One feature missing from the boat was a GPS. Since we intend to take the boat out into the sound and up to the San Juan islands, I felt a good GPS was a requirement. That doesn't remove my requirement to keep charts and learn how to pilot with manual instruments (including learning the difference between deviation and variation when dealing with a magnetic compass).

I debated a bunch of which unit to get. The 260 is a small boat and doesn't have any dedicated space on the helm for a GPS, so a nice console was pretty much out of the question. I was torn between getting a larger (5") display with low reslution (234x320) and a smaller (3.8") high resolution (480x320) display.

The decision was between the Garmin 192c and 276c. I got to see the 276c in action the other day, a friend uses it for snowmobiling. The 192c is definetly a more special purpose device, dedicated to marine navigation. The 276c makes tradeoffs for portability and multi-purpose (it does auto and marine navigation).

In the end I went with the 276c. Going with the portable one meant that hard wiring electrical on the boat was optional (I'll probably still do it, but it doesn't block me know) and that I have more flexible mounting options (today I used it on the boat with the automotive mount).

After some problems with the software (the bits in the box are massively out of date, but most of the updates where either available online or free to get shipped), the unit is great. The PC software enables me to set marine and auto way points. The auto mode rivals some of the best integrated nav systems (except for the screen), and the marine mode is fast and nice.

Next I need to drill some holes in the helm and put the marine mount up (more permanent), and then i'll have to decide if I want to run power... hmm... I should make the call on power first. I'd hate to have to move the mount because I put it somewhere that I can't get power too.

I've started plotting my route from Kirkland to Friday Harbor for our summer vacation. Now I have to decide if I take the inner route (east of Whidbey Island) that is longer (~88 mi) or the outer route (through the San Juan Straights) that is shorter (~72 mi). I think the outer route is more direct and faster, but I'm worried about the boat handling the more open sea. Staying inland of Whidbey will be a (I think) more comfortable ride, but I'm guessing that we will hit more slow zones. It looks like the inner route would add about 1 hour to the journey.