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#9 on this list
GPSMAP 79sc
Garmin
A marine handheld with preloaded coastal charts and a floating case — the deck companion for coastal paddling and small-boat navigation.
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#10 on this list
GPSMAP 65s
Garmin
A compact button-driven unit with sensitive antenna performance and ABC sensors — the middle child that fits when the 67 is too big and the eTrex too small.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | GPSMAP 79sc | GPSMAP 65s |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Coastal Marine Navigation | — |
| Display Type | Color Transflective MIP | — |
| Water Resistance | IPX7, Floats | — |
| Preloaded Maps | BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts | — |
| Battery Life | Up to 19 hours (AA) | — |
| Connectivity | USB-C, NMEA 0183 | USB-C, Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Antenna | — | Multi-band GNSS |
| Control | — | Button-operated |
| Sensors | — | ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) |
| Power | — | AA Batteries (2) |
| Screen | — | 2.6-inch color |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
GPSMAP 79sc
- Floats, preventing loss if dropped in water
- Preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal maps are highly detailed
- Excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight
- Durable, water-resistant construction (IPX7)
- Uses readily available AA batteries with good life
- Reliable multi-GNSS satellite acquisition
- Limited usefulness for land-based navigation without extra maps
- Button-only interface can be slower than touchscreens
- Larger and heavier than general outdoor handhelds
GPSMAP 65s
- Exceptional multi-band GNSS accuracy in challenging terrain
- Rugged, weather-resistant build for demanding conditions
- Reliable button-based interface, great for gloves or wet hands
- Long-lasting AA battery compatibility, easy field replacement
- Integrated ABC sensors provide crucial environmental data
- Screen size and resolution are dated compared to modern devices
- Button navigation can be slow for text input or complex menuing
- No modern wireless mapping or satellite communication features
- Bulkier and heavier than minimalist or smartphone-based options
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