The Difference Between Marine GPS Handhelds and their Bigger Brothers

Current gps (global positioning system) technologies can be adapted to specialize as marine gps for navigation on water. When used for marine applications, marine gps systems can be used to plot or steer a course, navigate a ship in bad weather, or even during sightseeing activities. While gps has been in existence since 1973 as a United States Department of Defense (DOD) project that overcame limitations of previous navigation systems, it has only been in the last decade and a half that the technology has been accessible to the average consumer. This space-based global navigation satellite system is currently the most popular means of getting reliable location and time information in all kinds of weather at anytime, anywhere on or even near the Earth's surface. Unobstructed line of sight to at least four of the orbiting gps satellites is required for a navigator equipped with marine gps systems to take advantage of digitally precise orientation and velocity measurements. Your navigation system's built-in features will largely be decided by your allotted budget. Purchase only the functionality that you need and remember your needs as a navigator. These systems come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small handhelds to large units that are mounted onto navigation stations, and are also available on a variety of platforms that can be paired or linked with desktop or laptop computers, built into cellular phones that improve the phone's functionality, or as stand-alone systems such as you would expect with a marine gps handheld used by fishermen. When selecting a navigation system that is best for you, the first consideration aside from your budget, should always be your boating style.Your first consideration, aside from your budget, should always be your style of boating when it comes to selecting a navigation system that is best for you. If you are a casual fisherman or a hobbyist that kayaks on area rivers, a handheld device should suffice. On the other hand, a gps system with a larger screen that is mounted to your ship's navigation system would be more appropriate for your needs if you prefer to cruise on larger boats from port to port or perhaps choose to fish a little further offshore. You can typically expect to shell out around $200 for entry-level handhelds, but it should be noted that not all portable gps systems are waterproof or ideal for marine conditions. Fixed-mount gps systems, otherwise known as chartplotters, that come with larger screens and more functionality will start at $900. Multi-function units that have gps built into other marine electronics such as radar and fishfinders can cost upwards of $4000. Remember to shop around brands and try the unit out before you decide to make a final purchase.