Pros:

• Great display and user interface
• Floats on water
• Portable

Cons:

• Small screen not the best for permanent installations

Top Review Sources:

• GPS Tracklog: “Highly recommended; probably the best marine handheld series currently made by Garmin”
• Marine Electronics Reviews: “One of the most sophisticated marine handheld GPS units on the market today”
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (5+ reviews)

The Garmin GPSMAP 78sc is a handheld GPS built for use in boating and watersports. The 78sc measures 6.0” H x 2.6” W x 1.2” D and weighs less than eight ounces with two AA batteries installed. The display itself measures 2.6” diagonally and has a resolution of 160 x 240. It is possible to hold and operate this unit with one hand—rubber sides enhance grip security. Above the screen, you’ll find eight buttons plus a directional pad, all of which control functions via a responsive and well-organized on-screen menu system. The 65K color TFT display is sharp and detailed, exhibiting no problems with washout in the sunlight. The 1.7 GB internal memory of the 78sc is preloaded with coastal charts, and the microSD slot enables you to add more maps or custom data via an external card. The microSD slot, mini USB port, serial port, and external antenna jack are all protected by a rubber cover on the back of the device. When the cover is in place, the 78sc is waterproof (and floats). If you’d like to permanently mount your 78sc, there is an optional mount and power cord available. Running on batteries, the 78sc will operate for approximately 20 hours. The 78sc is also equipped with an electronic compass and barometric altimeter. This unit comes with a one-year warranty.

The Garmin GPSMAP 78sc ($487) is for sale on Amazon. Also available is the GPSMAP 78 ($297), which is not preloaded with maps and does not have an electronic compass and barometric altimeter, and the GPSMAP 78s ($386), which also lacks the maps but has an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.

Humminbird 788ci HD Combo ($606)

Pros:

• High-resolution screen
• Very accurate GPS
• Excellent sonar

Cons:

• Some image details are very small

Top Review Sources:

• Cabela’s: 4.5/5.0 (10+ reviews)
• Bass Pro Shops: 4.4/5.0 (10+ reviews)
• Marine Electronics Reviews: “A desirable chartplotter fishfinder combo for any boater looking to upgrade their marine electronics gear”

The Humminbird 788ci HD Combo unites GPS capability with state-of-the-art sonar in a highly-regarded navigation/fishfinding device. The 788ci HD Combo has a 640 x 640, 256-color TFT screen that measures five inches diagonally. Its high resolution permits a high level of detail, though very small details can be hard to read. Viewing angles are wide, reflectivity and glare are low, and the display remains legible in direct sunlight. The unit itself has dimensions of 6.9” W x 7.5” H x 4.5” D and can be mounted either in-dash or on its included quick-disconnect stand. Its internal GPS receives praise for its impressive accuracy and tight integration with its sonar functions. Its sounding capability is similarly impressive, with 500 watts of power, multimode results display, and dual beams. The supplied transducer can be transom-mounted or mounted inside the hull. You can supplement the 788ci HD Combo’s internal memory via its two external memory card slots. This unit carries a one-year warranty.

Purchase the Humminbird 788ci HD Combo ($606) on Amazon. You’ll also find the 788ci HD DI Combo ($740), which has down imaging capability.

Lowrance HDS-7 ($999)

Pros:

• Large, sharp screen
• Very precise GPS
• Easy-to-navigate interface

Cons:

• Included maps may not meet all needs

Top Review Sources:

• Marine Electronics Reviews: “Excellent for daylight viewability”
• Bass Pro Shops: 3.8/5.0 (15+ reviews)
• Cabela’s: 4.0/5.0 (2 reviews)

The Lowrance HDS-7 is a chartplotter/fishfinder combo unit with a 6.4-inch, 480 x 640 display. Images are sharp and bright even in sunny conditions, and viewing angles are excellent. On-screen functions are controlled by means of the HDS-7’s eight pushbuttons and arrow pad. Processing is speedy and the response time of menus is above average. As with the other nautical GPS units reviewed here, the HDS-7 can save thousands of waypoints and hundreds of routes. Memory capacity is expandable via the external SD card slot. The HDS-7’s 16-channel internal GPS antenna is a strong performer, locking on to signals quickly and exhibiting outstanding accuracy. The HDS-7 will also accept an external GPS antenna if you have a closed cabin. There are a variety of mapping cards available to supplement the included Expanded U.S. or Insight USA internal maps. The fishfinder works well with the included transom-mount, skimmer transducer and is able to sound 5,000 feet. The HDS-7 measures 8.8” W x 6.4” H x 3.5” D, comes with mounting hardware, and carries a two-year warranty.

