$300 to spend on a gps

[klainz]

I've used the search option on this forum to learn a lot about gps handhelds chartplotters.

Having never used a gps device before its hard for me to know what features I want / need.... hence this post.

Here is what i do know.

1. I have a budget of $300 (and I have no issues buying os).
2. I want to do some close offshore fishing around Sydney.


Please help... even mentioning a few products to consider would be a helpful start.

thanks in advance.

[polky]

scrape up another $150 and you can purchase the garmin 172c plotter from os. They are a good unit and realy easey to use IMO Polky.

[Ryan.S]

Mate i paid 325 for my Magellen Explorist 100 (probably cheaper now) and it is Great. Very user friendly and durable. Iv lold this story before. But i lost it one day and found it at home in the back of the boat, had been bouncing round in a few inches of salt water. Still turned on so its definately water proof. Seams very accurate and responsive(speed) Its a great little unit and its all i use.

[jez and suze]

check importing price.......i got my gear for less than half what i would have paid here......there is a bloke called bonzaimports or ############# he is worth a look.

[jez and suze]

must be the second one spelt with er

[jigsnreels]

Maybe this...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NAVMAN-T5430i-4-3-Mono-Chartplotter-Built-In-Antenna_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38631QQihZ005QQ itemZ150167415365

[DR]

also have a look at www.threeriversmarine.com
look at their range & shoot them an email with an enquiry as to price inc postage with USPS, they usually do better than advertised price. Good to deal with & fast service..

do price conversion here http://www.xe.com/

[Cheech]

Garmin 72 is a good hand held.

[BR65]

agree with cheech, the garmin 72 is a great hand held unit, every thing you need and then some, retails around the 270 mark in oz
cheers
brian

[notsa]

Try Scuba Steve great prices and great service.

[klainz]

thanks for the replies.

is a chartplotter the same as a gps with a map?

how important is this feature?

also, do the basic handheld units have 12 volt chargers?

[vector]

generally they dont come with chargers, the basic ones just take aa batteries which last over 10 hrs generally

[klainz]

generally they dont come with chargers, the basic ones just take aa batteries which last over 10 hrs generally

can anyone recommend a model with the 12v charger option?

[BR65]

I brought a hard wire kit for my garmin72, bout 20 bucks and just wired it into the boats wireing loom, easy as and I can un plug the unit when ever I need to for quick removal. Mate has got a car cigy lighter kit that fits the 72 as well, or you could just buy rechargeable batteries??

cheers
brian

[Vindicator]

I left my handheld on the nose of my boat a few years back at the boatramp (just hope the trailer wheels went over it when it fell off). I searched on ebay and found there was quite a range on there. As long as you stick to the well known ones you're right. I picked up a magellan, it was 2nd hand hand but like new, can't remember how much it was but I bought it so it must have been a good deal.

Cheers
Kezza

[davo]

While the Garmin 72 is good the Garmin 60 is the way to go with USB PC connect, PC cable and software all in the price. Much better value.