First time GPS user needs help!

[Fish Buster]

Hello Everybody!

I am planning to buy a basic hand held GPS such as Garmin eTrex or Magellan eXplorist 100/200 for fishing trips only. I do not need a built in map or any other advanced features. All I need is ability to store waypoints and chart a course to them. What I am confused about is these sets have so few keys, I cannot understand how I will enter a waypoint coordinates externally; I mean I can understand if during fishing I want to add a waypoint I can use the built in keys on the set, and the coordinates would be entered by the system automatically for that location. What if a friend has given me coordinates of a good spot, say a reef, will I be able to add a waypoint from my home for future use?

Please forgive my naivity, but I have never used a GPS before, and would be grateful if some of you gurus can help me select a proper handheld, being low on budget that I am.

Thanks,
FB

[captkeven]

Yes you can add waypoints manually. On garman you'll go to the add waypoints page and add the waypoints manually. When it comes to this you'll need a gps with up down left right arrow keypad. The Garman 72 is prob your best bet to start with.

[787337]

The blue Garmin Etrex (legend?) will allow you to enter waypoints manually. You can probably pick a new one up for less than $150. Maybe cheaper on EBAY. The pages on the GPS are operated similar to a computer. The joystick works similar to the mouse. If all you need to be able to do is enter and mark waypoints, stick with the cheaper versions, otherwise you are paying for features you don't need.

[BocaBoca]

Check out the Lowrance H20C. For a few dollars more this unit is just great. I have one and think it is fantastic. Great screen, bright colors, easy to read in sunlight and lots of useful features. Easy mode and advanced mode and simulator mode which is fun to mess around with when not on the water.
I got mine from West Marine.

[SeaSwirler23]

Go with a Garmin 72 or 76. Easy manual waypoint entry, they float too.

[cross21114]

I recommend you use whatever you get in your car. This allows you practice with it a lot when you are not under pressure. It's the only way to learn - as you use it, the functions begin to make sense.
Heck, you'll probably enjoy it also.

[kev-n-tim]

I suggest you find a local dealer and have a look at the different unit. Ask them to explain them to you. Then you can either buy it there or write down the model and look it up on the internet.

Just my $.02

[Fish Buster]

Thank you guys for your help. I haven't yet decided which one to buy but do now know I can manually enter waypoints in almost all units.

Cheers!
FB