At the FLIBS(Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show). Garmin has uncovered its cards for 2019. There are many novelties in the “pot” of the American giant. And they are all very interesting…
SUPERCARTOGRAPHY
Let’s start with the map update: the Navionics acquisition paid off and here is the new BlueChart g3 and BlueChart g3 Vision nautical cartography. By cross-referencing Garmin and Navionics data, the result is a system that makes detail its strong points.
We were impressed by the definition of the coastline and bathymetry (with detail every 30 cm!), as well as the amount of information available on tides and currents, indications of harbors and services within the marinas. The nautical chart is also complete with the Auto Guidance 3.0 function, which, using chart data, automatically works out the best route to the set destination, avoiding any obstacles along the way.
The differences from the g3 version and the “premium” g3 Vision version concern the presence of some advanced features: perspective views and 3D Mariner’s Eye and Fish Eye visualization above and below sea level, high-resolution satellite images, aerial photographs of harbors, bays, and marinas to ensure better orientation while navigating. Fully compatible with all Garmin multifunctionals that were based on the BlueChart g2, the new map system will be priced from 149.99 euros and will be available from 2019.
THE NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL
Also new among MFPs, with the arrival of the 8400 range: the new high-resolution chartplotters with guaranteed visibility even under the solo and from side angles and unlimited connectivity are now available with 10″, 12″ and 16″ Full HD multitouch wide displays and are also available with integrated 1 kW dual-channel CHIRP sounder module in the xsv version.
The echo module is really interesting: incorporates CHIRP ClearVü, the high-frequency technology that returns extremely sharp and detailed images of objects, structures, and fish below the boat; SideVü, an invaluable aid to seeing what is happening at the sides of the boat through sharp, high-resolution images; and UHD Ultra High Definition, the new ultra-high definition echosounder that provides sharp and detailed images of structures and fish below and at the sides of the boat. They are compatible with the full range of conventional transducers (50/200 kHz), CHIRP transducers (28/210 kHz), All-in-One transducers, and the new Panoptix transducers.
With the large ultra HD screen that can be split up to six windows in split screen mode, you can keep an eye on all the data you need at once: cartography, radar, cameras, sounder, engine data, onboard home automation. The possibilities are endless!
The new interface for digital switching and on-board home automation is even more user-friendly, enabling easy monitoring and control of EmpirBus, MasterBus or Czone systems. All new chartplotters can also be integrated with FUSION-LinkTMto control the on-board entertainment system conveniently from the display. The new SmartModeTM function allows the user to quickly access all the information needed in the most stressful situations, such as mooring, with a single gesture.
The new GPSMAP 8400 series will be available from the first quarter of 2019 at a price range of €2,799 to €6,499 including VAT.
OTHER NEWS.
Other new products presented are an innovative autopilot remote control, the GRID 20 remote control keyboard, the “mini” version of the InReach two-way stablemate, and the GC 200 IP camera.
We focus on the pilot remote control: equipped with a very bright color display that is always readable, even in direct sunlight, this new remote control has a simple but comprehensive user interface and a well-thought-out, ergonomic design to assist you in all on-board operations. The new autopilot remote control has an innovative feature, Heading, which allows the user to control the direction to be taken or any course corrections by simply pointing the remote control in the desired direction; the advanced internal system and connected Garmin autopilot will do the rest, pointing the boat to the desired destination. The new autopilot remote control will be available from the fourth quarter of 2018 at a price of €349 including VAT.
