Re: Awesome

I checked out that web site and it is of interest, and I see it being more fun than useful on the Cumberland. I have broadband on my laptop, and I can get the google earth images while cruising, and it can be fun to play around with.

Many of the GPS systems also have the satellite mapping capability allready, like the little Garmin unit I have on my Sea Skiff. I never had any use for GPS or radar on our section of the Cumberland, even at night, we're just not in an area where you really need it. On Old Hickory Lake it's a different story, you get off the main shipping channel up there and you can do many thousands of dollars worth of damage real quick. For that reason I installed a Garmin 430 loaded with the inland waterway charts, with optional chip. It's invaluable when you're trying to find the channel into Gallatin Marina, where COFFEE BREAK ran aground.

One way to find out about the new beta, and that is to try it. However, I would be reluctant to navigate with it if it's a beta. I would feel a lot more comfortable using a marine specific system that is tried and true if my underwater gear and personal safety were at stake! Just curious if your boat has a color screen GPS unit? I can recommend the Garmin 430, it is about as low a cost unit as you can find with as many features, and it's allready loaded with the inland waterway charts. For a cruiser (our 430 is idea for our 20' Skiff) I would consider getting a larger unit, because the larger the unit the more clarity you get from your satellite images. Although I have satellite image capability, I more often use a hybrid view, being more comfortable looking at actual charts than satellite images with lots of trees along the waterline. All the navigational points show up, and VERY IMPORTANT, so does the centerline of the main shipping channel. You stay on that and you will NOT run aground. I like the fact that the navigational points show up on the GPS screen, so we know where to look for them in advance. VERY USEFUL on Old Hickory Lake. You could drive the lake at night just looking at the GPS.

Regards,

Paul