Overview

The Garmin 010-01504-00 is a handheld GPS navigator for boats, sailboats, and small watercraft when you need dependable position, waypoint, and track guidance without a chartplotter. It is rated IPX7 for water exposure and is sized to live in a PFD pocket or nav drawer at 2.6 x 6.0 x 1.2 in (6.6 x 15.2 x 3.0 cm), with a weight of 7.2 oz (203.1 g).

GPS lock is handled by a high-sensitivity receiver, and storage supports up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks. The screen is a high-contrast, 4-level gray LCD with a backlight for low-light checks at dawn, night runs, or inside the cabin.

For sailing and trip planning, it includes Garmin SailAssist functions plus onboard calculations like ETA, sunrise and sunset times, a hunting and fishing calendar, and celestial data. Battery life is listed at 18+ hours, which suits day sailing, tender runs, and keeping a true backup charged and ready.

Key features

• Handheld GPS for marine and shore navigation with quick satellite acquisition from a high-sensitivity receiver
• Stores up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks for repeat routes, fishing spots, and safe returns through inlets
• IPX7 water rating for rain, spray, and accidental drops in wet cockpits
• High-contrast, 4-level gray LCD with backlight for visibility in sun and at night
• Garmin SailAssist features for sailing-oriented navigation and on-water planning
• Built-in calculations and reference tools including ETA, sunrise and sunset, hunting and fishing calendar, and celestial data
• USB and serial interface for transferring navigation data when your setup supports it
• Estimated 18+ hours of battery life for day trips and keeping an onboard emergency backup ready

Compatibility and fit

This unit is a standalone handheld, so it fits boats that do not have a fixed chartplotter, as well as vessels that want a second GPS kept independent of the main electronics. It works well on sailboats, small powerboats, tenders, and kayaks where space is limited and a grab-and-go navigator is more practical than a mounted display.

If you plan to move waypoints or tracks to another device, confirm that your computer or onboard system supports the available USB or serial connection method used in your setup.

Installation and setup

Setup is straightforward: add your key waypoints, then build routes or track logs that match how you run your local waters. Many skippers keep a dedicated set of waypoints for entrances, fuel docks, anchoring spots, and a few safe bearings for poor visibility.

On deck, treat it like any handheld instrument: keep it where it is easy to reach with one hand, and stow it somewhere protected when it is not in use so the screen stays readable over time.

Use cases on board

GPS 73 is a good match for anyone who wants a simple backup position source for coastal cruising, day sailing, or fishing trips, and for owners of small craft that do not carry a fixed plotter. It is also useful as a navigation check during offshore runs when you prefer a second, independent GPS for quick confirmation of position and ETA.

Maintenance and care

After use in saltwater spray, rinse the exterior with fresh water and let it dry before long-term storage. Keep the unit clean around seams and connectors, and avoid storing it in direct sun for extended periods when it is not needed.