I do the same as Thomas Howe. IMO paper chart batteries never fail ;-) Get free NOAA charts here - http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/BookletChart.html I currently use an old Garmin 76 (for 8 years now). I have never purchased electronic charts for the unit. I use the unit mainly as a knot meter and then to find my location. :: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA :: Former M15 owner On Dec 4, 2014 8:22 AM, "Thomas Howe" <Thomas@thomashoweonline.com> wrote:
Tom, I've always used a gps handheld in conjunction with paper charts, using the electronics to give position by Lat/Long and finding where I am on the charts.
Thomas Howe McGrew Real Estate 785-550-1169
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats [mailto: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Thomas Buzzi Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2014 7:10 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: gps
Am looking for recommendations for a gps setup to use on my 17 for coastal cruising. Will a handheld suffice? Would I need one that will download charts? How will I know where I am when I am far enough off shore such that no physical markings are visible on the gps screen? Does the gps give lat/long readings which I then need to look up on a chart? Any advice will be appreciated. Tom B, M17 #258