Welcome To Portable Marine GPS Systems

An automotive GPS is useless on a boat because the automotive GPS does not have the correction service needed by watercraft. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the most commonly used correction service for accuracy, consisting of a network of towers that receive GPS signals and transmit a corrected signal by beacon transmitters.  Therefore, only users with the beacon receiver and antenna in addition to their GPS can receive these signals.

Marine GPS systems are distinguished from regular automotive GPS systems because they are preloaded with specific marine maps, enhanced shoreline detail, coastal navigational aids, tide data, and wrecks and obstructions. Many are waterproof and floatable.  Combination sonar/GPS are included in this category.

Most marine GPS systems have dim backlight which is ideal for night time operation.  Some have alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity way point, clock, low battery voltage and accuracy.  Some systems have software which allows for display and control of depth information supplied from a sounder device.  More expensive models allow for loading software offering additional map coverage for inland lakes, marinas, boat ramps, and roads.