Choosing and using a marine GPS
Nowadays, marine GPS systems are indispensable tools for all navigators, whether amateur or professional.
They offer a host of features to help you sail safely and get the most out of your sea excursion.
However, with with the wide range of models available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the GPS that best suits your needs.
That's why Orca Retail has put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice and use your marine GPS effectively for navigation.
What are the differences between marine GPS units and other GPS units, such as those on my phone or in my car?
If you already own a car GPS or a smartphone with a GPS app, you may be wondering whether a marine GPS is really necessary. Here are the main differences between marine GPS and other types of GPS:
1. The safety
Marine GPS units are designed to meet the specific requirements of navigation at sea. They feature essential safety functions, such as Automatic Identification System (AIS) and GPS Backup System (SBAS), which enable you to be alerted in the event of danger and receive information crucial to your safety.
2. Precision
Marine GPS systems use highly accurate GPS signals, which is essential for navigation at sea. Car GPS and smartphone GPS applications are generally less accurate, which can be a problem at sea, where visual cues may be scarce or non-existent.
3. Functionality
Marine GPS units offer a host of advanced features that can make navigation easier and life at sea more enjoyable. Among these features include :
- The depth sounder : allows you to find out the depth of the water beneath the boat and detect fish.
- The autopilot : keeps the boat on a predefined course.
- Detailed mapping : covers coastal and offshore areas, with information on ports, marinas, obstacles and points of interest.
- Marine weather : gives you information on weather conditions at sea, such as wind strength, wave direction and height.
4. Sturdiness
Marine GPS units are designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, such as salt water, vibration and shock. Car GPS units and smartphones are generally not as robust and can be damaged by the marine environment.
In conclusion, if you regularly navigate at sea, we strongly recommend investing in a marine GPS. Marine GPS units offer a level of safety accuracy and functionality that other types of GPS simply can't match.
Choosing the right marine GPS
1. Define your needs
Before you start looking for a marine GPS, it's essential to take the time to define your needs. Ask yourself the following questions:
What type of sailing do you do?
The type of navigation you practice will influence the choice of your marine GPS on several points:
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The cards : A yachtsman sailing along the coast will need detailed maps of coastal areas, with information on ports, marinas marinas and points of interest. An offshore sailor will need maps covering long distances, with information on sea routes and potential hazards.
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Features : A fisherman will need a GPS with a high-performance sounder to detect fish. A racing skipper will need a GPS with autopilot to keep the boat on course.
How big is your boat?
The size of your boat will also influence the choice of your marine GPS:
- Screen size : A small boat doesn't need a large GPS screen. On the other hand, on a large boat, it's important to have a screen large enough to display all the information easily.
- The power of GPS : A large boat needs a more powerful GPS to maintain an accurate position, even in difficult conditions.
- Connectivity : On a large boat, it can be useful to have a GPS that can connect to other devices, such as radar or AIS.
What's your budget?
The price of marine GPS units varies considerably according to their functionality and performance. You can find basic marine GPS units for a few hundred euros, but top-of-the-range models can cost several thousand euros.
Here are some budget guidelines based on your needs:
- Coastal sailing and pleasure boating : from 200 to 500 euros
- Fishing : from 500 to 1,000 euros
- Offshore sailing : from 1,000 to 2,000 euros
- Professional : over 2,000 euros
2. Learn about the different types of marine GPS
There are two main types of marine GPS:
- Portable GPS : lightweight and compact, ideal for small boats or occasional use.
- Fixed GPS : more robust, with more advanced functions, they are better suited to larger boats and sailors who spend a lot of time at sea.
3. Key features to consider
- Mapping: make sure the GPS covers the areas you usually navigate.
- Depth sounder: provides information on the depth of the water beneath the boat and detects fish.
- AIS (Automatic Identification System): allows you to identify and be identified by other AIS-equipped vessels.
- Autopilot: keeps the boat on a predefined course.
