Originally Posted by Iggy

The GPS is a wonderful piece of technology. Tells you exactly where you are at any given moment. Right up until it looses power.
A compass never needs batteries, never has an electronic breakdown, or looses a signal.
I think every boater should have a GPS but they also need to learn how to plot a course and read a chart the old fashioned way just in case.

You should have both devices. Never rely on just a piece of electronics.