GPS Recommendations

[DonTyerman1]

Hi everyone

Last season I began using my Garmin GPS 76 to clock top speed, average speed, distance travelled etc.  It sure is nice to have some data to look at after a sail!  However I have encountered a few difficulties with this approach. 

First of all, there is the question of where to put a hand-held GPS while in sailing.  I tried the pocket of my survival suit and it picked up the satelites through the fabric with no problems. 

But one day, while concentrating on sailing, the velcro pocket-closure failed and the GPS disappeared.  I discoverad this after my sail ... at sunset.  The only reason I eventually found the GPS was because while reviewing footage from my Gopro camera I saw it spiralling through space before crashing onto the ice!  I thus knew where to look and found the GPS the next day. (It miraculously survived!)

So my next attempt involved strapping the unit onto the plank in a protective box.  This works fine when the ice is smooth but when things get a bit rough the unit shuts itself off.  I suspect the battery contacts get jostled and the current-flow stops.  This even happens with 1/4 inch of foam between the plank, box and GPS.  The unit does not move in its protective case.

So what's the answer?  I was thinking maybe one of the wrist-type units that joggers use.  Does anyone have experience with these units?  Other creative suggestions are welcome too.

Thanks!

Don Tyerman

[Geoff Sobering]

I have a Garmin eTrex 10. It's pretty much the bottom of Garmin's handheld line. It will record points every second and has enough storage for more races than I've ever sailed in a day. It's waterproof and pretty solid.

I have a zip-up pocket in my sailing suit that I keep it in, but on the blokart I've taped it to the mast; now I use a handlebar mount zip-tied to a frame tube. I don't like it in my suit (broken ribs in a crash), so this year I'll probably try taping it to the deck just in front of the mast. If I can figure out how to attach one of Garmin's mounts I may try that.

Cheers,

Geoff S.

[KB [us5219]]

I have used my 76 in a case, just haphazardly thrown under the back deck of my DN.  (mine has a hole in the seat to carry small items like spare gloves and a gps.   Matter of fact I usually put it inside a heavy pair of gloves which probably helps absorb vibration.  Only shuts off on low battery.

The back deck might be a good spot to velcro or fasten a gps to.  I have thought about attaching it to the mast, but I would rather not shift focus on that little screen from what is more important in front of me.  Besides the mast rotation probably will keep me from being able to read it.

Occasionally it gets a bad plot, (resulting in some crazy speed readings) but mostly does a great job.  I download the data to a spread sheet if I am looking for my top speed of the day, and check for anomalies before believing the max speed indication!

Also I turn on the track function.  When checking ice and approaching potential hazards, there is a signature 180 turn or similar pattern  or sometimes i circumnavigate the questionable area.  This allows me to use an online service (free of course) to plot out sailable areas and the danger areas for sailors to get a better idea what they need to be aware of.  (I hear time and time again how people point out where NOT to go, and somebody ends up in a bad place anyway!)  So its just one more tool I use to help try and keep our sailors as safe as possible.

[AAllen]

The garmin foretrex .  Is a wrist mounted watch like gps with a nice screen.  It will do all the things you want  and is compact and light .  Battery's last a long time.


AA

[Ken Smith]

I have a small tool bag which holds the GPS and carry it held by velcro at the bottom corner of the front of the cockpit.   I have in it a spare bobstay strut, two clevis pins, one shackle, a spare plank/runner nut, and a 3 inch adjustable wrench and a small universal (4-way) screwdriver.  I CAN get home.  AND I don't lose the GPS.

[Bob Gray]

Speaking of finding your way home, I always carry a cheap magnetic compass in my boat. Two years  ago we wre checking ice on a very large lake in shifty wind when we got hit with a white out that lasted for quite a while. Following the compass we easily made it back to the launch site and away from a dangerous spot in the lake. Five dollars well. spent.