Garmin GPS 72

[Richo1]

Hi all,
As it appears we have quite a few fans of the Garmin GPS 72 on this site. I have just recently purchased mine with the primary purpose of using it in my Tinny around the bay. Originally I decided to steer away from the more expensive handhelds, figuring with a small screen there is no need to bother with detailed map programs. But now I'm playing around with it the curiosity is getting the better of me. Is the 'Map Source' program worth concidering? Has anyone got it?

At this stage I only have the Tinny and when I eventually upgrade will go for GPS Chart plotter combination. But in the meantime plan to build up a waypoint database using the handheld.

Thanks,

Richo

[marlinqld]

I have one of them. Good little unit, I just dont find them very user friendly. Might be just me though.

Mike

[Hot_Snappa]

Marlinqld,

I have been following the threads on hand held GPS units for weeks now as I'm planning to buy one in the near future.
I have pretty well decided on a Garmin GPS72, but am interested in your comments re not being user friendly!
In what respect do you have hassles with it ?
Cheers

Dave

[marlinqld]

Learning how to use it.

It was in the boat when i bought it.

Dont have a manual on how to set it up, so probably being a bit unfiar on the unit.

If i had the manual would probably be alot beter, so mate, dont take my word, alot of people have told me they are one of the best, and I am most likely taking it out with my frustration at not having a manual and not being able to use it properly. Inexperience probably another issue on my part.

[ShaneJ]

Learning how to use it.

It was in the boat when i bought it.

Dont have a manual on how to set it up, so probably being a bit unfiar on the unit.

If i had the manual would probably be alot beter, so mate, dont take my word, alot of people have told me they are one of the best, and I am most likely taking it out with my frustration at not having a manual and not being able to use it properly. Inexperience probably another issue on my part.



So why not download the manual?
http://www.garmin.com/support/userManual.jsp?market=3&subcategory=37&product=010-00309-00

[Daniel_Trenfield]

The dealer threw in a Garmin GPS72 when I bought my boat.

I've found the unit to be good, once you find the page you want. I've been through the manual & practiced a bit, but still takes guts & patience to learn more than the basic waypoint tracking required to return to a mark.

If I bought one again, I would go for a wired and mounted unit (I think is an after market option). I don't have enough hands to hold the gps, steer, throttle & anchor at the same time. However, great for security to just throw it in the tackle bag & walk away.

I still can't figure out how to create my own names for my marks - can only call them garmin/map/tour.

I use rechargeable AA's & they run out in about 5 hours.

From what I've seen in the shops it seems to be the best model in the price range.

[marlinqld]

I will download the manual one day. Its about 60 odd pages I believe, so need the time to print it out, which i will do one day.

Mine is powered through a cigarette lighter in the console, and you can buy a mount for them at about 20 bucks I think, which mine sits in when in the boat.



Cheers



Mike

[billfisher]

I think the problem is that its packed with so many features it takes a while to learn everything. My advice is to practice at home a bit - there are too many distractions when you are out fishing.

[Hot_Snappa]

Learning how to use it.

It was in the boat when i bought it.

Dont have a manual on how to set it up, so probably being a bit unfiar on the unit.

If i had the manual would probably be alot beter, so mate, dont take my word, alot of people have told me they are one of the best, and I am most likely taking it out with my frustration at not having a manual and not being able to use it properly. Inexperience probably another issue on my part.




Thanks mate, I've always had a thing with instruction manuals anyway....just want to get out there and use the thing which I know is not a smart way to operate, but hey...

Dave

[Richo1]

It is a shame the tide times don't work on it, only has USA tide stations programed into it. Moon phase and best fishing times will come in handy.

[onerabbit]

Marlinqld,

I have a G72 manual that I would be happy to send to you if you would like it, just PM an address to me where I can send it.
Otherwise , if you have a problem give me a shout, I know how most of the basic functions work now.

Muzz

[marlinqld]

Thanks onerabbit, i just downloaded and printed the manual online...................all 67 pages of it >:( ::) ;)

Thanks for the offer mate, may just PM you for some help.... maybe a trip out in my boat to do some mutual learning with them.......

