to JACKL
QUOTE from JACKL:
Get him a Garmin Map-76.
The read out is big and he also can fit everything that he wants for his training,
( distance, speed, moving average speed, overall average speed) on one screen
You can also put the "Maximum speed", which I like to see, when I am sprinting. / END QUOTE////
Which model of Garmin 76 do you have? there is a color, and Black/white screen.
We have the black and white
I got mine at Wally World.
After using my wifes, I retired the Etrex and just keep it as a spare when we are in the wilderness exploring.
Yesterday we were swapping boats on the local lake, and when I changed from my kayak to the canoe, I left the Map-76 on the kayak for my daughter and she left her Etrex on the canoe for me. That more than solidified my disike for the read out on the Etrex, plus the fact that you can’t get all the good info on one screen.
For what it is worth, when we were up at the Westside Boat shop a few weeks ago, Doug showed us his wrist Gizmo which not only was a GPS, but a heart rate monitor.
I don’t know much about them, but someone might want to comment on that. Especially if he uses a heart rate monitor.
Cheers,
JackL
Basic GPS
Being cheap and also not wanting/needing all the fancy mapping stuff, I got a Garmin Foretrex GPS on eBay for 50 bucks. It can be worn on the wrist but I just hook it to the bungies like a little dashboard. Shows 4 parameters at once like speed, avg speed, paddled distance, max speed, etc. Waterproof (so far) and works great.
Hey Jack
The E-Trex Legend can select large text. I use it all the time and my eyes ain’t so good.
They must have changed it then.
or you don’t have the little yellow one, or you are not comparing it to the read out of the Map-76
My Etrex can only put a read out of about a quarter at a time without changing the screen and it can only do one function at a time without changing the screen
JackL
E-Trex Legend
The Legend is blue and comes with adjustable font. The Yellow E-Trex is the bare bones entry model.
GPS Determined
Thanks to your help.
I am going with the GARMIN 76. Thanks for all your advice.
I am a little late but I’ll toss this
idea at you. The form factor of the GPS76 will require a custom mount as would almost any GPS. If he went with a Forerunner from Garmin he could wear it like a watch and forgo the mounting idea. My problem with kayaking and GPS has always been where do you put it so you can see the info while paddling?
Garmin GPSMap Csx
Anyone have any experience with this model? Or the Cx? They have a more sensitive receiver which is supposed to be better with overhanging trees. Some of my paddling is on small rivers and I could use all the sensitivity I can get.
Easy.
[http://thumb10.webshots.net/t/55/55/5/24/86/2156524860088080270JrWwoT_th.jpg](http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556671638kxOLyn)
If you want I’ll be glad to write a written description
Attach the hooks to each side of your kayak safety lines.
Many on the forum have copied this in one form or another.
Cheers,
JackL
GPS Advice
JackL:
Thanks for the photos. Excelent and simple idea that does not mar boat, and can change if not working as anticpated - thanks!
And…
the MAP76 is absolutely, completely waterproof. Mine is submerged on most every trip and if it’s been in salt water I hose it down to get the salt off.
76CSX
I have the Map 76 CSx and I love it. On my last trip, it spent about 45 min submerged in a river while the canoe was pinned on a rock. Kept on working just fine.
I have a 1gig chip in it, and have all the topo maps that Garmin will allow (they have a ‘segment’ limit that doesn’t even fill half of the chip). The topo maps show all the inland water I’m likely to paddle. If you paddle coastal areas, you can fit heaps of bluechart data on it.
USB connection to the PC, EXCELLENT reception (mine managed to hold a signal even while it was submerged).
I find the barometric altimeter more useful than the electronic compass, but I really only use either feature when I’m hiking or mountain biking…not so much when paddling. The Cx model would work fine, too, and save you a few bucks.
Your welcome
and thanks for the thanks!
Cheers,
jackL
CSX
The Map 76CSX and Map 60CSX are pretty much the cream of today’s consumer grade handheld.
They are internally and functionally nearly identical, but the 76 and 60’s form factor is very different. The 60 is smaller with the buttons on the bottom and it sinks. The 76 is larger, more squarish, with the buttons on the top and it floats.
They are fantastic units. Great for paddling and if you get the appropriate software they will also give you turn by turn driving directions, as well as a database of millions of services and businesses. If you need to know where the nearest gas station, marina, hotel, restaurant, post office, etc… is the unit will tell you where and give you directions there.
They also accept topo maps which are better for paddling.
any gps?? NOT SO
Having now owned several GPS units, I will make this statement. Buy the best one your $450 can buy. Look for topomaps and NAVIONICS capabilites. Color can be nice. Once you get a GPS, you can find so many more uses for it. Buying just any cheap unit will get you back home, show your speed, etc. But once you gain capabilities to identify navigational bouys, islands, causeways, mountains, streets, restaurants, etc, there is no turning back. You can spend $100 for bare minumum, great backup nav device, but if you are budgeted to $450, take a good look at the added features. My lesser featured GPS's set at home unless my full featured model fails.
You wouldn't buy just any boat would you?
I use a Lowrance iFinder Hunt. iFinders come in many models. Choose the model with features you use most. I cannot speak to other models, but this unit has the best display of most I have seen. I am a geocacher too and I get to see a lot of units. Would not trade mine for any Garmin or eTrex I have seen so far.
Doug’s gps
Probably the forerunner 301 or 305. Good for the fitness paddler with computer graphs of workouts. Can also preprogram pace or race your virtual partner.
ANY GPS?.. hmm…
Hi,
Forgive my ignorance, but I thought "sea/ocean/water GPS units were different from the regulars you use on a car, or hiking…
AM I INCORRECT THEN?
A Pic is worth 1000 words! 
Thanks for the PIC. Great idea.
Great timing on another GPS threat.
I was going to just pick up an eTrex and call it done. Then the little lady bought herself a Garmin 660. I have been playing with the 660 for a few weeks now. There is no way a simple eTrex will do it now!
Also it seems that I am entering the can’t see, can’t hear, can’t … generation. That little eTrex screen has been worrying me a bit.
The Map 76 and Lowrance iFinder sound worth looking into.
Any other suggestions?
:^)
Thanx, Mick
