Quote Originally Posted by bocajemma View Post
I have to absolutely agree with everyone regarding a chart plotter. A mapping GPS, although not 100% required, does increase safety 10 fold over a standard GPS. My first year with my "new to me boat" I got by with just the GPS/sonar unit that was already installed on the boat. After nearly tearing my rudder off, and nearly getting stuck on a sand bar going into west harbor, I decided the GPS chart plotter was a wise investment. Although you can see chanel markers ahead of you might not actually be in that channel. this holds true for around the islands. The channel markers around ballast island can be quite confusing without the chart plotter.
Excellent post bocajemma! The same can be said about Lucy's Point, Gull Island Shoal, Kelly's Shoal, Sunrise Point, Short Reef and Crib Reef as they all have a dangerous spot or two that will eat your outdrive or worse. A GPS with a Hot Maps card makes for much safer boating in those areas.