GPS for Speed Determination

[Hilltopper]

Would like to purchase a GPS to use to get a good estimate of trolling speed rather than put a paddle wheel on the back of my boats (already have one wheel but I don't have a lot of confidence in it). I don't know much about GPS technology. Have an X-85 on both boats. Was thinking about some type of hand held gps model to go along with the X-85's....don't really want anything real expensive (don't really need expensive mapping software, etc.)....just a real accurate speed reading and waypoint indicator. Does anyone have a suggestion. Sure would appreciate your advice.
Thanks.
Russ

[Sunshine]

I use the Garmin 12. This GPS receiver from Garmin offers full-featured performance at an inexpensive price. The GPS 12 features a 12 parallel-channel receiver; 500 waypoints and 20 reversible routes of up to 30 waypoints each. Going price is $150 w/ sale prices common at $120. It has worked flawlessly for me.

I also have a gps on my Lowarance 350a that cost me about $500 but like the garmin better. There's a testimony for 'ya

[Hilltopper]

Thanks very much !I was thinking about the Garmin 12 but couldn't decide by reading the information I could find if it calculates speed. Your response was exactly what I was hoping to hear..BTW..does it seem to be pretty accurate at slow trolling speeds ? Really appreciate the help !
Russ

[Hawgeye]

You will not get real accurate GPS readings under about 4MPH. The wheel works the best. As for low cost GPS, I have one for sale on the swap board. Make me an offer if you are interested.

[BradB]

I've been running a Garmin GPS III+ and a Vexilar Edge with the paddle wheel and I am seeing big differences in speed. The GPS always reads faster by one to two MPH. This is over a range of 1.5 to 3.5 MPH.

I am really not sure which, if either, to trust. The paddlewheel-read speed seems to wander up and down quite a bit more than the GPS.

What do you think? When the GPS says I'm going 3 MPH and the Vexilar says 1.6 MPH, which am I probably closer to?

Thanks,

Brad

[FishForSport]

I own a Lowrance Global Map 100. For the money it is by far the best handheld GPS on the market. You get mapping technology, 160x104 pixels, 12 parallel channel receiver, Mapcreate CD Rom(optional for $30.00) which you can download(2 maps at a time) for numerous locations all over the world, 750 waypoint storage, 1000 event markers, 99 routes, 3 saveable plot trails, Zoom - 0.1 - 4000 miles, audible alarms, 10 year backup battery, 6.7"H x 2.2"W x 1.6"D. The retails in Edmonton, AB Canada are selling this unit for $299.95. I use this unit in my boat and vehicle by using a handy RAM mount which makes this unit very portable. For my money I wouldn't buy any other unit. LOL

FishForSport