Marine GPS units have taken the world of navigation by storm. The age when atlases and maps were everything is ancient history and even Google Maps and MapQuest are worth forgetting when marine GPS systems are mentioned. As compared to other electronics, the GPS world is very distinct and rapid in terms of growth.
The advances in different facets of user interfaces and technology as a whole have made them the simplest to use. One can enter in the coordinate or address to be navigated and in a matter of seconds get all that is sought. The reactionary seaman will find these as excellent options to record time taken, distance, speed and routes.Features of Marine GPS Units
Prior to selecting the right GPS units ideal for your boat, understand or have in mind what you require in a specific unit. For those travelling across ports in the United States or ports in other nation’s, the needed system is much different as compared to boaters only doing their navigation on local water bodies mostly seeking to find the next campground.
Also, you might have to ask yourself about the one to man the unit’s programming. Most complex marine GPS systems are suitable for mariners with experience. Pleasure boaters will find such units out of their price range and will definitely have additional features that might not be needed. This is why you must, above all, select the kind of unit with features you need and want.
A major feature in marine GPS units is the navigate-to-point feature allowing the path to be followed displayed, included on every unit. It is also possible to make the most of features of navigate-to-point to follow a specific track stored in the unit memory. It is very handy for those cruising in near zero visibility and unable to see markings or familiar landmarks.
Other more helpful feature is known as man overboard or MOB in short, helping to mark the incident position through a touch on a given button. Each of the marine GPS systems must provide accurate speed readings, time and distance of the destination and accurate course that can be read with ease. A lot of modern units have on them amicable digital compasses.
A number of marine GPS complex units come with chart plotter displays that lets you know your current location. High-end commercial and recreational navigation GPS systems for boats include auto guidance for linking up GPS auto pilot, tide information and satellite imagery.
A number of GPS systems have customized alarms easily linked to any radar to advice on a turn in the water or the fact that another boat has come into your route in the sea where you need to contact the other boat via radio. The marine GPS systems are used in customizing charts to get more geospatial type of information mostly not displayed.
Other important marine GPS units include the navigate-to-track feature, a very useful addition if you are constantly making the same kind of trip. It also comes in handy for those always worried about ending up fog bound. The feature makes sure you are always following a specific navigational track already programmed and stored in the memory of the unit.
Boat GPS Display and Size
The GPS unit size selected affects the size of the display and could limit the boat areas it could be installed. Brightness, contrast and display are important if the navigational information will be seen easily. The unit value will not be that good in case the display cannot be read with ease.
Another crucial thing to consider is the ease of marine GPS systems installation and if interfacing with different marine electronics is possible, more so for boats with radars, autopilot functions or single-band radio receivers. The equipment you select must be capable of being linked up to the marine GPS unit to turn the boating exercise into an enjoyable experience.
As you go shopping for marine GPS units, remember they are designed for use in sea vessels such as boats. They will help in determining exact coordinates meaning being lost at sea is next to impossible. These units are highly effective in fleet tracking, deep sea fishing, boating and in other distinct applications in marine activities.