+Spraginator Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 I want to do some canoe/kayak caches, but my GPS (Garmin 62s) doesn't float! It seems that somebody must manufacture a floatation device that clips onto the back of it (where the caribeaner that comes with the unit clips on), but a quick internet search yielded no obvious results. So, how do you make your GPS bouyant? Do you risk it and just use a lanyard around your neck, or some other solution? Or is there a product on the market I am simply missing? Quote
+StarBrand Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 I want to do some canoe/kayak caches, but my GPS (Garmin 62s) doesn't float! It seems that somebody must manufacture a floatation device that clips onto the back of it (where the caribeaner that comes with the unit clips on), but a quick internet search yielded no obvious results. So, how do you make your GPS bouyant? Do you risk it and just use a lanyard around your neck, or some other solution? Or is there a product on the market I am simply missing? I never really have worried about it. However, I have a friend that always tucks his GPS into a small clear otterbox when we are on/over water. Quote
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 Choices, choices..... It either sinks and stays put.... or you (after gathering your wits) go like H___ to catch up to it before it goes over the falls! The choice is yours. The Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx floats. Quote
+kunarion Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 It seems that somebody must manufacture a floatation device that clips onto the back of it You could buy a bouyant key ring, or a fishing float, or make one out of foam plastic. Set it up so you can clip it on when you need it. Quote
+dfx Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 Or just use any object that floats and use the carabiner clip to attach the GPS. Or you attach it to yourself (lanyard might not be good enough). Quote
+Lil Devil Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 Not sure about the 62s, but the 60CSx would float when powered by lightweight lithium batteries. It would not float when using Alkalines or NiMH batteries. The difference in battery weight is just enough to make the unit buoyant. I wouldn't be surprised if the same is true for the 62. As suggested above, you could also add a boat key ring for extra buoyancy. Quote
+Sins DS Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 Ziploc bag. Protects it from the elements, and provides a bit of bouyancy, as long as you don't try to get all the air out. Quote
+Spraginator Posted May 16, 2011 Author Posted May 16, 2011 (edited) edit Edited May 17, 2011 by Spraginator Quote
+GeoGeeBee Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 Ziploc bag. Protects it from the elements, and provides a bit of bouyancy, as long as you don't try to get all the air out. Well, good suggestion, except it's already waterproof... Putting it in an inflated ziplog bag means that I can't push buttons... I have a lanyard and usually wear my GPS around my neck while caching. The last time I took it on a canoe trip, I used a carabiner to attach the lanyard to the canoe seat. I have a great suggestion for you, try geocaching! What brought that on? It seems like a rude response to someone who was trying to help. Quote
+Panther&Pine Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 (edited) I have a great suggestion for you, try geocaching! What brought that on? It seems like a rude response to someone who was trying to help. I think it is a swipe at the person who suggested the bag (they've got one logged find.) and it is a rather rude comment. On topic. I loop it onto my back with the lanyard, if I've lost the whole bag I'm in trouble. Edited May 16, 2011 by MooseJawSpruce Quote
+Spraginator Posted May 16, 2011 Author Posted May 16, 2011 (edited) edit Edited May 17, 2011 by Spraginator Quote
+fuzziebear3 Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 Ziploc bag. Protects it from the elements, and provides a bit of bouyancy, as long as you don't try to get all the air out. Well, good suggestion, except it's already waterproof... Putting it in an inflated ziplog bag means that I can't push buttons... I have a great suggestion for you, try geocaching! I don't really believe the waterproof claim* - when boating I use a ziploc bag. You can press buttons through the bag. The waterproofness of a Garmin is something like 3 ft depth for 30 minutes. Not really that waterproof IMHO. Yeah, if it takes a dip it should be okay, but I wouldn't plan on it in a known wet environment. Quote
+dfx Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 I don't really believe the waterproof claim* - when boating I use a ziploc bag. You can press buttons through the bag. The waterproofness of a Garmin is something like 3 ft depth for 30 minutes. Not really that waterproof IMHO. Yeah, if it takes a dip it should be okay, but I wouldn't plan on it in a known wet environment. I went swimming with my Oregon several times. Not a problem. Quote
