5 Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Boat GPS

1. Do I really need a GPS device for my boat?

The simple answer is yes, you do. Even if you don't plan on using exact coordinates on your next boating adventure it's still a wise idea to have a Boat GPS in case of emergencies. In fact, there are several articles you can find on the web that tell stories of boating accidents that could have been disastrous had it not been for the help of an on-board GPS device. The Coast Guard can quickly be notified of your precise location if something goes wrong. Even if it's a simple, handheld GPS unit that rarely gets used you can be at ease knowing you're prepared for the unexpected.

2. How do GPS devices work?

The first thing a GPS device does when started is acquire a signal. A GPS unit gathers information from about 30 satellites currently circling the globe. Only about 6 - 12 of them are visible at a time, assuming you're out in the open and almost all GPS devices will connect to several of these satellites at once giving you a more accurate location.

3. Should I buy a Mounted or Handheld Boat GPS?

It all depends on whether or not you'll only be using the GPS device for boating, or taking it with you on land as well. There are very sophisticated GPS units available on the market today that can guide you not just on water but on roads and in the woods as well. Another option to consider is attaching your GPS device to the electronics on your boat or whether you'd like to keep it separate and run off batteries. Let's look at some pros/cons.

Mounted:

Pros:

- Can be attached to the electrical wires on your boat and run off your boat battery

- Some GPS devices can be integrated with other electronics on your boat and display information from your Chartplotter, Fish Finder, Radar, etc.

- Large visual display, some with touchscreen capabilities

Cons:

- Your GPS unit can only be used on your boat

- Installation of your mounted GPS wiring can be a bit tricky

- More expensive than handheld units

Handheld:

Pros:

- Can be taken with you wherever you go

- Easy learning curve, simple to operate

- Inexpensive

Cons:

- Small visual display

- Works as a stand-alone unit

4. Which features do I need and which can I do without?

This, of course, has no simple answer. It all comes down to what you'll be using it for and what you may be using it for in the future. If you use a compass routinely and you're purchasing a GPS device as a last resort then you probably will do just fine with a simple, handheld device. If you plan to fully integrate your new GPS with your boating experience then the more features the better...to a certain extent. Only buy what you know you'll use. It's easy to wishfully stare at the shiny 7-inch display GPS with the most advanced Fish Finder on the planet but won't make much sense if you don't do some serious fishing each year.

5. Any money saving tips on buying a Boat GPS?

One thing to take note of before you decide on a GPS unit for your boat are maps. Some GPS units will come with very few maps preinstalled making it almost mandatory to upgrade to more detailed maps of your area. There are official maps on the web to download, such as HotMaps, but they're usually pretty expensive. You can Google search " free gps maps " and find plenty of websites that will allow you to download free maps of nearby locations. Most GPS units come with a usb cord that will attach to your computer, letting you install your downloaded maps. It is highly recommended to get detailed maps of your area, whether purchased or free.

Another tip to save some money would be to ask yourself if you're in need of a new phone. If so, there are many smartphones available that have GPS capabilities built-in. If you don't think you'll need a mounted GPS on your boat but would like to have your exact coordinates in case of emergency then choosing a phone with GPS mapping might be beneficial.

If you'd like to see reviews of some of the best boat GPS devices on the market today check out http://boatgpsreviews.com.

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