Can I get help looking for a hand held GPS for a boat?

Question

It's for a b-day present

Answer 1

I am a pilot, & I find that Garmin makes very high quality GPS's. I use the Garmin GPS 196, because it can switch from Aviation to Land, or Marine modes. Of course, I use the Aviation mode in my plane, but when I get in my car I can switch it to Land mode and use it to guide me to the nearest Hotel or Restaurant. It was a little pricey at about $1G, but if you are planning to get a model that has a database dedicated to marine use, it's likely you will find one that is equally good for a lot less money. Go to www.garmin.com & search the website for a model that suits you, they also have a dealer locator section. Someones going to have a really happy b-day this year.

Answer 2

Yes, Garmin makes a very product, so does Magellon, Raytheon, Texas Instruments and a few others, but the Commercially available ones like Garmin and Magellon are very good. Best gift you could give a new boater is the USCGAUX Safe Boating Course, there are also USCGAUX Courses for Celestial Navigation and beggining courses in Piloting.
I am kinda Anti GPS becuase I feel it allows boaters to slip into a state of stupidity when all they had to do was read a chart and pay attention to what they are doing at all times.
They teach you how to read chats in the USCGAUX and its fun for all. Fun for you and fun for every other boater on the water.

Answer 3

You can look here for handheld GPS reviews.
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/electronics/gps/
If you want to gieve a complete gift, along with the GPS unit, give the birthday person a new chartbook for the waters that they'll be boating in. Along with knowing the GPS position, it's nice to be able to look at a chart and actually know where you are and the course that you want to take. A good unit can be found for under $500, and as low as $150.