DentonDoc wrote on Jun 5^th, 2011 at 2:30am:
Truth be known, I'd say that my GPS is not likely on for more than 2 hours over a 2-week trip.  That includes time for me to log various things I see in route to remember where I saw them.  For navigation purposes, the usage is probably less than 30 minutes, if that.  But I know that its there and it is one source of backup map should some ill befall my printed copy.

dd[/quote]

My thinking is probably in line with yours DD. I will probably have it on during runs on the big water with lots of islands. I suspect I will come to appreciate it very quickly then.

You make mention of logging points of interest. That is certainly a huge advantage from a fishing perspective. Nothing like marking a reef or two eh? That is something to look forward to. I'm thinking a pair of batteries per week. Does that sound about right?

And yes another spare set of maps certainly is a good thing. I need to practice plotting the numbers and entering them manually using the UTM grid. I have some helpful tools to do just that. I will bring them along in case I decide to alter my route for some reason I can't foresee. Might come in handy.