[upthesaukee]

I have a Magellen Map410 GPS with the Lake Winni map from CMap downloaded into it and Bizer's Waypoint file. The map is pretty good, the waypoint file is great and I have added a few waypoints for areas that were not on Bizer's file.

I rely on my Bizer chart and eyes first, and back up my observations with the GPS. At night, the GPS gives me an idea where to look for a marker or island. At anytime, it gives me an accurate measure of speed and heading. If desired, I can set alarms to warn me when I get within a certain distance of any waypoint. Bizer's waypoint file has several "safe passage" waypoints that if you navigate to them, you should remain clear of obstacles (ie, Alton Bay to West Alton...Safe point just east of Sandy Point flasher, just west of Echo Point flasher, east of Little Mark flasher.) When I am in a new or unfamiliar area, it helps to pinpoint just where I am at in relation to markers, flashers, hazards, etc.

In my prior life, I was an air traffic controller, and was always amazed at the RNAV (area navigation) and LORAN navigation equipment. On familiarization rides with some of the airlines, especially when flying late at night, pilots would request a routing from over Ohio, for instance, to the outer fix for Dallas Fort Worth, rather than following the Jet Routes (highways in the sky). Upon approval, the pilot merely entered the coordinates into the equipment, told the equipment to "go to that point" and the autopilot took over. Very interesting to watch the mileage click off from 500 miles out flying at a speed over 500MPH and see the miles clicking off at 8 or 9 or 10 miles every minute!!!! In the cockpit, the obvious advantage for the pilot was fuel savings (shortest distance is a straight line), less distractions (change of frequency for navaids and changing bearings to/from navaids), and happy customers (got them in early).

Personal experience with the GPS...Last July 4th, went to the fireworks at Wolfeboro, and there was no moon, and once past Sewell Point heading to West Alton, there was little visual reference available. There was a pretty good chop from the southwest, so looking over the top of that low windshield could get a little wet. GPS showed me where I was, how I was tracking in reference to my trip over to Wolfeboro (made in daylight and obviously clear of markers and hazards), and where to look for those pesky markers (1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, etc.). Still had to visually pickup Rattlesnake, Ship, Treasure, that pesky black spar off the SE end of Treasure, and Small's Cove Flasher. Did I look at the GPS alot???? You Betcha!!!! Did I just plain navigate off it???? Not on your life!!!!! Did having it on board and up and running make the trip better for me and my passengers????Oh Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck!!!!