4. Popular marine GPS brands
Popular brands of marine GPS include :
- Garmin: A brand renowned for the reliability and robustness of its products. It offers a wide range of marine GPS, for all budgets and needs. Garmin is particularly appreciated by fishermen for its high-performance fishfinders.
- Lowrance: Another popular brand offering innovative, feature-rich marine GPS systems. Lowrance is particularly appreciated by offshore sailors for its comprehensive navigation systems and high-performance radars.
- Raymarine: A top-of-the-range brand offering marine GPS systems at the cutting edge of technology. Raymarine is particularly appreciated by boaters for its intuitive touch screens and elegant designs.
- Humminbird: This brand specializes in fishfinders and offers marine GPS with high-performance fish detection functions. Humminbird is particularly appreciated by professional fishermen for the quality of its images and the accuracy of its data.
- Simrad: A brand offering rugged, reliable marine GPS systems designed for harsh marine conditions. Simrad is particularly appreciated by professionals for its comprehensive navigation systems and advanced features.
Using your marine GPS effectively for navigation
1. Plan your route
Planning your route before setting off is an essential step towards safe and enjoyable navigation. Your marine GPS can be a great help in this task. Here are a few tips on how to plan your route effectively with a marine GPS:
- Define your destination: The first step is to define your destination. You can do this by entering the name of the port, marina or landmark you wish to reach. You can also use the search function to find your destination on the map.
- Add waypoints: If you want to reach your destination via several intermediate points, you can add waypoints to your route. To do so, simply select the waypoints on the map or enter their GPS coordinates.
- Choosing the navigation mode: Most marine GPS units offer different navigation modes, such as direct navigation, route navigation and tracking navigation.
- Direct navigation is the simplest mode. Simply define your destination and the GPS will show you the route to follow.
- Route navigation lets you create a more complex itinerary by adding waypoints.
- Track navigation allows you to follow a route that you have previously saved.
- Taking weather conditions into account: Before setting out on a voyage, it's important to take weather conditions into account. You can check the weather forecast on your marine GPS to help you plan your route.
- Check Notices to Mariners: It's also important to check Notices to Mariners before setting sail. Notices to Mariners indicate potential hazards to navigation, such as wrecks, reefs and construction work. You can check notices to mariners on your marine GPS or on the website of your country's maritime authority.
- Remain flexible: Weather conditions can change rapidly and unforeseen events can occur. Be prepared to adapt your itinerary if necessary by planning alternate routes.
2. Track your position and master the features
Tracking your position with your marine GPS is essential for safe navigation. But your marine GPS can do much more than simply display your position on a map. Here are some useful features to know about:
- Precise position tracking: Modern marine GPS systems use state-of-the-art technology to provide extremely precise position tracking. This means you can know your exact position in terms of latitude and longitude, as well as your speed and heading, with great reliability.
- Visualize your position on a variety of charts: from classic nautical charts to satellite and radar maps. You can also overlay different information on the map, such as waypoints, notices to mariners and danger zones.
- Positioning alarms : You can set up positioning alarms to warn you when you're approaching a waypoint, danger zone or other area of interest. This can help you stay on your route and avoid collisions.
- Recording your tracks: Your marine GPS can record your tracks, enabling you to relive your route at a later date. You can also share your tracks with other navigators.
- Tracking multiple targets: If you're sailing with a fleet of boats, you can use your marine GPS to track the position of all the boats in real time. This can be useful for coordinating your movements and ensuring everyone's safety.
- Connecting to other devices: Your marine GPS can connect to other devices on board your boat, such as radar, AIS or autopilot. This allows you to centralize all your navigation information on a single screen.
- Updates: It is important to regularly update the maps and software of your marine GPS to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right marine GPS and use it effectively to navigate safely and get the most out of your time at sea.
Don't forget that navigation at sea also requires a good knowledge of safety and regulations. Don't hesitate to take a training course or contact your local maritime authorities for more information.
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