Hi,

I am going to buy a GPS and looked at the Garmin eTrex Venture/Legend and Magellan SporTrak and SporTrak Pro. I am not that interested in maps and navigation, rather in speed, VMG, etc.Additionally, the handheld should be as small as possible.
Has anybody used these devices in a Marina environment? Which ones can you recommend?

Phil

Hi Phil -

I've been using the Garmin Vista for over a year - it's a little more money, but the compass feature is indispensible for long-range laylines and nice for clocking shifts, too. If you check some of the on-line warehouses, you can get the Vista for close to the same price as the models with less features. With the Vista, you also get more memory.

Also, spend a few bucks on the software to take atvantage of the extra memory and easier course planning or debriefing after you sail. It's cool to look at your track, and is helpful to see how you sailed the course.

No matter which one you choose, get an inexpensive waterproof bag - it's hard to use the joystick while it's in the bag, but despite claims of "submersibility," any GPS will suffer from exposure to salt and moisture.

Have fun - these are great tools.

I would look at the garmin units. The 76 model has the features you mention with a little larger screen than the Etrex model and so far mine has lasted two years on the boat and I don't use a dry bag for it. You need to try and shade the screen somewhat because the sun can ruin the LCD screen.

Have Fun
Mike

We used the Garmin E-Trex Ledgend in the Worrell last year. Great size, GREAT screen, great features....however we toasted three of them (salt water intrusion) and all were BRAND new for the event. The fourth one still worked, however the contacts on the back were corroded away after only a week and a half of use in the salt water that you could not u/l or d/l any maps or tracks (this was a problem on all of the units). A dry bag would have helped, but with all the s**t that you have to carry already, the space you save sure is nice.

Oh yeah, the software was great too, it had all the buoys and makers in it. There were a couple of times during the night legs that we gybed to avoid the area where a buoy was shown to be on the GPS, just to avoid the possibility of hitting one. It sure is dark at 2 AM in the Atlantic w/o a moon!

Will R

thanks guys for feedback, very helpful.
phil

I have an Etrex Legend and it is a great little unit. I use mine in a bag and it works well. As some one stated the joystick is a a bit hard to use through the bag, but it is workable.

I recently purchaced a Magellan Sport Trac Pro. So far,
I am very happy with it. Bought it because it's the only handheld with 6 meter accuracy. I like it better than my
old Garmin as it's a bit simpler to use. I can't say
how long it will hold up as I haven't had it long. The
unit is advertized as "waterproof and it floats". My Garmin
said the same thing though,it only lasted 18 months.