In the past, the global positioning system (GPS) technology seems to be a product of playful science fiction. But after it has been introduced in the early part of the 80s, GPS gradually became an integral part of human lives.
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They are quite useful when it comes to navigation. They serve as your eyes in unfamiliar and uncharted terrains. For instance, if you are exploring the oceans, you would really need the best marine GPS for the sole reason of not wanting to get lost. The seas are vast, and unlike in the land, these encompassing water bodies provide little or no guide. If you don't want a navigating system, you will wander there aimlessly.
In fact, some of the GPS can act as fish finders.
This time, you need to realize that your boat requires the service of an exceptional GPS. With this item equipped, your journey will undoubtedly be safe and convenient. Here are some of the GPS units that are worth being outfitted to your vessel.
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Best Marine GPS On The 2022 Market
Product Name | Image | Quality | Our Rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer - Editor's Pick |  | A+ | |||||
2. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Handheld GPS - Runner-Up |  | A | |||||
3. Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS - Budget-Friendly Pick |  | A | |||||
4. HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS - Premium Option |  | A | |||||
 | A | ||||||
#1. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer - Editor's Pick
Garmin is one of the leading producers of high-quality GPS devices. It is one of the reasons why most of the respected GPS today are manufactured by this company. The Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer is just a proof of how good Garmin in the field of GPS manufacturing.
The GPS that has been integrated on this device has high levels of sensitivity. It doesn't give inaccurate information, especially in pinpointing your location. It can also detect small changes and increments, which makes it a great company whenever traversing expansive oceans. The GPS of the Striker 4 can also be used in marking specific areas. Just select a location so that the GPS can pinpoint and save it. The next time you head out there, you will be able to find the saved areas immediately.
The ergonomics of this DPS is pretty impressive as well. All of its controls can be accessed through its user-friendly keypad. The screen is colored and displays a myriad of data and information. With this item, you'll never get lost in the seas!
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#2. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Handheld GPS - Runner-Up
Another marine GPS that proved its exceptional performance and functionality is the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Handheld GPS. By its name alone, many seafarers and water adventures would love to have this. The handheld design ensures that it will not burden you with its weight and size. It is excellent for those who want to explore the sea without minding any inconveniences. Right from the get-go, this GPS has a marine-friendly construction. Therefore, it can withstand the elements that are present on the seas.
Needless to say, the quality of its GPS technology is worth praising. It is a high-sensitivity utility that can provide accurate location information and other GPS-related capabilities. It is quite rare for this device to miss-read, unless there are evident signal interferences. Overall, I deem that this GPS device will be useful for every navigator out there.
Keep in mind that this device is using a screen with a color TFT display. Therefore, all of the data that it generates can be easily read and distinguished. Furthermore, the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Handheld GPS is buoyant and has an IPX7 waterproof rating! You will never worry if this one slips away from your hands.
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#3. Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS - Budget-Friendly Pick
The Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS is one impressive option if you don't want to spend too much for a marine GPS. Of course, it is completely understandable if some of us would just want to settle to the entry-level market. You need to find devices that are as good as this Garmin unit. In this way, your time and money will never go to waste.
The Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS has a seemingly similar design to the previous Garmin GPS that I featured. It is still compact and portable--perfect for boaters and anglers who don't want to get burdened by weight and bulkiness. The LCD of this device is transflective. This means that even in bright conditions, the screen will remain readable.
Meanwhile, the display resolution is not that bad either. All of the figures and data are comprehensible, which is something that you would want for a small marine GPS. Speaking of, I can vouch to the accuracy of this item when it comes to pinpointing locations and saving routes. It won't fail you on that aspect. Aside from these perks, this device also offers an IPX7 waterproof rating and an extensive battery life.
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#4. HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS - Premium Option
If you have no qualms in exploring the slightly higher market value so that you can just get an exceptional GPS, I recommend that you should take a look at the HELIX 7 GPS. Originally, this GPS unit is dedicated to finding and locating fish. If that's one of your endeavors as well, then this marine GPS is a must-have for you. It is loaded with a variety of scanning and imaging capabilities so that you can spot your target down below.
The MEGA Down and Side Imaging of this device offers an unobstructed underwater view. It is one of the reasons why a lot of anglers and diving enthusiasts really love to have this GPS on their boats. Its ability to showcase the things that you can't see is something that is worth every penny that you have. Of course, the GPS capability of the HELIX 7 has an unquestionable finesse. You can rely on it all the time.
