Malta Fishing Forum

Marine => Engines/Drives and Electronics => GPS's and Chartplotters => Topic started by: EmicMalta on June 02, 2008, 11:40:27 CET

Title: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: EmicMalta on June 02, 2008, 11:40:27 CET
Hi I need to buy a hand held. Do anyone knows a moddle which is 100% waterproof?
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 02, 2008, 12:05:59 CET
Any model listed as IP x7 will be fully waterproof/submerisble.

Have a look at this table for IP ratings http://www.aquatext.com/tables/ip_ratings.htm

IP65 or above is fine, IP66 will be protected against strong jets of water basically fully waterproof and dustproof, after that it goes IPx7 and x8. I don't think you will find x8.

The Garmin GPS72 handheld is IPx7 and sells for $99 in the USA, places like West Marine. Didn't realise you needed one as I just ordered one for myself.

The Lowrance iFinder GO2 is also IPx7 iFinder H20 etc.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: EmicMalta on June 02, 2008, 16:32:00 CET
how much do you have to pay to get for example the Go2. Also I think its with a USA map so not good for malta
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 02, 2008, 17:57:42 CET
The Garmin GPS72 model doesnt have proper maps, they have navaids. It can't accept charts and has a worldwide limited base navaid map.

On the Garmin range you need to go with their GPSmap range and Lowrance iFinder Go2 has I believe a background land map not a marine map as they are not specifically marine products. The Go2 is around Lm42 locally.

Or have a look here if you want good prices from Europe http://www.jgtech.co.uk/shop4.htm
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 19, 2008, 22:49:09 CET
please guys i need help. Does the lawrance go2 gps accept manual waypoints i.e. entering the waypoints manually buy numbers as i am about to go and buy one tomorrow as theuy are quite cheap and right now i am broke. my Magellan is f****d up :s
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 20, 2008, 08:23:38 CET
Yes bigboy all GPS's let you enter manual waypoints! I bought my Garmin GPS72 to be used as a backup for Lm26 from the USA!
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 20, 2008, 09:51:36 CET
Bought it from westmarine.com it was on special offer and I think it still is on special offer. The only problem is that if you are only ordering one item the shipping can be too expensive, but if you are buying something else or maybe more than one person wants to buy and you pool in then shipping will be reasonable again.

Poor catch has some good suppliers in the US where maybe the shipping would be less. I have just finished a few weeks ago placing all my orders with West Marine.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 20, 2008, 15:40:56 CET
thanks skip :) i will be buying it next monday as i had no time today just came from the garage as we wre workin all day on my boat. We will be out at sea tonight with the big boat and tomorrow also so i have no time to go.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: Granitu on June 20, 2008, 18:49:28 CET
big boy if you like we can place two orders cause i need one.... we save on shipping like that
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: kris on June 21, 2008, 13:27:41 CET
hey granitu and bigboy are you ordering the gps? cause i might order one for me too.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: suffrun on June 21, 2008, 19:22:23 CET
hi bigboy and granitu, are you going to buy the gps over the internet? I'm interested to buy one and as granitu pointed out one might save on shipping costs.

Which model are you interested to buy? I'm totally ignorant on the subject by the way, and any help would be very much appreciated.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 21, 2008, 19:45:21 CET
That might be a good idea.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 21, 2008, 19:52:03 CET
Guys if we r getting them from the net i will then get the garmin GPS 72 as it is much better than the lawrence go2. What do you think ????? anyone knows how long they take to arrive ?
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 21, 2008, 19:55:16 CET
Does one of you have a credit card ??? as i dont so i will be needing to pay one of you so as to pay for me. plsssssssssssssssss :)
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: Granitu on June 21, 2008, 22:47:59 CET
i can arrange that for you bigboy..... i do have and import goods as part time job.... i can try to save us some money
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 22, 2008, 00:57:09 CET
that would be much appreciated granitu :)
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: MartinB on June 22, 2008, 02:06:29 CET
Ive just bought a reel from tackledirect.com from the U.S. (A shimano Spheros FB :-Thanks for making me aware of them Skip!  ;)) & obviously you have to pay VAT on the item(s) & import duty,actually they send you a notice about it & it goes on to say that you have to fill in a decleration form which they can do for you at a charge of Lm6.
However you can pick up this form at any post office & fill it in for yourself.
there is a section on the form which is headed TARIC code here's the link to find TARIC codes
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/cgi-bin/tarchap?Lang=EN
The same site also gives you the duty rates  ;)
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 22, 2008, 09:08:22 CET
I think you'll love the spheros from the reports I read about it. If the shipment comes in with USPS Priority Mail International the clearance is included! But if it comes in with USPS EMS service then you have to pack the clearance charge or try and do it yourself.

