Marine GPS devices have hugely changed the boating experience for most anglers. Also known as nautical GPS, these devices guide boats on large ocean waters with ease. You don’t have to second guess your fishing spot.
Marine GPS does more than just show locations in the oceans. They help anglers locate fish in the water. The GPS device also paints an accurate picture of the underwater terrain. This is crucial to avoid any collisions with rocks and icebergs in the waters.
Benefits Of Marine GPS Devices
Marine GPS can help you find your way when lost at sea. They can show your current ship positions and the easiest route back.
These devices can help evade various boat hazards in the water. This is because these devices can detect obstacles in waters and icebergs preventing accidents.
Marine GPS also helps anglers find right and accurate positions in the water. You can mark hotspots and make course finding a lot easier.
Marine GPS Buying Guide – Tips And Tricks
When buying a marine GPS, there are a few factors one must consider. These factors ensure you get the best navigational marine GPS possible. They include the following:
Maps Included
You need to make sure the marine areas you want to visit have their maps already in the marine GPS device. Not every area in the ocean or sea will be covered in your GPS system. This is why you must ensure the selected GPS device has all the maps for the area you plan to visit. All the pre-loaded maps and charts must clearly be shown.
Transducer
Some marine GPS will come with a transducer while others will not. This is basically the antenna for your boat’s sonar system. It is a high-frequency signal that goes into the waters and sends back signals which are read as sonar. This is what brings you the image of fish and other objects under the water. A GPS with a transducer device is economical since you will not spend more money on fish finders.
Portability
The ideal marine GPS device must be portable and easy to mount. However, if you’re using a pretty small boat or kayak, you can consider a portable handheld GPS device. If you choose a large GPS device, then make sure it comes with necessary mounting hardware.
Screen Brightness Display
The ideal marine GPS must offer a readable screen display. This is crucial especially when finish in the afternoon when the sun is very bright. Direct sunlight on the screen display makes it difficult to read. Make sure you consider screens with bright color displays for easy reading in direct sunlight.
Power Options
You also need to consider the power sources of the device. Some devices are powered directly through a USB cable while others run on rechargeable batteries. Consider a device with a power source that best suits your needs.
Waterproof
he best and most reliable marine GPS must be waterproof to withstand water damage. Sometimes rough water waves can splash and land on the GPS device. There are also cases where the device can accidentally fall into the water. Make sure you choose a device that can withstand water splashes for long-lasting use in the waters.
Price
Lastly, you’re going to consider the GPS price. This is important as most high-tech marine GPS devices will cost more. Take a look at your needs and make sure you choose a device that best matches your needs and budget.
Best Marine GPS on the Market Review
1. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5 GPS Fishfinder
This is one of the best-selling marine GPS fish finders. It is a decent device to show you what is around your boat and water. The device features high-frequency sonar for clear photographic images of underwater items. You can clearly see fish structures and other items underwater. Moreover, this GPS comes with a simple and user-friendly interface. It is pretty easy to install and use with a widescreen display. This is a waterproof marine GPS rated IPX7.
The GPS gives you a waypoint mark to easily find your way in the waters. It allows for easy navigation through docks, stumps and brush piles. This is a CHIRP sonar marine GPS to send continuous frequencies and provide wider information. It is a classic marine GPS with a built-in flasher to consider buying today.
2. Humminbird 41002 10-1 HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS
The Humminbird is a simple design marine GPS with a large 5-inch display. This device features a color 5-inch display hence easy to read and use. It is a versatile marine GPS with dual CHIRP beam sonar to cover a wide area in the waters. This is a powerful 500-watt marine GPS with deep scanning. The GPS features a precise internal GPS Chart plotting with built-in Anima cartography. It allows you to clearly see the fish structures as they appear underwater.
In addition, this GPS features a micro SD card for added storage space. The extra space allows for easy storage of waypoints. Overall, this is a perfect choice of marine GPS with a 2.5-inch image separation. It is pretty easy to use and features simple button controls.
3. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS
This is another marine-friendly handheld GPS with excellent sensitivity levels. It is a small and compact GPS receiver with a 2.6-inch TFT screen display. The display allows for easy reading even on direct sunlight. This is a perfect marine GPS for boating and water sporting events. It meets excellent waterproofing standards with a rating of IPX7. This GPS device can even float in water. In addition, the device features a built-in Blue chart giving excellent navigation. It features the US and Bahamas coastal chart with contours, shorelines, harbors, and navaids.
Overall, this is a top-rated marine GPS to buy with confidence. The marine GPS features a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensate electronic compass for excellent direction location. Moreover, the device features a barometric altimeter to show weather and altitude. It is a great choice GPS to share your waypoint, geocaches, tracks, and routes.
4. Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS
The GARMIN 78 GPSMAP is another pretty decent selection with exciting features. It is a compact and lightweight handheld GPS to carry and use anywhere. This is a cordless battery powered marine GPS running on 2 AA batteries. It is easy to use and comes with a large color LCD display. This allows for easy data reading without straining. This is a marine-friendly GPS device with a 2.6-inch TFT color screen. It is a perfect choice for most boating activities and one to order right away.
Moreover, this device is compact and easy to hold with one hand. It is rated IPX7 hence pretty easy to use on waters. This is a waterproof marine GPS that floats in water with ease. The device also comes with a large 1.7 GB storage space to enhance waypoint saving. Overall, this is a small and easy to use marine GPS with easy press buttons.
5. Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS Navigator
This is our last best marine GPS and a pretty decent selection. It is an upgraded design GPS with a better display and easy reading. The GPS features a 2.2” 65K color screen hence sunlight readable. It allows anglers to read screen readings even in direct sunlight. It is a small and compact design GPS easy to carry with one hand.
Besides, the GPS features a large 3.7GB memory for easy micro-SD card loading. You can easily load a variety of maps and save waypoint maps.
This is a preloaded GPS with a worldwide base map. It is a reliable marine GPS with built-in sensors and 3 axis tilt compensation. The GPS also supports wireless sharing of routes, tracks, and waypoints.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, these are the best marine GPS to enhance your navigational ability in ocean waters. The GPS devices will provide you with a clear map of the ocean making navigation easier. They also help you locate fish and any other hazards underwater. The devices can alert other anglers of your location and last known location in case of anything.
Getting a marine GPS is not a luxury but a necessity. They are must-have devices for anybody with a decent size boat. This GPS will make your life in the oceans a lot easier, simpler and profitable.
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