A Global Positioning System (GPS) has become one of the de facto “must have” electronic marine devices for every boat on the water. A marine GPS device provides two functions in particular that, once you get used to, you will wonder how you ever managed without.
First, marine GPS provides you essential information about where you are and how fast you are traveling. Most marine GPS units will tell you where you are within two to three meters of accuracy, how fast you are traveling and how far you are from shore.
Second, most marine GPS units allow you to set waypoints. A waypoint is a marker for where you are currently. This feature allows you to plot a navigation route through craggy rocks or difficult waters, avoiding buoys, nets and other obstacles. Multiple waypoints form a route that you can save and use as a guide for the inbound journey or re-use another time for safer and easier navigation to a favorite location. Another great benefit of setting waypoints is that you can mark significant finds whether this is an abundant fishing spot, a great scuba diving location or the position of a wreck.
By overlaying GPS waypoints with an integrated mapping tool or chart plotter, a marine GPS can give you a very precise picture of where you have been, where you are, where you want to go and what lies in your path.
Ultra-precise GPS marine electronics include the addition of signals from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). WAAS is program that was developed the Federal Aviation Administration to correct …

With so many options for discounted multifunction marine electronics, how do you decide which system is right for you? Here are a few pointers about features to look for in basic models and what additional features you can expect in more expensive marine GPS electronics.
Select the Type of GPS You Want
When it comes to marine GPS, you can choose between a handheld unit, a combo GPS/chart plotter or a standard GPS receiver that will be hooked to your computer. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks.
If you are looking for an accurate, but inexpensive GPS unit that can be used on and off the boat, then consider a handheld GPS with basic features. On-board marine electronics often include GPS receivers as an integrated package. You can find combo GPS fish finders, chart plotters, radars and other marine GPS combos.
Think of the Environment
In this case, the environment you and your GPS will be in. On the open water you are exposed to very bright sun, making it hard to read all but the brightest displays. Even on calm days you may experience choppy waters that will interfere with your balance. At times like this a handheld GPS with a small screen may be hard to read. What’s more, their small controls will be hard to manipulate when you are struggling to maintain your balance. If you do a lot of sailing on rough water, then consider a GPS or GPS combo that has a large display and large control knobs for easy navigation on bobbing waves.
If you have a small boat, …