Garmin Electronics for Boats

March 10th, 2010 Posted in Boating

With a range of hand held GPS devices and a line of marine electronics that carry their tradition of navigation assistance to the marine market, Garmin is a name that is widely associated with GPS systems. They start at $129.99 and go as high as $599.99. For faster map drawing and panning, Garmin also makes several chart plotters with QVGA color displays with high speed design. The chart plotters cost from $499.99 to $999.99.

Along with Chart plotters and GPS navigation systems, Garmin Marine Electronics makes VHF marine radios with features that make them an easy fit to your marine safety package. The Garmin VHF 100 has up to 25 watts of transmit power so that you can stay in touch no matter where you are on the water. Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability, is a feature of the VHF 100 that can transmit distress calls with a click of a button. If your boat has a compatible GPS chart plotter, the VHF 100 has mayday signaling and digital broadcast of the boat’s position. NOAA weather alerts and position tracking are also a feature of this radio along with the ability to track your friends who are out on their boats in your area.

Also made by Garmin are the VHF 300 AIS, VHF 300 and VHF 200. The 300 AIS is designed for 35 foot or larger craft and monitors all AIS (automatic identification system) channels at the same time, ensuring you don’t miss a transmission. The AIS 600 transceiver is also available. It’s a device that allows you to receive AIS target data and transmit your vessel information to other AIS users in your vicinity.

Garmin’s autopilot systems begin with the GHP 10, an easy to use autopilot system for auto guided navigation. This system has patented Shadow Drive technology that allows the skipper to maintain control when using the autopilot system. It automatically disengages if the wheel is turned, so that the helmsman can then maneuver the boat. When holding a steady course it automatically re-engages. It is possible to obtain up to three controllers for this autopilot system for autopilot capabilities from multiple places on board.

Small gas powered boats up to 20 hp in North America only, can use the TR1 Gold Marine Autopilot for ease of steering. It is truly the first autopilot designed for small boats trolling for fish. It can be set so that it holds its position against wind, current, or waves, and with the optional wireless remote, it gives control over steering and throttle control from anywhere on board.

Other marine electronics made by Garmin are sounders, fishfinders, radar and marine networking equipment. Garmin has been making navigation and communication equipment since 1989, and is based on vertical integration, meaning that the company designs, manufactures, and markets their own products. In addition to marine navigation equipment, Garmin makes automotive, aviation, fitness, recreation (camping), and smart phone systems that bring GPS navigation to as many devices as possible.