Marine GPS systems are great tools for the boater -- they are convenient and improve water safety. However they are becoming more and more complex.
So what are the main features you need in a marine GPS system to get good value for money? This article reveals the 3 physical aspects and 3 software features of a marine GPS that you might need to look at.
The main drivers of your consideration come from:
1. Screen Size
If you have a really large boat, say with two decks, and you would like to be able to see the screen from the upper deck, then your screen requirements are going to be unlike somebody who has a modest runabout that they simply intend to use in inland waterways.
If you think about the boating environment you will also see that you will frequently be studying the screen in brilliant sunshine. This means that your display needs to be of the trans reflective type. These screens may be seen easily even in harsh and blinding sunshine.
Associated to the screen size, you need to decide whether you are intending to buy a pocket-sized portable or hand-held version or a bigger, fixed model of marine GPS unit.
2. Big Buttons
One characteristic that is not advanced, but perhaps as useful is that of big buttons. These buttons would be handily prominent and conveniently placed so they are easy to use even for a user wearing heavy mitts. If you are boating in cold weather conditions, gloves are indispensable - but so is your GPS!
3. Waterproof
Water splattering and rainwater are potentially damaging for marine GPS systems, so waterproofing or water resistance is an important feature to have in a marine GPS. A waterproof case could help further protect your GPS from damage. It's crucial to note that weather resistant systems are generally not fully watertight. Even so, waterproofed GPS units are so well fabricated that they could, in reality, be put into the briney and still continue to work!
Marine GPS Systems: 3 Software Elements To Consider
4. Navigate to Track
A feature that is very useful if you repeatedly make the same trip, or you are worried about the becoming fog bound is the navigate to track feature. This allows you to follow a navigational track that you have already programmed and saved into the unit's memory.
5. Man Overboard
A common and useful feature, is the man overboard (MOB), feature. This feature allows you to mark the position of a MOB incident with a touch of a single button so that you can return to it. It is obvious that this feature is very helpful if you were to lose a crew member overboard, but it is also very useful if you need to get back to where your hat blew off!
6. Fish-finder
Of course, if you're also a fisherman you will appreciate the fishing related features that you can find in many units.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $100-$1000 for a marine GPS. By selecting the features listed above that you need, you will be able to determine the essential and desirable features you want in your pick of the marine GPS systems so you can buy the best value unit for your needs.
So what are the main features you need in a marine GPS system to get good value for money? This article reveals the 3 physical aspects and 3 software features of a marine GPS that you might need to look at.
The main drivers of your consideration come from:
- The size of the screen you need.
- The main purpose for which you will use the system.
- The amount of money you can afford to spend on the system.
1. Screen Size
If you have a really large boat, say with two decks, and you would like to be able to see the screen from the upper deck, then your screen requirements are going to be unlike somebody who has a modest runabout that they simply intend to use in inland waterways.
If you think about the boating environment you will also see that you will frequently be studying the screen in brilliant sunshine. This means that your display needs to be of the trans reflective type. These screens may be seen easily even in harsh and blinding sunshine.
Associated to the screen size, you need to decide whether you are intending to buy a pocket-sized portable or hand-held version or a bigger, fixed model of marine GPS unit.
2. Big Buttons
One characteristic that is not advanced, but perhaps as useful is that of big buttons. These buttons would be handily prominent and conveniently placed so they are easy to use even for a user wearing heavy mitts. If you are boating in cold weather conditions, gloves are indispensable - but so is your GPS!
3. Waterproof
Water splattering and rainwater are potentially damaging for marine GPS systems, so waterproofing or water resistance is an important feature to have in a marine GPS. A waterproof case could help further protect your GPS from damage. It's crucial to note that weather resistant systems are generally not fully watertight. Even so, waterproofed GPS units are so well fabricated that they could, in reality, be put into the briney and still continue to work!
Marine GPS Systems: 3 Software Elements To Consider
4. Navigate to Track
A feature that is very useful if you repeatedly make the same trip, or you are worried about the becoming fog bound is the navigate to track feature. This allows you to follow a navigational track that you have already programmed and saved into the unit's memory.
5. Man Overboard
A common and useful feature, is the man overboard (MOB), feature. This feature allows you to mark the position of a MOB incident with a touch of a single button so that you can return to it. It is obvious that this feature is very helpful if you were to lose a crew member overboard, but it is also very useful if you need to get back to where your hat blew off!
6. Fish-finder
Of course, if you're also a fisherman you will appreciate the fishing related features that you can find in many units.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $100-$1000 for a marine GPS. By selecting the features listed above that you need, you will be able to determine the essential and desirable features you want in your pick of the marine GPS systems so you can buy the best value unit for your needs.
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