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The Etrex doesn't accept any type of software especially Bluechart. You need to either mark your waypoints as you visit each location, or you need latitude/longitude coordinates beforehand. It's easiest to mark each waypoint starting from your launch point, then at major directional changes. After each mark is entered, you then rename that waypoint as something significant to you that you'll remember. It's also a good idea to have a handwritten log of all these waypoints along with the corresponding L/L's. The Etrex is capable of giving you a track line of your day's travels. Then when it's time to head back to harbor, use the track back feature.
GPS units that use cartographic chartplotting are the best way to go, but something like that unit is certainly better than nothing and always good for a backup when you do upgrade. It'll get you back if a fog rolls in.
The best suggestion I can make is to use it often. Even when you're not in a boat. Use it a lot in daylight hours. The point is to get very familiar with it then when mother nature doesn't play fair, you're not fumbling with it and guessing how it should or shouldn't work.
Best of luck.
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