Thanks for the TARIC codes link :)
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 22, 2008, 18:18:25 CET
Guys if you want i have found cheaper ones on ebay. Example the GARMIN GPSMAP 76 is selling at 90 GBP including postage and it says that they are brand new.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: suffrun on June 22, 2008, 19:20:50 CET
sounds fine! That would be Lm52 in the old currency. By the way does that model have a electronic compass?
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 22, 2008, 19:36:37 CET
i dont think it has. i dont really need an electric compass as i have a magnetic one which i really count on.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: suffrun on June 22, 2008, 19:56:55 CET
ok. By the way have you ever owned? I never owned one and and haven't got the faintest idea how to operate it!!!!

Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 22, 2008, 20:24:45 CET
if you are going to get the garmin gps72 i am interested. the one that i had is in the bottom in about 900mtrs of sea
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: shanook on June 22, 2008, 21:05:32 CET
suffrun its easy to operate all u need is a bit of patience. the good thing about handhelds is that u can try it out on land and get used to it before u actually go to sea.Mind u to get some kind of information u need to move so get someone to drive u around to get the feeling.
Regarding electronic compass i dont see why it shouldnt have one. I have the spare handheld and it has it and thats like 8 years old.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 22, 2008, 21:40:05 CET
Check the ebay source carefully, it's fine for an initial purchase and sometimes a nightmare if you need warranty support later. West Marine have a no quibble policy that I have been through so I highly recommend them.

If like three of you are wanting to buy one you're looking at $65 to send 3 units by DHL which is like Lm6 each for freight. Unfortunately they are no longer at $99 but selling for the regular price of $129.99

If you look around you might still find them elsewhere for $99 that I paid.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 22, 2008, 22:02:09 CET
Skip i was looking on ebay because the gpsmap 76 looks great for its price.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 22, 2008, 23:30:10 CET
Guys im back for the garmin gps 72 as i just received an email from the ebay seller i msgd that they do not post to malta. Who is willing to get a gps from westmarine aswell ??? so we can place the order as i need a gps urgently.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: Granitu on June 23, 2008, 10:57:15 CET
tell me what you want bigboy, and some one if he can recommend me a good small gps&fishfinder at a decent price, as i need to install one. preferabbly combo and easy to install... i have no idea in these sector but i will find some deals sure!
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 23, 2008, 16:48:23 CET
Granitu i need the Garmin GPS 72 please. Who is going to pool in with us to get his gps aswell ???
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 23, 2008, 16:58:15 CET
how much it is from medcomms maybe there isnt a lot of difference. bigboy do you live near medcomms gzira maybe you check for me its a bit out of my way
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 23, 2008, 17:38:27 CET
GPS 72 Marine pack (Holder, 12V cigarette lighter etc) was around ?197 I believe if I remember correctly. Not 100% sure
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 23, 2008, 23:14:20 CET
I surely will busumark. Give me some time this week and i will check for you. as i have to go and buy a vhf antenna
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 24, 2008, 22:43:08 CET
Xse namlu guys ????
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: Simon G on June 25, 2008, 08:54:14 CET
if you dont want it with a map there is always the lowrence i finder or  h20 for around lm 50
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: Simon G on June 25, 2008, 08:56:20 CET
you can also get a waterproof cover which always helps.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 25, 2008, 10:07:24 CET
Which of the 2 do you think are the best simon g ??? the i finder is retailing in malta for lm 42
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 25, 2008, 12:04:28 CET
Waterproof cover isn't need on most handhelds, they are waterproof and submerisble, plus they float! At least the Garmin range all are and I believe some Lowrance models as well.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 25, 2008, 14:31:33 CET
i went at meddcomms. very difficut to park they made everywhere timed parking and i dont have a clock for the windscreen. i saw the garmin 72 it is good and good size also for a handheld. it comes as a marine pack and cost 267 euros or LM115. if on the net we find it a good price it is a good gps
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 25, 2008, 14:35:42 CET
if like skip said the garmin 72 from west marine is $130 and if we are 3 and postage comes LM6 each its very worth it. it comes less than LM50. less than half the price from meddcomms. from medcomms you get the marine pack you have the mount, gigarette chargher lead and carrying case. from west marine you dont get these things. i havent seen the lowrance i finder
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 25, 2008, 15:28:47 CET
Guys i was speaking to kris and he is going to get one with us aswell. what are we gonna do ???? i am confused between ta gps 72 and gpsmap 76 :s
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: Shaftbomb on June 25, 2008, 16:29:50 CET
It's true that i will be cheaper buying it from Westmarine but dont forget the tax on postage and on value you have to pay at the postoffice upon collecting the gps.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 25, 2008, 22:26:51 CET
SKIP if you bought one from west marine how much taxes or duty you had to pay
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: Granitu on June 26, 2008, 00:51:04 CET
tuni parir guys x naghmel u nhawwad jien.... jien rrid li nkun naf fejn nistad... d dghajsa 14 1/2 ft ifem....

Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 26, 2008, 06:35:50 CET
Tax was 3.7% and VAT 18%, still comes off way cheaper!
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: kris on June 26, 2008, 14:36:09 CET
Hey guys, i've sent an email to westmarine regarding the garmin 76 model. This is their reply:


Hi Kris,

The 76 does not have a world map but broken into 3 areas, USA, Europe and the Pacific. You have to order the European version in Europe and that part number is 010-00249-11. I don?t understand why a company that makes the European version in the US won?t sell them in this country and ever company that makes GPS?s doe?s that. The 76 does not have a compass but the 76CSX does and the 76 will give you speed of your boat. The 76 after you select your waypoints will guide you thru the route and the 76 is in black and white while the 76CSX is in color. I am sorry but we do not have discounts for multiple sales. If you have not seen our 76CSX you can take a look at www.westmarine.com, click on the annual catalog, type in page 50.



Thank you

Ted

Technical Help 

Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 26, 2008, 15:08:04 CET
The 76 is a more advanced model Map based but as you see the Map would be a US one. If you don't need mapping get the 72 which doesnt have those issues and has some navaids.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: kris on June 26, 2008, 17:49:23 CET
i don't know guys...i need a gps that takes waypoints (and i guess that a map always helps i.e. finding wrecks and always know where you are etc). a gps that reads speed is always handy and a compass is important too i think. the only problem is that i absolutely have no idea what to buy. i think i will go to a local shop to have a good idea on what there is in the local market. any suggestions guys??
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: ciappinu on June 26, 2008, 19:21:24 CET
Hi Kris,

I personally have a Garmin eTrex Legend (The blue one). Fantastic GPS. Stores hundreds of waypoints, shows a basic outline map of Malta, has a compass, many other other features, and was only Lm65 from Medcomms 2 years ago.  You can also buy the Blue Chart Map in the future which will give you great detail of the sea bottom.

Leonard.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 26, 2008, 19:50:23 CET
medcomms on have the gps 72 and 76. i think the 72 has a compass. skip does it has a compass?
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: fishfinder on June 26, 2008, 20:47:10 CET
I suggest Garmin cause they are very good and user friendly and it's easy to deal with the sales person.

by the way they have a perfect after sales service too cause I have a 178c and my bracket was broken and it was replayed after 4 years by paying only ?17.

it's worth to give a try.

then if you wish something else I can suggest you caruana marine centre bir id deheb wara montebello tat - tyres.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 26, 2008, 21:00:00 CET
this is the manual of the garmin 72 http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/GPS72_OwnersManual.pdf
every gps calculates speed and has a compass. on a handheld gps its a waste of money to put the marine chart the screen is too small to see clearly. if someone can calculate how much it comes if say we buy the garmin 72 from westmarine including freight and taxes and vat. we could know how much it will come. i dont know anything about these things never bought anything online. the garmin 72 i think is good for a handheld. i dont remenber the brand that had caruana marine but the only handheld he had had a small screen and another one for 190 euros and it takes a map for an extra 75 euros but still screen smaller than garmin 72
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: skip on June 27, 2008, 06:43:06 CET
Yep has a compass.

Costs will break down as follows from WM:

$129 divide by 1.57, *1.037 *1.18

Around ?100 excl freight which should be nothing between you all. Have a good look locally to see if anyone can offer you the non marine pack for similar money.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 27, 2008, 08:15:14 CET
guys im off for the lawrence go2 this morning as  i cant wait anymore lol i need the gps. Im taking my boat down tonight and off with longlines so i need the positions of the drop offs.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on June 27, 2008, 15:00:53 CET
meddcomms has only the marine pack. i think i am going to get the garmin 72 from england. its 85 sterling.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: bigboy on June 29, 2008, 11:25:20 CET
Guys i bought the lawrence go2 and it is brilliant. vary accurate aswell.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: spiru on June 29, 2008, 23:32:31 CET
last march i bought eagle 520 gps + fishfinder from e bay.5 inch colour fixed and then i bought the map fro caruana marine.i found it veryu good and it cost me LM195 for the whole package including map and taxes.the fishfinder is very accurate as it distinguishes from rocky bottom to sand and weed bottom.it has got loads of features including water temp,speed etc..from local retailers it costsLM280
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: EmicMalta on July 30, 2008, 08:13:25 CET
i saw busumark`s gps 72 garmin and i liked it. I was surfing true the net and found it at a very good price but they doesn t ship to malta.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B0007W5LL4/sr=/qid=/ref=olp_tab_new?ie=UTF8&coliid=&me=&qid=&sr=&seller=&colid=&condition=new