The Lowrance HDS-7 with Expanded U.S. BaseMap and transducer ($999) is for sale on Amazon. You can also purchase the HDS-7 without the transducer ($949).

The post The Top Rated Nautical GPS Units appeared first on Reactual.

We have taken a close look at all the major brands in order to find the highest levels of quality, performance, and value. Our search took us to websites such as Bass Pro Shops, Amazon, Cabela’s, All Inflatable Boats & Kayaks, and Meijer for expert and customer reviews. Here are our picks:

Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat ($193)

• Bass Pro Shops: 4.4/5.0 (25+ reviews)
• Meijer: 4.5/5.0 (10+ reviews)
• Amazon: 3.5/5.0 (15+ reviews)

The Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat is the largest in the company’s Fish Hunter inflatable boat series. 3 Person ($97) and 4 Person ($135) Fish Hunters are also available. The Fish Hunter 6 Person gets high marks for its stability and its light weight. Reviewers have had success installing electric or small gas motors. The biggest complaint in reviews concerns the six-person advertised capacity; most who comment claim the Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat will comfortably hold only three or four adults. The 32-gauge PVC skin does a good job of resisting punctures and tears. This inflatable can accommodate up to a three-horsepower motor; it includes bow and stern fittings as well as a battery pouch. Fishing-specific extras include two inflatable seats, two rod holders, a gear bag, and chafing pads. Additional features: two tunnel chambers, four swiveling oarlocks, four drain plugs, and two carry handles. This boat comes with a 90-day warranty. Its weight capacity is 1,200 pounds.

The Sevylor Fish Hunter 6 Person Boat ($192) is available on Amazon, as are the 3 Person ($97) and 4 Person ($135) versions.

Intex Mariner ($350)

Top Review Sources:

• All Inflatable Boats & Kayaks: “We think you’ll find that the Intex Mariner inflatable boat offers awesome durability and comfort, and should live up to your expectations as a leisure craft”
• Cabela’s: 4.6/5.0 (25+ reviews)
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (20+ reviews)

The Intex Mariner resides at the top in of the company’s line of inflatable boats. This four-person craft has an inflatable keel, extruded plastic floor, and motormount fittings. Its skin is 26-gauge PVC vinyl with strategically-placed rock guards for extra puncture protection. Complaints about the Mariner, though sparse, center on the unrealistic claim of four-person capacity (three adults seems to be the max) and the poor quality of the included oars. Most feedback is positive; reviewers like the build quality, ease of transport, and quick setup/teardown times. The Mariner has four air chambers, two oarlocks, three seat cushions, two fishing rod holders, two grab handles, a gear bag, and a battery pouch. Customers report no problems installing a small motor. The Mariner’s weight capacity is 704 pounds.

You’ll find the Intex Mariner for sale on Amazon.

Sea Eagle 9 ($329)

Top Review Sources:

• TheCampingLifestyle.com: “A great value for the weekend rafter”
• All Inflatable Boats & Kayaks: “A hull so firm and hard you can pound on it with a hammer without fear of it ripping or tearing”
• Cabela’s: 4.2/5.0 (5+ reviews)

Sea Eagle is widely known for its high-quality inflatable boats and kayaks. The Sea Eagle 9 is an 11-foot boat built with fishermen in mind. Reviewers repeatedly comment on the remarkable low weight/high stability balance this boat provides. The Sea Eagle 9 comes with a set of oars, foot pump, rowing seat, and high seat. Though capacity is listed at four to five persons, two or three is a more realistic (and comfortable) estimate according to customers. Maximum weight is 1,200 pounds. The five-chamber hull weighs only 38 pounds when collapsed. The Sea Eagle 9 will accommodate gas motors of up to 3 horsepower and electric motors with up to 74 pounds of thrust. Additional features include a carry handle and four oarlocks. Like the other boats reviewed here, the Sea Eagle 9 comes with a repair kit. Other compliments the Sea Eagle 9 receives involve its easy inflation/deflation and resilient, 38 mil PVC skin. This boat comes with a three-year warranty.

