The Sea Kayaking GPS - Garmin GPSmap 86sc

Is this the best GPS for sea kayaking? Maybe.

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[gadgetman_nz]

I managed to pick up an old etrex from about 2004 or something. It was basically brand new and cost me NZ$25/US$15. I use it just to get distance, time and speed data for paddles. I put in a few waypoints for start/finish places and that is it. Get about 22 hours on a pair of AAA cells.

[Simon_W]

We only have two version of that handheld available here in the UK. Looks very interesting. I had a quick look to see if it was covered by Garmins usually very generous discount for Emergency Services or Military personal, as I bought a Fenix 6X a few years back and got 40% off the price.
Defiantly something to look out for in the future once I get out and about more on our Coast and learn about Navigation.

[bobrein]

Brett, really great video. I am a long time user of Garmin GPS's (used for hiking) but nothing seams to be good for kayaking. One question, Is the reason you didn't get the SCI because you have a PLB? Or was it a cost factor?

[dcof]

Thanks, very clear and objective! You said you will perhaps use the 86sc for hiking. Can you load terrain and trail data onto the device?

[DanielHuecker]

This is now on clearance at West Marine for $160. So probably a new version coming out, but I’m buying this one for the great price.

[GreatLakesKayaking]

Funny update. Garmin no longer sells the 86sc. I tried to buy it yesterday and had to contact them ask there was no option to “add to cart”. They advised it still shows on their webpage but they don’t sell it. They still sell the SCI and the S.

[tvbox]

How well does it work for hiking? I assume that one can add and use topo maps? Thanks.

[xj]

Big Garmin fan here…..Fenix 5plus & 64gsp… wrt kayak app I use f3b row su kayak on my fenix in conjunction with the 64. Have you looked into this app?

[Maounde]

Hi, Off topic... How did you mount your phone (or Gopro?) on your Delta? I'd love to show my family some cool spots I go to and holding my phone for a few sec is less than ideal. Perhaps do a video on this? Drill holes or not, dos, don'ts, etc.

[Seakayak_Craig]

Thank you! Would you recommend upgrading from the GPS Map 78s?

[wisenber]

I went with the SCI so I could retire my Gen2 Spot (Yes, I know you hate subscriptions.)....and it floats. I certainly don't miss feeding batteries to my Spot and my old 64ST. My Spot could run for days on a single set of batteries, but the 64ST would go through 2-3 pairs of batteries a day.


I know you got it to not use your phone, but it does work with Navionics and Active Captain when paired with your phone.
On small sailboats, I'll often pair an Android tablet in a waterproof pouch for use in navigation. Sharing data among paddlers on the same trip works better using it with a phone too, even if you're using wi-fi without any internet. Your team can update any route planning and have it available to everyone with a compatible device.

I did attach a clip to the lanyard to speed up attaching it to the deck or PFD....even if it does float.

[kayak_homie]

A little off topic, but did you ever upgrade your vhf? I just bought tge std horizon hx890. Its a bit bulky but Im just starting off with nothing besides a cell phone, so the gps and dsc functionality is nice to have.

[wawaenui]

Do you know of an easy way of putting way points in via a PC map progam? Garmin stopped supporting HomePort and I do not think Active Captain works with the 86sc.

[livenhfree]

Do the maps cover inshore waterways/inlets/rivers as well? Thanks!

[kkutube]

Navionic, wish it was on this device.

[apleparulo]

Would a smartwatch such as a Garmin Fenix with marine maps be effective or could is substitute for the 86sc?

[kwesi]

Hello can someone help me please i accidentally formatted the internal memory of my GPSMAP 86sc and now i cant get to view my map even if reload the map am not seeing the map on the screen just a yellow scree with the pointer maybe some can send me a backup or the garmin folder from will fix my gps problem garmin want me to purchase a chart and download the map witch i don't find right if the map came preloaded with the product you already paid for

[kkutube]

Does it start and destination auto routing?

[waterfalls]

Like sending a text message in 1990? LOL! You mean 2000, or 2005.