my plan be to only use this gp unit when I be chart out new course , but I be find myself always strap it on now ! it be less cumbersome than I expect and work very well . out of about 20 run , it lose contact with the satellite once for about one mile - otherwise it have be faultless . it take about 3-4 minute to initiate contact when turn on and you need to leave it someplace still while it be find the satellite .