someone can help me pls?
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: suffrun on July 30, 2008, 10:13:46 CET
http://www.gpsw.co.uk/cats/cl3_41.html

Try the above link, its priced at 72 sterling.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: EmicMalta on July 30, 2008, 10:45:39 CET
yes a good site. But its 85 Sterling and coms at a total of Lm50. NOt bad

I ll what others say and if not I do the order from them
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: seamank on September 03, 2008, 21:59:43 CET
I bought a Garmin GPS 72 from Medcoms (expensive circa Lm86) but at least I got 2 yrs warranty on it. Instead of the car charger I opted for the serial plug and got also the software to connect to ur PC. Its great ... water proof and with the software after a fishing trip you can see your trip on the PC or even edit/save your waypoints. 
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: baghira on September 03, 2008, 23:41:10 CET
Hi guys
I am also looking for a gps handheld. I was opting for the gps 72, but then I found out that on e bay, the gps76 costs more or less close to the price of the 72. I will check it our and then decide. I also have the malta mapsource software on cd, and I wish to know if it can be possible to install it on the gps 76????
And by the way seamank, why buying it at a higher price?? When online you have already seen cheaper prices.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on September 03, 2008, 23:54:48 CET
from england i got it for LM45 halve the price from malta and if you keep the receipt and register your product with garmin i think that it will also be under warranty. when i checked with medcomms about 4 months ago they only had the marine pack for LM115 he didnt tell me they had for LM86
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: EmicMalta on September 04, 2008, 08:26:54 CET
I bought 2 x Garmin 72. Im working fine and no need of map for my needs. If need a waypoint, I just mark it and then I can teke in consider my route. I had another 2 in te past, a megallan that had problems after  the 1st month and a garmin 45 (old moddle) and with my needs although they say IP 67 it wasn t even splash proof. Now Im using these two for boat fishing and even spearfishing.

I also have that cable  and I transfer points from 1 to another so that doesn t happen again of loosing all my waypoints like how happened with the meggalan
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: seamank on September 04, 2008, 10:58:49 CET
Bought it from here cause I could not wait longer. Re warranty I am not sure if Medcoms will honour international warranty. If you have problems with it ?? the amount of money you would have saved you'll end using it for shipping it back.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: busumark on September 04, 2008, 11:43:54 CET
seamank maybe you are right but why we have to pay sometimes double the price for something so that these guys get rich quickly
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: EmicMalta on September 04, 2008, 12:00:47 CET
if its international garantee they must stand for that or otherwise ask Garmin before you make the order. No metter if its a gps, camera, rod, etc.... Conferm with the company.

If I tell you how much I paid for mine you will be loughing. I don t even think to go for garantee as what a bargin I had bought them especially the second one. And for not saying that the delivery was at my house

Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: digger on September 04, 2008, 19:24:21 CET
A few yrs ago i bought garmin handheld from uk i had a problem of my own making i took it to meddcoms who sent it to IRELAND after a week received new garmin from them so i think whereever you buy garmin will replace or repair. or maybe i was very lucky.
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: ramio on September 04, 2008, 19:28:45 CET
Keep it up as you are guys, and well be getting a container soon. Just joking!!
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: blueskip on September 04, 2008, 19:55:35 CET
I have a Garmin72 handheld which I have had for several years, nowadays I use it as a dedicated GPS for my DSC VHF, I also have a Navman 5600 Chartplotter, but I still have all my waypoints stored in the 72, so if the chartplotter ever goes off in fog or in the dark, I still have something to get me safely back to the slipway! ;) I got mine from Bass Pro in the USA, cost less in $, than they were advertised for in ? in the UK, it wasabout half price!:o
blueskip
Title: Re: Need to buy a gps handheld
Post by: placebo on September 04, 2008, 23:13:37 CET
go on the net guys and do not let the rich guys getting richer.

i do buy all the stuff from the net.
It's cheaper and you have all the rights that the business people do not offer in Malta.