Hobie Cat Forums

Anyone used a GARMIN FORETREX 401 on a Tandem Island for ocean sailing ?

Practical ? Any Good ?

Thanks

Anyone ???

Failing that, can anyone recommend a similar device ?

Thanks

I bought a Lowrance Elite4-DSI, which is a fishfinder/GPS chart plotter, which cost about $400 here in Australia. I am not familiar with the Foretrex 401, but the Elite4 seems to be ideal for Islands. I cut down a plastic canister to make a spray shield for mine, given how close to the water these things go on an Island

Yes, I use a 401 for speed, distance, and track logging when out in my AI. I've done so for several seasons. I also use the device for hiking, cross country skiing, and biking. I think its very convenient and handy. Does all I want. Display of essential trip data (speed, distance, time) is very legible. Track logs upload to google earth easily and are fun to look at. I like mine and would buy another if something happened to the one I have.

Timo

Thanks. Do you think it's worth going for something more comprehensive than the 401, like the Garman Oregon® 450 ? (color touch screen, on board maps etc) ?

I use the simpler foretrex 301
And works fine ,mounted under the mast on the trampoline (Hobie Tiger )

I can see the current speed and can look how many km,s and time the trip was

Also i can see on Google earth the track and speed

see pic,s



On google Earth i can move the diagnostic line

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Hobie Wildcat sailnr NED 16
Hobie Tiger sailnr 973 sold
Hobie 16 sail nr 104195 sold
470 sailnr NED 560 sold

There is a lengthy discussion about GPS units on the forum:
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=27236

You might check that out.

Keith

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I sail: S FL, Key Largo, Everglades to Cape Romano, Ft Desoto, Cedar Key

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

re: the 401 vs other garmin -- the reason I have the 401 is for use in multisports activities. The oregon unit would not be useful for biking, cc skiing, etc. The 401 is small and light and straps to your wrist and you can look at it like a watch. That's the reason to get it if that functionality is what you want.


Timo

i really like the touch screen on my garmin oregon 200

j

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2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

Apart from the obvious functions of navigation and track plotting, I really like the velocity indicator on my GPS. It gives instant feedback on the effect of even minor alterations to the trim of the boat. One drawback of a wrist or hand held GPS is that it tends to give inaccurate and spurious speed readings. A GPS which is fixed to the boat gives much more consistent readings. I prefer my smartphone GPS these days for all terrestrial activities, but I still find my old Garmin 76CSX, with its big display and much longer battery life, most useful on the boat.

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