The Sea Eagle 9 is for sale on Amazon. The Fisherman’s Dream package adds a set of floorboards, motormount, motormount bench seat, and middle bench seat. It is available with the Sea Eagle 9.

The post The Top Rated Inflatable Boats appeared first on Reactual.

Starting batteries and deep-cycle batteries aren’t meant to be substituted for one another; doing so will leave you stranded. Some manufacturers produce dual-purpose batteries, which attempt to combine the functions of starting and deep-cycle batteries into one package.

We’ve explored expert and user reviews of all types of boat batteries in order to bring you a list of the top rated . Our sources include Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Advance Auto Parts, Sears, and BatteryMart.com.

ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder/Marine Dual Purpose Series ($98 and up)

Pros:

• Above-average lifespan
• Long-lasting charge

Cons:

• Initial cost

Top Review Sources:

• BatteryMart.com: 4.9/5.0 (75+ reviews) (PC625)
• Amazon: 5.0/5.0 (10+ reviews) (PC625)
• Amazon: 5.0/5.0 (3 reviews) (34M-PC1500)

ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder/Marine Dual Purpose batteries use AGM technology to deliver performance that tops lead-acid batteries. Trolling Thunder batteries are built to fill both starting and deep-cycle roles. The manufacturer claims reliable starting energy coupled with up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. Reviewers confirm these impressive claims, expressing satisfaction with the long charge times and strong cranking power. Though Trolling Thunder series batteries cost more than conventional marine batteries, they last from 3-10 years, fully recharge in four to six hours, can be mounted anywhere due to their no-spill design, have higher impact and vibration tolerance, and are maintenance-free. Here a rundown of the six 12-volt batteries in the line:

• PC625 – MCA@32 °F: 250, RC: 27
• PC925 – MCA@32 °F: 500, RC: 52
• 34M-PC1500 – MCA@32 °F: 1050, RC: 135
• PC1800-FT – MCA@32 °F: 1450, RC: 475
• 31M-PC2150 – MCA@32 °F: 1370, RC: 205
• PC2250 – MCA@32 °F: 1550, RC: 240

Many AGM batteries use lead alloys for their flat plates, but ODYSSEY uses pure lead, which extends battery life. ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder batteries come with three- or four-year warranties.

Amazon has a selection of ODYSSEY Trolling Thunder/Marine Dual Purpose batteries for sale: PC625 ($98), PC925 ($170), 34M-PC1500 ($297), and PC2250 ($486).

DieHard Platinum PM-1 ($280)

Pros:

• Holds charge well while in storage
• Durable

Cons:

• Rare reports of premature failure

Top Review Source:

• Sears: 5.0/5.0 (15+ reviews)

The DieHard Platinum PM-1 features corrosion-resistant, tin-coated terminals, vibration protection, sealed construction, pure lead plates, and a three-year warranty. This AGM marine battery is dual-purpose; it can cover both starting and deep-cycle duties. It will typically last longer than lead-acid-type batteries. The Platinum PM-1 is a 12-volt unit capable of 1150 cold cranking amps at zero degrees Fahrenheit and has a reserve capacity of 205 minutes. It weighs 75 pounds and measures 9.5” H x 13” L x 6.8” W. Customers generally rave about the Platinum PM-1, citing its reliable performance and ability to start up after long periods of storage. Customers also have found the construction to be rugged enough to stand up to high levels of vibration and impact.

Purchase the DieHard Platinum PM-1 at Sears.

The post The Best Rated Boat Batteries appeared first on Reactual.