Garmin GPS 73

Q: I'm wondering why there are no reviews for this item...anywhere. It looks to be a good quality product, but I'm a bit concerned at the lack of a map.

The 73 is a replacement for my much-loved Garmin 72H, which finally started to give up the ghost (display pixels failing) after yet another sailboat race to Hawaii. This was Hawaii race number 6 for this particular 72H, this year going doublehanded on an Olson 30. It was a very fast and wet ride (2070 miles in 11 days 5 hours!)User-settable speed filtering is an absolutely essential feature for sailboat racing, and the 72H and 73 are the only handhelds that have it. It's critical to be able damp out speed variations due to GPS scatter, to detect changes in current and other slowly-varying factors that might only show as tenths of a knot. When I first saw the 73 at a boat show last fall, I complained that the screen was smaller than the screen on the 72H. But I think the resolution is improved, so readability does not suffer. The plus side is that battery life is vastly improved. The 73 is extremely user-configurable, so there is a learning curve involved. For example, it took a few minutes just to find a display mode that would show latitude and longitude. But once set up to your preferences, it's a great piece of gear. As you suggest, I wish Garmin would add the speed filtering feature to a higher-end handheld that could also hold a map database.

Q: Is this unit waterproof? I plan on using this in a bailout bag crossing back and forth by boat to the Bahamas

To some degree so long as you do not submerge it.

4.4/5

Product ID: 733904077

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Details

Brand
ガーミン(GARMIN)
Model Name
GPS 73
Vehicle Service Type
Boat
Screen Size
2.6 Inches
Special Feature
Bluetooth
Connectivity Technology
GPS

📍Stores 1,000 waypoints & 100 tracks

🔋18+ hours battery life

🛰️High-sensitivity GPS receiver

Description

🛥️ Navigate your next adventure with confidence and style!

SAIL LIKE A PRO - Virtual start lines, countdown timer & tack assist for flawless sailing precision
UNSTOPPABLE POWER - Runs 18+ hours on just 2 AA batteries—no charging anxiety
MEMORY THAT MATTERS - Save up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks—never lose your favorite spots
EFFORTLESS VISIBILITY - Backlit LCD screen and dedicated buttons for quick, clear navigation day or night
NAVIGATE WITH CONFIDENCE - Marine alarms & MOB features keep you safe on every voyage

The Garmin GPS 73 is a rugged handheld marine navigator designed for powerboats, yachts, and small vessels. Featuring a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, it stores up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks, supports essential sailing tools like virtual start lines and tack assist, and offers over 18 hours of battery life on 2 AA batteries. Its backlit LCD and marine alarms ensure reliable, easy-to-read navigation in all conditions, making it the perfect backup or primary device for safe, precise maritime journeys.