VHF/anchor alarm/GPS pondering

[Shuggy]

I'm about to install a DSC VHF to replace the existing (broken) set up. So - I now need to provide it with an NMEA feed so it knows where I am when the worst happens. The only GPS on board is a Raymarine beast which needs to be fed constantly with amps and amps of juice, so ideally I need to get a small basic (fixed, not handheld) unit.

The same logic holds true for an anchor alarm. I can't keep the Raymarine switched on all night as it will just empty the batteries. So a second, fixed GPS would be useful for that too.

However, small, black & white, simple GPS units are really expensive - basic Garmins are about £160, and a 10 year old one has just hit £101 on eBay. Am I missing a trick or do I just need to bite the bullet and spend that much?

There is an old Philips one on board but the last time I looked it had my position somewhere east of Aberdeen, which from Argyll makes even my navigation skills look pretty good. Apparently it's beyond repair.

Any views?

[DaveS]

I know you say fixed not handheld, but have you looked at the option of a handheld with a mounting bracket and power / data cable? Probably both smaller and cheaper than a fixed unit, but does the same thing. I've a wee Magellan (model 310? 320?) which I got from Compass a few years back quite cheaply. The hardest bit is finding a neat way to terminate the data cable that doesn't involve sticky tape - not that that won't work temporarily, well for 10 years to date...

[Shuggy]

Dave

I had considered it but decided that in the interests of being neat I should really have a fixed one. The electrical system is a bit bodged and I do want to improve it rather than add to the bodges! Having re-read my post from earlier I'm now not sure what I'm asking other than having a whinge about the costs of fixed units. I may have to persevere with eBay.

Mind you, if you can make a taped connection last for 10 years...!

[Shuggy]

Ah well, I've taken the plunge and have bought a new Garmin 152 for £162.99. Bizarre when you consider what people are paying for second hand ones on eBay...