The construction of this marine GPS proves that it can be taken even in the harshest waters out there. It has a fully waterproof construction. No seams can be found where water can penetrate. Its performance doesn't subside even if you are treading an unruly weather. One way or another, you can really find this item a neat addition to your boat.
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Ergonomically speaking, I can't help but commend the quality of the Garmin Oregon 600 GPS. It is a user-friendly marine GPS that features intuitiveness as one of its best features.
It comes with a vivid and sunlight-readable screen display so that you can use it any time of the day. Moreover, it can make boat navigation a lot easier. After all, it still provides exceptional accuracy in its location tracking.
It is notable that the Garmin Oregon 600 is using a dual-band GPS/ GLONASS satellite positioning. This is an impeccable technology that guarantees the capability of the GPS to map out your area as accurately as possible. Other than that, the quality of this GPS is also seen on its extensive battery life. Specifically, it is using a dual set of batteries so that it can run longer than most of its counterparts.
All of the controls of this item can be accessed on its screen. There are no buttons on its interface, which is similar to mobile phones today. Some people like such an approach in the design but others would still want the presence of buttons and knobs. Either way, the interface of the Garmin Oregon 600 remains to be straightforward. Even amateurs can use it well.
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Choosing The Best Marine GPS: Simple Guidelines
There are specific guidelines when it comes to choosing a marine GPS. Sometimes, these specifications can be intertwined with fish finders and GPS combos. The point here is that you don't want to buy any GPS device without looking at the considerations. Otherwise, it would be troublesome on your part.
Number Of Satellites
These GPS devices don't work like magic. They cannot locate or map the area you are in if there is no assistance from satellites. That's the very reason why GPS doesn't work if there is no satellite coverage. It is deeply dependent on the availability of the satellite and its distance as well.
Most of the GPS manufacturers claim that their devices are supported by a myriad of satellites. Typically, the number of satellites that the GPS can connect is around twelve to twenty-four.
Of course, the idea here is that you need to seek a GPS device that is connected to as many satellites as possible. The higher the number of data sources, the more accurate the information that these GPS devices can create. Accuracy is always essential when it comes to GPS devices. Therefore, this aspect should never be ignored.
Fortunately, marine GPS will only require a minimum of three satellites so that they can operate properly. They are already sufficient enough for navigation purposes and determining your location.
Size And Design
There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all when it comes to GPS devices. Even the manufacturers of marine GPS units like Garmin and HELIX have their creations vary in size, shape, and style. You might have noticed it on the previous section where I listed some of the best marine GPS today.
For marine applications, you can opt for handheld GPS. The latter often run through the help of 12-volt batteries. They are great for every adventure that you have in seas and oceans. There's no need for you to stay in one place to check your current location. Anywhere in the boat, you can bring these handheld units with you. Because of their small size, some handheld marine GPS can fit in your pocket.
The only thing that you need to be wary about them is their battery life. Their compact size also limited their power capacity. They can't last for extended periods. You need to charge them from time to time.
There are dash-mounted types of GPS devices as well. They are great if you prioritize power and functionality. Compared to portable units, it is undeniable that these larger GPS provides better ergonomics and features. They have larger screens, and they can provide a myriad of data that could help you navigate the waters better. Their trade-off is their cost. They are generally more expensive than portable units.
Here is a guide on how you can install fish finders, GPS, ahd chart plotters in your boat:
Waterproofing
Sure enough, you will need a GPS that has excellent defense against the water. Always keep in mind that not all GPS out there are designed to tackle the rough environment and erratic atmospheric conditions. Since you are taking the GPS in the oceans, you must have a sufficient defense against water and moisture. If possible, the construction should provide resistance against abrasion and corrosion as well.
The ideal GPS for a marine application is a unit that offers an IPX7 waterproof rating or higher. Such a rating ensures that the device will not get damaged even if it has been submerged in the water.
Speaking of, it would also be great if the GPS can actually float in the water. Buoyant GPS devices are indeed better because they give you an assurance that you won't be buying replacements anytime soon.
Bottom Line
It is beneficial for your boats to be equipped with the best marine GPS. This device alone can ensure that you won't waste your time wandering in the water without getting any yields.
Fortunately, the GPS units are no longer expensive as it is used before. Anyone can get them now because they are all manufactured commercially. In your next fishing and boating adventure, better have them!
That's it for now. If you have queries about fishing and water-related amenities, feel free to ask me below.
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