What GPS?
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2873
Printed Date: 19 Aug 25 at 7:17am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: What GPS?
Posted By: TimF
Subject: What GPS?
Date Posted: 17 Apr 07 at 6:51pm
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Hi
I am interested in getting a gps for dingy sailing, mainly just to give me a speed, so that when I am out on my own I know what is making me faster and what is slowing me down. I was thinking of spending around £120 and was looking at the foretrex 201. Anyone got one or got any other suggestions.
Thanks |
Replies:
Posted By: Isis
Date Posted: 17 Apr 07 at 7:05pm
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I wouldnt look any further than a Velocitek... Its a little more pricey that some of the other models but for that you get a big screen with easy to read numbers and the VMG function which (as far as im aware) none of the other units have. The only downside is that as its specificaly designed for sailing with its big screen and casing its not quite as practical for other uses ------------- |
Posted By: Charlie
Date Posted: 17 Apr 07 at 8:17pm
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My Garmin foretrex 101 has a VMG function, and i was cheeky and got it on the cheap across the pond. Haven't played with the Velocitek, but the huge numbers do look easier to read than the Garmins, though if you go faster than 10 knots you don't get fractions of a knot displayed on the Velocitek. Prob best bet to have a play with both before splashing your cash. ------------- Finn GBR 657 - Blown It Laser 164635 Planet Earth: 30% Land, 70% race course! |
Posted By: Guest
Date Posted: 17 Apr 07 at 8:35pm
I use the Velocitek - huge digits  ------------- |
Posted By: lozza
Date Posted: 18 Apr 07 at 7:46am
I thought the velocitek alternated display between the first two digits and the decimal digits??? ------------- Life's a reach, then you gybe |
Posted By: aardvark_issues
Date Posted: 18 Apr 07 at 8:30am
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I would trust the Garmin VMG function over the Velocitec one any day.
Unfortunately to use that feature you have to sail to and mark your waypoints (marks) before racing. Anything that requires manual wind direction input has to be pretty ropey in that department! I have a Foretrex 201 and find it very good. Especially usefull if you are going to use it for anything other than sailing |
Posted By: kimaldis
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 1:06pm
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word of warning about the Garmin products; they're not waterproof. I've been through 3 of them now. Not one of them ever went further than half a metre underwater in capsizes and none of them ever spent anything like the IPX7 standard's 30 minutes submerged. It's a shame because they're good units otherwise. |
Posted By: Villan
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 1:58pm
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My 201 has lasted a few weeks - But I have only taken it out with me once so far - When I went out for a drift at the 2k Inlands! ( 6 mph .. go us! ) Only problem I have had is connecting it to my PC. It uses a Serial connection, so make sure your PC has one! ------------- Vareo - 149 "Secrets" http://www.TandyUKServers.co.uk" rel="nofollow - TandyUK Servers |
Posted By: timnoyce
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 2:11pm
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My garmin seems fine and it's the one with batteries which is apparently less waterproof... and i sail a cherub so swim more than average! ------------- http://www.facebook.com/bearfootdesign - BEARFOOT DESIGN Cherub 2648 - Comfortably Numb |
Posted By: CurlyBen
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 2:57pm
I didn't even manage to get off the slipway for the first time before one of the pins came out of my 201! 
------------- RS800 GBR848 Weston SC |
Posted By: ifoxwell
Date Posted: 21 Jun 07 at 3:19pm
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Ive had a problem with my 201 as well however it was replaced by return of post... no questions asked. When i lost the docking unit for it as well after 18months they sent me a new one FOC... no questions asked. Yes they seem to have been unreliable but i for one cant fault their customer service. They get my vote everytime. Ian |