GPS help

[undrH2Ohntr]

Just bought my first real boat, it has a fishfinder but no GPS.

Any recommendations on a handheld GPS that won't break the bank?
Looking for:
1. water resistant
2. portable
3. one that can be mounted to console but removed

thanks.

[Money $hot]

I have the Garmin GPSmap 76. Have had this model for around 8 years. Work on AA batteries or you can buy 12 volt plug or hardwire kit as well as mount. These are an older model and are on sale on a regular basis at West Marine for $149.00 then add a blue chart chip for $99.00. You can get extended warranty if you want, I did not. Mine has taken a beating and still works. I originally paid $499.00, and still won't complain about it. These things are great. Good luck.
David

[undrH2Ohntr]

thanks, this model seems popular.

[Gary Schulte]

Hey Eric,
In the past I had Zodiacs and used handheld GPS units (Garmin) but this year I bought a 20 ft Proline CC. I purchased a Garmin GPSMap 545S on eBay (factory refurbished w/warranty) for around $570 then I bought an Airmar P66 transducer. It's a combo fishfinder and GPS which is real handy and it can be removed from the boat daily. The new model is called a 546S but the price is up around $800. The 545S does everything that the 546S does but it is "last years model". Same screen, same processor, different kind of plug in's which didn't concern me.

I know that this may be too much for your budget but it's a unit that you'll be able to use for the next 10 years.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8109&ra=true

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=28973

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-GPSMA...item3a7c56c83a

[undrH2Ohntr]

Thanks Gary....after the boat those are definitely out of the price range but I appreciate the suggestion. It's amazing how many different features and ranges a GPS can have, overwhelming really.

The model you suggested is sick..........can't wait till the day I can afford one of those, they will be even better by that time.

I think for my purposes and budget I have narrowed it down to the Garmin 76 or 78 model.

thanks again

[Gary Schulte]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-GPSMA...item20cdef1698