Heads up on GPS

Just saw this important article about GPS on “Yachting World.” I've got to thank Boat Bits for the link.

Looks like for the rest of the year, there's a chance GPS signals will have accuracy problems and may even fail completely. Blame increased solar activity.

I've warned before about being too reliant on GPS. Don't completely depend on a complicated electronic device. Something as simple as dead batteries could turn them into a useless brick.

Worse than complete failure, in my book, is reduced accuracy. You think you are doing fine, but are actually in a dangerous area.

Just passing this along. It might be better to put one's money in maps and charts rather than expensive GPS units. I'll still use my cheap one, but it's just one navigation tool in my box of tricks.

-Sixbears