[Fishin_Dan]

In regards to the question Richo asked, there are several version of Mapsource available. I've got a GPS72 as well, and have used the following two:-

The standard Mapsource (Waypoint Manager) is good for keeping a list of your waypoints/tracks/routes and transferring them to your GPS & backing them up. It gives you a crappy map (just outlines), but gives you a general idea of where the marks are. If you just want to store, organise, transfer your marks to the GPS, this will suit perfectly.

The BlueChart Mapsource program however has the full chartplotting maps available. It gives you depth sounds, and proper map. It is much more detailed, and will let you do a little bit of area "research" before you go there to sound around.



I've attached a picture of the Bluechart screen shot for you... Hope this helps you mate.

[Richo1]

Thanks Dan,

The Blue Chart map is a bit better that I expected. Shows plenty of detail and looks up to date, does the Way point manager allow you to transfer the basic outlines onto the GPS? If I went for the Bluechart would you recommend the Waypoint manager as well?
I have been thinking about getting a Laptop for some time now which would work really well (I'm hoping) hooked up with the GPS and BlueChart. Seems much cheaper than going for some of the other chart programs. Won't be taking it out in the Tinny however.

regards,
Richo

[Fishin_Dan]

As a comparison mate, this is a screen shot of the bay in the "Trip and Waypoint Manager V2"

There is definately a difference ;)

[Richo1]

No comparison really, thanks. Looks like the Blue chart is the one. :)

[Fishin_Dan]

Yeah BIG difference.

But it all comes down to will you use it. If you only want to keep a record of your Waypoints incase your GPS dies, then you don't need BlueChart. It is expensive (approx $350 I think)

If you like, you can come and have a look at my copy and see what you think. Can link your GPS up to it, and copy all your marks onto my lapt.... I mean test it :P ;D But you're welcome to come have a look if you like.

[onerabbit]

Fishin_dan,

You get that picture on the G72??

I have Waypoint manager , but would love a Chart set-up like that.

I will get back to you if I cant find one around here.

Muzz

[Fishin_Dan]

That map is only on the computer. The GPS72 doesn't do mapping.

[Richo1]

Thanks for the offer Dan, ;D but i haven't got any decent marks on it yet, but I'm sure your computer has with a set up like that ;D ;D.
I reckon I'd get pretty good use out of it, even if I didn't it is nice to have toys! Spent 12 years up north out of Cairns, working on boats with out my own GPS, spewing about the marks i could of had. Having a chart program is much simpler than buying paper charts and you simply get them updated electronically.

[SatNav]

1. You would be aware then Richo that a chart program does not replace paper charts

[Richo1]

That's correct SatNav, there was some talk a few years ago that Ships with ECDIS would no longer be required to carry Papercharts, or at least have their position plotted on a paperchart. Haven't been on a ship with it yet so not up to date with the latest.

As I'm not planing on travelling up and down the coast at the moment I'd have no need to buy charts for the entire coastline and for $250 i can get from Coffs Harbour to Mornington Island.
Personally, for a shallow draft boat less than 12m I wouldn't bother with one at all, and if was doing a job for someone I'd get the owner of the boat to buy them ;D.
The sticklers for the 'Old ways' would cringe at the thought of not having paper chart on board, but depending on the program in most cases the electronic chart would be more up to date the the ones sitting on top of my cupboard.
" But what if the GPS breaksdown?" Head west on the compass and you will find land! Assuming we are on the East Coast.

[onerabbit]

Ok , cheers Dan,

Muzz

[SatNav]

1. "But what if the GPS breaksdown?" Always a possibility and certainly can not be relied upon 100%, AS SOME PEOPLE DO.

2. GPS breakdown? Many will look forward to the day when there will be 80 satellites all up, 3 global systems plus a couple of regional systems and so called satellite outages might also be a thing of the past.

3. ENC is no longer talk but unfortuneately only covers very limited areas of this country. Then again an ECDIS doesn't quote fit in a small boat? RNC's cover the rest but only running in compliant ECDIS not any old chart plotter.

4. The problem with sticklers is? They have the law on their side.

5. If Bluecharts are considered expensive then what would you call real electronic chart costs. No comparison.