Success follows failure. . .

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

And, sometimes it is the other way around; or perhaps it is a cyclical event. We had a perfectly beautful sail on Friday night followed by a great day of practice boat handling skills on Saturday, ending on Sunday evening in utter frustration as I put waypoints and plotted a route on the GPS. If I am to make land fall at Sandy Point, New Jersey this summer I need to be a whiz at programming the gps. Folks that use them act like it is a simple push of the button.

But, which button?. The sequence seems confusing and the directions are a bit vague. I played with the dern thing all last summer to minimal avail. While waiting for the shuttle launch I forced myself to plot a course in my local waters just to see if I can follow it. I put in five way points and used a red flag to symbolize each point. Why, oh why, would only 3 of the 5 flags show up when I tried to program the route. I don't know why the gps, like my little lap top at home, cause me so much angst. My sister says I should buy a Mac, any ideas for a simple gps?

[Melissa Renee]

I am glad I am not the only one that doesn't know how to plot a course on the GPS chartplotter! LOL Maybe one day I will grow up and learn how to program the silly thing.. Interesting is I just learn how to turn on the wind and tide information on the silly thing. And the worst part is this is from someone who uses GPS or navigation equipment to fly around the world for a living!!! OK I know I am nuts and my dockmates just shake their collective heads.
As a NJ girl also, I make my annual pilgrimage to Sandy Hook to Horseshoe Bay.. Nice place, Just don't get close to the military restricted area just west of Sandy Hook.

[Suky]

Pete..... just around the corner from you ! lol

[Pete]

Just curious -- where the heck is Sandy Point, NJ?

[Suky]

simple gps on iphone....not sure if it extends to ocean. Maybe ask transmarine. Also, have you called manufacturer of your GPS. They are usually helpful. I switched to Mac 1 year ago, and I haven't looked back. I had fried 3 PC harddrives in less than 2 years and my MacBook just keeps giving. Also, the ASUS and some newer type with Linux are terrific as well.

[Captain Mike Baker]

What brand do you have? Model?

[Terri]

I haven't purchased a gps yet but plan on taking a short class on how to use one at local voc. school that offers night classes. I should have accomplished this, past winter, not sure where they'll offer during summer, maybe Power Squadrons? I have seen people do the "push a button" and walaaaa!!!! but I think they've had the darn thing for years. Also have seen many a sailor say "cant' figure it out"! Classes are like one or two nights, 30.00. It's not something I want to do half arsed and end on the rocks in a fog. I'll google later & see if any of the Boatwise or other places offer.. Good luck to you, I'll let you know what I find. And yes, my laptop drives me nuts..thought I was the only one! Fair Winds, Terri