Everything you need to know about GPS marine navigation
Marine GPS systems have disappeared since they first hit the market, and you don’t have to be an ocean expert to use one. Every year the technology in GPS marine navigation systems gets better and better, giving them so many more features and so much more power!
But does all this technology make them a more practical navigational tool when out in the middle of the ocean facing sun, salt and spray?
Before you spend your hard-earned money on the next best GPS marine navigation system, it’s best to understand what they are, what they do, and why you might need one.
What are GPS marine navigation systems?
GPS stands for global positioning system and a marine GPS is designed specifically for the marine environment. These devices are highly recommended due to the increased safety they provide to open water boaters. In fact, sailing courses now include the use of GPS systems within their training courses.
The most basic of GPS marine navigation systems are usually handheld, then you can get plotter devices and computers connected to a GPS
They use satellites to determine the speed and direction of the ship which is then displayed on the instrument screen. With a chartplotter device, it also allows the ship’s course to be plotted electronically.
If you’re out on the ocean and in trouble or in danger, you can use GPS to pinpoint the position of boats to rescuers so they know where to go. This may not be an option available on older models, but current models will most likely have this feature.
GPS marine navigation systems usually have built-in alarms that sound if you drift off course or if your anchor drags. These alarms are usually not very loud and as the ocean can be noisy in rough waters you may want to find a unit that can be connected to an external alarm on the boat.
So let’s take a look at the different types of devices available to you in more detail.
· Portable: Although these are the cheapest devices, they are generally just as accurate. Since it is handheld, it can be used in other situations, such as hiking or in the car. It can be a bit difficult to use the device’s often small buttons, especially if you’re in rough water, though most handheld units come with a mounting bracket. Sometimes the signal can get weak on these devices, so it might be a good idea to buy one that allows you to use an external antenna.
· Chartplotters: Compared to laptops, chartplotters are a great improvement. This type of GPS marine navigation displays information superimposed on nautical charts. This will be the main navigation tool and while it doesn’t completely replace paper charts, it does have a large screen and the buttons are much larger than handheld devices. The chartplotter needs to be mounted to a fixed surface and they all usually come with external antennas so placement shouldn’t be a problem. Screen sizes vary between 5 and 10 inches and you will have to pay more if you want a color screen. Most chartplotters are integrated with the GPS receiver, meaning both are included in one unit.
· Computer connected to GPS: A computer can be used with different types of GPS: sensor, plotter or standard GPS receiver. Computers are generally only used below deck as screens are difficult to see in direct sunlight. An advantage of using GPS marine navigation with a computer is that planning and navigation are done in one unit. The computer is more powerful than a plotter and this means that there are more software options and it can also run 3D viewing applications. There are even computers and laptops made especially for the marine environment!
These are your top three options if you are thinking of buying a GPS marine navigation device, but it will depend on your budget and also what features you personally want. Don’t overpay for features you don’t think you’ll need.
