We are often told that unprotected equipment can lead to trouble! I came across this kayak at a recent Boat Show in London and was somewhat concerned about the recess that has been designed to accommodate a GPS unit. My fellow paddlers know that my history with electrical appliances has proved rather expensive - as I tend to have to replace damaged telephones, GPS units, cameras etc

My handy hint this week is that I know that having an unprotected GPS (not in a waterproof case) can lead to it being ruined - yes even waterproof GPS units. I recently experienced a total GPS failure (waterproof unit full of water) even though my GPS had not been submerged! I discovered that the contacts for a PC connection (3 copper discs on the back under a rubber seal) had corroded (salty conditions?) and water had entered the unit through the holes left in the plastic casing.

So my handy hint is .......Use a waterproof case even if your GPS, radio, cell phone is waterproof. If you decide to ignore this handy hint then I suggest, as the manufacturers recommend, that connections are dried and cleaned after use.

And the Good News- I really recommend Garmin products as this company's service was fantastic. My GPS unit was replaced by return of post.

The following additional pieces of advice were sent in after reading this handy hint...........

'The other reason for putting a GPS in a waterproof case is that it will/should float if dropped in the water, that may not be so on its own.'
Snowy

This follows on from the tip about putting so-called waterproof gadgets into waterproof cases. Some people argue that waterproof cases are worse than no protection for your waterproof electronic gadgets because they trap water vapour which then penetrates the equipment and condenses inside it. My tip is, if you use waterproof cases, slip in a sachet of silica gel to absorb any water vapour.
Chris Stephens

My waterproof GPS also Floats.....at least it does with AA batteries alkaline. When I changed to high capacity NiMh batteries (heavier) the unit no longer floated !
So..I changed the lanyard to a floating lanyard designed for eye-glasses. Not only does if float, it is also more colorful and easier to find it if I do drop it.
Doug Alderson

Chris Jones

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