Collection: Portable GPS

Portable boat GPS: autonomous navigation and onboard backup

A portable marine GPS complements the boat’s fixed electronics. It allows position fixing, simple route following, waypoint recording, and maintains autonomous navigation when the phone, tablet, or onboard electrical system are no longer available.

This collection includes Garmin portable GPS units suited for marine use: backup in the safety bag, navigation in a dinghy, sea kayaking, coastal fishing, delivery, anchoring, or redundancy on a boat already equipped with a fixed chartplotter.

Simple portable GPS for position and route

For basic navigation needs, the Garmin GPS 73 International offers a compact solution to follow a route, record waypoints, and maintain an independent positioning method. This is the type of device to include as a simple backup, provided it is kept charged, familiar to the crew, and configured with the correct coordinate formats.

The Garmin GPSMAP 65 provides a more comprehensive approach with map display, multi-GNSS reception, and versatile use on water and land. It suits recreational boaters who want a more readable backup GPS than a minimalist unit while remaining independent of the boat’s electrical panel.

Multi-GNSS, mapping, and sensors

GPSMAP 65 models are useful when position stability matters: enclosed areas, partially covered cockpits, dinghies, coastal navigation, or mixed use. The GPSMAP 65 multi-GNSS prioritizes satellite reception and portable navigation. The GPSMAP 65s adds ABC sensors, including an altimeter, barometer, and electronic compass, useful for marine and land use.

For marine-oriented use, the Garmin GPSMAP 79s targets navigation where waterproofing, buoyancy, and worldwide mapping are priorities. It is suited for dinghies, small vessels, open boats, and scenarios where the GPS may be handled outside the console.

Portable GPS with satellite communication

The Garmin GPSMAP 86i with inReach adds a satellite communication layer: tracking, messaging, and SOS function depending on subscription and service coverage. This type of model addresses more committed navigation, crossings, deliveries, or crews seeking communication redundancy in addition to positioning.

A GPS with inReach must be configured and tested before departure. The subscription, emergency contacts, predefined messages, tracking, and charging are part of the safety preparation, alongside charts and waypoints.

How to choose your portable GPS

• Primary use: onboard backup, dinghy, coastal navigation, nautical hiking, fishing, or satellite communication.
• Mapping: useful if the device must serve as a navigation reference, not just display coordinates.
• GNSS reception: prefer multi-constellation models if position stability is required in partially masked areas.
• Battery life: check battery type, power-saving mode, and onboard charging capability.
• Waterproofing and buoyancy: critical criteria for open cockpits, dinghies, sea kayaks, or safety bags.

Prepare the GPS before sailing

A portable backup GPS must be operational before departure. Check satellite acquisition outdoors, WGS84 format, units, actual battery life, presence of required charts, and charging cable. Add critical waypoints, store the device in a known location, and include a lanyard or waterproof case depending on use.

To complement your navigation equipment, also see the chartplotters, electronics & navigation, and Garmin collections.