I'm looking at buying a GPS for the boat to assist in running the lower Col. and out of Westport and Ilwaco (tired of the fog anxiety). I have a friend who has a Magellan 315 (brand new in box) that he said he has no use for since he sold his boat and I could have for 100 bucks (he's never used it and isn't familiar with its use or features). I see that the Magellan 320 can be picked up for $139 on the web and has some nav features built in that the 315 does not. Can the 315 store waypoints and routes that can be followed when finding your way through poorly marked areas?

I've read on former posts that Garmin is superior as far as user friendliness. The GPS 79 can be picked up for around $220 bucks...any opinions between the units? I'm mainly interested in the tracking features of the units for following in lousy visibility conditions and want a unit that has a easily readable screen and simple functions. Thanks

Dan

i have the map 76 got it for christmass still am amazed at all the things i keep finding that it can do, have never had a gps so figuring it out is taking a little time personely i love it, as for the megellan don't know any thing about it but have not heard much of anything good, just got back from mexico took it with me all i can say is amazing, just my 02. doug

I love my GPS 76MAP... it's a lot better then the GPS III I use to have.. sure it's a little big. but hey.. it floats... what a great feature to have when your on the water.

ChucknDuck, If all you want is a GPS to plot tracks and mark way points, the 315 will serve your purpose fine. If you can get that unit from you're buddy for 100 bucks you should take it.
Now some things you may want to consider, the 315 is just a data unit, you will not see a map nor can you download a map into it, you can download waypoints but thats all. If you are navigating from 1 waypoint to another on a data unit it will be in a straight line, they do not show islands or navigate you around them so you better know whats between point A and point B. With a map unit, they have built in world maps that show the major islands, plus they are downloadable, meaning you can download detailed maps that are just like looking at a NOAA chart.
You mentioned the Garmin 76 ($220) that also is just a data unit, if you're going to spend that much I would suggest for $29 more checking out the E-Trex Legend, this is a mapping unit and probably the least expensive, good, mapping unit you can buy. Then as Doug mentioned, the Garmin map76, this is my personal favorite and for $349 an awesome gps. Alot of cool features, built in tide/celestial tables, it floats, larger screen then most handhelds, and very user friendly.
I hope this helps you a little and if you have any ? let me know.