your first step when looking to purchase.
Do you want a basic point A to point B system? Or would you prefer a unit combining GPS position, depth finder, and fish finder? The displays can range from incredibly detailed colour screens or comparably basic green blips on a black screen. Before you start shopping around for a system make sure you know what features you are after. You will have options of mounted or handheld. Some will offer you a split screen so you can navigate and use fish finder at the same time. The option of waterproof or not is also available, though few people opt for a non-waterproof device. The other thing you will want to check out is if you are after one with built in charts or if you prefer to load maps with an SD card. Some systems will have upgraded charts online you can download to the device and some will require you to update the SD card when you need.
Prices for marine GPS units also range from as little as a hundred dollars up to thousands. So, make sure to consider your budget, which features are essential, and which could be sacrificed to stay within budget.
Once you have decided exactly what you want out of the device it is time to start looking at what is available within these parameters.
Where to look for your GPS?
Online research is often the first and easiest step in finding a new marine GPS unit. Search for the functions you want and see which models have those functions available. Make sure to check reviews on each one. You may wish to look at your local online sales, gumtree, marketplace, and eBay for a used or near new device. In store is also a great option if you are still unsure of any of the functions you want, often people working at the stores that sell marine GPS are deeply knowledgeable on the product. They may even have insider knowledge when there is going to be a new release or updated version of a product coming up. They will be likely to know about extra features or be able to demonstrate how to best use the features to your benefit. An expert will also be able to give you pointers on what features you do and do not need.
What brand of GPS should I buy for my boat?
Lowrance and Garmin are the leading brands but there are also Ray marine and Simrad and a few other brands. While each brand has their own positive features Lowrance and Garmin are the two most popular in the market and have the most accessories, these include mounts, SD cards, and online update availability. With their popularity it makes them easier to repair or get parts for if you encounter any issues. It just comes down to a matter of which of the two have the most features that appeal to your wants and needs.
Using a marine GPS
Technology is constantly progressing, and each new product has more features that may seem a little overwhelming, but using a marine GPS is not that different to an in-car GPS. The best way to familiarise yourself with the new device is to read over the instructions and try the features yourself. Any questions that you may have can often be answered by a quick online search or asking your sales consultant from the time of purchase for advice. Tutorial videos available online can also be an invaluable resource for learning the finer points of operation by giving a visual reference with an answer.
Once you are all set up you will be ready to enjoy the open water with peace of mind. You will not have to worry about getting lost, or not being able to find your way back after dark. Your new marine GPS, depending on features, will be able to help you with point plotting, navigation, fish finding, and depth navigation. Your days on the water will now be safer, and more enjoyable.
