Garmin GPS72
by James D.
For anyone out there who may be in the market for an affordable quality hand held GPS unit, and one that we can safely carry in our kayaks without the fear of losing a few hundred dollars overboard, I believe that I have found the answer, the Garmin GPS72. This particular model claims to be "The next generation in entry level GPS's", and after using one today it is easy to see why.
I have been hesitant to purchase a GPS for kayak use for the simple reason that if it were to go over the side, even though most of, if not all the Garmin range are water proof, there would be upwards of $400 sinking to the bottom of who knows what body of water. With this range Garmin have solved this problem.
The GPS72, GPS76, GPSmap76, and the GPSmap76S are all light weight waterproof, and believe it or not, unsinkable! Now I have only covered the "72" here for the one simple reason that we all consider before purchase, and that is the price. At around $329 retail, the "72" provides excellent value for money and for those who have not had experience with GPS, these tools prove to be invaluable pieces of fishing arsenal. Imagine finding a "Hot" fishing spot (I am sure that we all can relate to this) where it's just gone off all day, and the thought of that day and location haunts you for weeks or even months until you get time off work to visit once again. When that day finally arrives, you can't remember the exact spot on that lake, river or estuary where you experienced that moment of piscatorial passion. Well no more, with these little beauties you can mark that precise spot down as a way point and return as many times as you want and as often as you want. The GPS will tell you how to get there, how far you have to go, and is accurate to within three metres!
As for reliability, I find Garmin to be outstanding. I spent years with the military using the Garmin GPS12's and 12XL's which were great little units, and this GPS72 is the replacment for these models. I have no fear in recommending this unit for anyone out there, from the experienced user who needs plenty of functions, to the beginner who wants something simple to learn.
The GPS72 can store up to 500 waypoints, has an automatic track log which allows you to retrace your path in both directions, it has a trip computer telling you your average speed, trip timer, and trip distance. There are alarms for anchor drag, approach and arrival, proximity waypoints, shallow water, and deep water. The "72" also contains built in celestial tables for the best times to fish and hunt, sun and moon rise, set, and location.
I won't waffle on with all the statistics to bore you, instead go to GME Electrophone and have a look at the Garmin range. I'm sure you will be impressed with the features and functions and also have a look at the many accessories such as car mount and marine mounts.