Which GPS for Waterways?

[chadster2]

Anyone else know details re iPhone application download?

It's not "GPS" it works off the tower, so you need to be in range.
He could put his trail (or path) on google earth.
I'm not sure he could do it all at once.
It eats battery life quickly.
(so if you were out a long way, no can do)

[chadster2]

I don't think I would ever take an open bow boat out that far anyway.
If it doesn't have floor drains off the side it would get a bit too dicey
for my blood.
I had a friend take his wife and kids out to one of the islands and one
of two motors quit working. What would you do if it were your only one?

[TeamAllen]

I saw this ap for the smart phones.

http://www.navionics.com/Mobile.asp

[chadster2]

I’m an undiscovered prophet

[raythompson]

I have a Garmin GPSMap 276C that will accomodate streets or waterways. I have also purchased the maps for my area that I use when boating. The unit is reasonably (one meter depth) water proof.

The maps have all the channel markers, hazards, sailing line, etc. One of the several screens that can be displayed is a direction screen that you simply align the arrow with the indicated point on a compass on the screen and you will be on course. Deviate and the direction screen will get you back on course.

One feature that is really nice and should be in all GPS units used for water navigation. That is the track back feature. When you reach your destination all that is necessary to return is to tell the GPS to return via your original path.

Software is provided so that routes can be mapped on your computer and downloaded to the unit. You can also upload your actual travel route to your computer for display.

And if you really go all out you can get a depth unit and a sonar unit that will interface into the unit and give you bottom information.

[FacePlant]

Hmm, that Navionics app looks promising. Don't have an IToy phone tho. Wonder if they will release one for the BB Storm?