Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - New to boating looking for advice on GPS's

MikeF-NH · 03-04-2016, 07:59 AM

on a big lake like this with many hazards and unexpected dangers for a new boater, I recommend BOTH a GPS with chip and a map/compass.

I started with a GPS with no chip and a Bizer map. The GPS gave me my general location and the map let me see the detail I needed to navigate. This meant I would often stop at planned points and pull out the map to confirm where I was and where I was headed. It also meant careful planning before i left the dock.

Now with the GPS with chip (Navionics is GREAT). I rely heavily on that as it give the detail of the map but is easily read at a glance though I seldom have to look as I have become more familiar. Don't get used to staring at the GPS though...your eyes should be on the water but slowing down for a quick look is fine. HOWEVER, I still carry my map and compass because like all electronics...anything can happen and leave you blind without a map. The Bizer also has lots of other information that Navionics does not like places to get gas, food etc.

03-04-2016, 07:59 AM	#16
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	on a big lake like this with many hazards and unexpected dangers for a new boater, I recommend BOTH a GPS with chip and a map/compass. I started with a GPS with no chip and a Bizer map. The GPS gave me my general location and the map let me see the detail I needed to navigate. This meant I would often stop at planned points and pull out the map to confirm where I was and where I was headed. It also meant careful planning before i left the dock. Now with the GPS with chip (Navionics is GREAT). I rely heavily on that as it give the detail of the map but is easily read at a glance though I seldom have to look as I have become more familiar. Don't get used to staring at the GPS though...your eyes should be on the water but slowing down for a quick look is fine. HOWEVER, I still carry my map and compass because like all electronics...anything can happen and leave you blind without a map. The Bizer also has lots of other information that Navionics does not like places to get gas, food etc.