mresoteric Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 I want to do some canoe/kayak caches, but my GPS (Garmin 62s) doesn't float! It seems that somebody must manufacture a floatation device that clips onto the back of it (where the caribeaner that comes with the unit clips on), but a quick internet search yielded no obvious results. So, how do you make your GPS bouyant? Do you risk it and just use a lanyard around your neck, or some other solution? Or is there a product on the market I am simply missing? I never really have worried about it. However, I have a friend that always tucks his GPS into a small clear otterbox when we are on/over water. I'll toss my vote in for the otterbox. Those things are awesome. Now only will they keep it dry and float, but they will protect against damage from dropping it as well. Quote
+Michaelcycle Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 (edited) Ziploc bag. Protects it from the elements, and provides a bit of bouyancy, as long as you don't try to get all the air out. Well, good suggestion, except it's already waterproof... Putting it in an inflated ziplog bag means that I can't push buttons... I have a great suggestion for you, try geocaching! I don't really believe the waterproof claim* - when boating I use a ziploc bag. You can press buttons through the bag. The waterproofness of a Garmin is something like 3 ft depth for 30 minutes. Not really that waterproof IMHO. Yeah, if it takes a dip it should be okay, but I wouldn't plan on it in a known wet environment. I have a Garmin 76Cx (the whole 76 and newer 78 series float) and it is waterproof. Just for fun I let it float beside me on a tubing trip of 3 hours on the Delaware River and it did not take on any water and functioned perfectly. It has been in the drink on numerous other kayaking and swamp stomping trips. A clear "dry bag" will let you read the screen and push the buttons. I have a larger one for my wallet, camera, snacks, etc and a smaller one specifically made for my smartphone. I have full use of all functions of the phone (including using my geocaching app for paperless caching) while it is in the small dry bag. Maybe you can find one that would accomodate your GPSr. Edited to add: if you are not familiar with the term dry bag, they are available at any boating supply house and many sporting goods stores. Edited May 16, 2011 by Michaelcycle Quote
Clan Riffster Posted May 17, 2011 Posted May 17, 2011 I'll toss my vote in for the otterbox. Those things are awesome. Agreed. I go one step further and tether my Otterbox to my boat. I used to believe in the waterproof claims made by GPS manufactures. After a few years of rough service, (including some dunking), my SporTrak Color finally died. When I opened it up, the circuit board had what looked like salt residue on it. I've used an Otterbox ever since. Quote
+GorgeHiker Posted May 17, 2011 Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) I like using these type of covers. You can still push the buttons unlike the hard shell type of boxes. waterproof cover This is just one brand but there are many more brands like it. Edited May 17, 2011 by GorgeHiker Quote
+Mudfrog Posted May 17, 2011 Posted May 17, 2011 Ziploc bag. Protects it from the elements, and provides a bit of bouyancy, as long as you don't try to get all the air out. Well, good suggestion, except it's already waterproof... Putting it in an inflated ziplog bag means that I can't push buttons... I have a lanyard and usually wear my GPS around my neck while caching. The last time I took it on a canoe trip, I used a carabiner to attach the lanyard to the canoe seat. I have a great suggestion for you, try geocaching! What brought that on? It seems like a rude response to someone who was trying to help. They have 1 find, almost a year ago, give advice that is clearly not helpful to anyone who has used a GPS, and 26 forum posts. That is not someone "trying to help", it is someone who is trolling our forums. Sorry to bring it back up and stray back off course, but Sprag's response to Sins DS legitimate reply just flat out hit me the wrong way. Thye troll comment made things even worse. Both of his/her replies were uncalled for and an apology should be offered. The ziplock bag idea is actually a good one. I dropped my 76CX on a rock and cracked the screen earlier this year so have used the baggie when caching in inclement weather. Pushing the buttons is not an issue as long as you don't try to inflate the baggie. I would say that just putting the unit in a ziplock and closing it would leave enough air inside for bouyancy but not impede button pushing. Quote
+BCandMsKitty Posted May 17, 2011 Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) I have a great suggestion for you, try geocaching! What brought that on? It seems like a rude response to someone who was trying to help. They have 1 find, almost a year ago, give advice that is clearly not helpful to anyone who has used a GPS, and 26 forum posts. That is not someone "trying to help", it is someone who is trolling our forums. With that kind of reply you would get no help from me if you paid me! You with all your experience! I have a great suggestion for you ... try common courtesy! Edited May 17, 2011 by BC & MsKitty Quote
+Sins DS Posted May 18, 2011 Posted May 18, 2011 Both of his/her replies were uncalled for and an apology should be offered. Not to worry. I have a thick enough skin to ignore these attacks, and have learned not to expect apologies in situations like this. By the way Spraginator, I log most of my finds in our family's team account. That one was a mistake. Quote
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