GPS/VHF for dummies

[veedubtek]

So, GPS apparently is too short/common a word to search for, so forgive this probably stupid question.

I just want basic GPS. I don't need anything fancy. Something to put my lake charts on, maybe the depth feature (I recall reading whats on my yamaha might not be very accurate?). Seems everything I find is just incredible overkill for my needs. Unless there is one with a beerfinder, I'd probably pay up for that.

Any recommendations to just handle basic chartplotting so I don't get lost in Bimini? The less I spend on GPS and VHF, the more I get to spend on stereo. But I don't want to have to do it again later, either.

And, I have no clue what to look for in a VHF unit. Heading to google now, but I'll listen to any suggestions there too. We've got a pair of cheap handhelds for walking around, so just looking for a fixed unit to keep in the boat.

Both are primarily just for Bimini, and going in my 2011 242LS.

Thanks!

 

[Bruce]

I used a nexus 7 tablet with Navions very happily for a year. It just needs a better mount than I had and constant power.

 

[veedubtek]

LOL. That is exactly what I told @DieselCamel this evening that I was gonna do.

 

[Bruce]

Here is a pic. Don't sunction cup it to the windshield. It does not hold up to big waves.


https://jetboaters.net/media/nexus-7-as-plotter.1/

 

[Bruce]

This is my VHF install including automated DSC (distress call) and built in GPS.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/230-...f-antenna-with-mooring-cover.2251/#post-40044

 

[waterboy]

I used a handheld radio in bimini and was fine. I even was able to talk to some folks 7 miles away one day. No need for a base unit.

If you have a handheld gps unit, that is fine too. You do not need a chartplotter for the trip. Once you get a feel for the way around, you'll be fine.

Go ahead and spend the cash on the stereo. You have the radios so you're good...

 

[MOA_Chaser]

My approach, regardless of whether I get standalone GPS or not, is to leverage the Android Navionics as much as possible. I have a Nexus 7, and my GF and her daughter and I all have Nexus 5 phones. That's four android devices that can be loaded with the Navionics app.

Redundancy, anyone?

 

[sstegh]

I used navonics on my phone and a handheld radio in bimini 2013. Navigation is pretty easy there as stated earlier. The handheld worked great since we used them on shore too (no cell phones); the group kept in touch and organizes outings over VHF.

 

[Bruce]

@veedubtek, have you seen the Preparing for Bimini thread?

 

[veedubtek]

I have indeed, sir. That's actually how I got the handhelds I currently have. Same ones you recommended.

 

[veedubtek]

Any reason this little guy wouldn't handle anything I might need?

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Class-Full-Feature-Fixed-Marine/dp/B004LF76MA/ref=pd_cp_e_2

 

[Ronnie]

I use navionics on my phone and 4g enabled iPad mini. It cost $10 to $15 for the phone and $50 to $60 for the iPad. West marine offers a few handheld VHF radios for between $90 and $150. I spent a little more to get the floating one but still haven't used it. If your boat doesn't have a depth finder or you just don't trust it I haven't found anything "cheap" to replace it, but a basic garmin fish depth finder can be purchased for around $200 to $300. Go this route and you have to consider where to put the transducer.

 

[Bruce]

Any reason this little guy wouldn't handle anything I might need?

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Class-Full-Feature-Fixed-Marine/dp/B004LF76MA/ref=pd_cp_e_2

That unit needs a GPS input to make DSC broadcasts.

 

[veedubtek]

Hah, well, the wife ordered it for me anyway. She saw it in the wishlist and just ordered it, heh. Lowrance Elite 5 with that uniden above. The uniden will connect to the lowrance for the gps signal so I just need to find an antenna now. Probably research that tonight.

Sure wish she woulda just ordered all that wetsounds gear on the wishlist too!

 

[waterboy]

Dude, you've got a real keeper there if she is ordering boat stuff for you!! that's awesome

 

[veedubtek]

Yes sir. Our 20th anniversary is this year, and really what prompted this whole new boat and bimini trip. She loves boating just as much, if not more, than I.