Here’s what you need to know about Garmin LiveScope. Pretty soon, you might be angling like the pros.

Fish smarter with Garmin LiveScope

The Garmin integrated LiveScope system enables you to see real-time, clear sonar imagery of fish and underwater structures. With multiple viewing options, LiveScope helps make it easier to find fish in any inland or offshore waters.

This system comprises 3 essential marine electronics: a transducer, a sonar black box and a compatible chartplotter.

Transducer: Mounted to the trolling motor or a stand-alone pole, the transducer sends out sound waves and listens for the returning echo to create live sonar images. Forward-facing sonar helps you see what’s going on in front of and around your boat up to 250′ away with LiveScope 2, up to 200′ away with the LiveScope Plus System and up to 500′ away with LiveScope XR. Down mode provides you real-time views of what’s happening directly beneath your boat. Ideally used in shallow areas, perspective mode provides a horizontal view of the water so you can see a wider slice of your surroundings. Plus, when you tack on Spy Pole and a GT360UHD transducer, you’ll get a 360-degree view of life beyond your boat with OneVü.

Sonar black box: A sonar black box is the connector between the transducer and a compatible chartplotter for both LiveScope Plus and LiveScope XR setups. It processes the information it receives from the transducer and creates detailed, real-time sonar images that your chartplotter can display. For best performance, mount your black box in a dry and accessible location.

With LiveScope 2, cut out the middleman and leave your black box at home. Expanded sonar visuals from the transducer will appear on your chartplotter with 20% greater resolution, providing wider coverage and sharper detail.

Garmin chartplotter: Not only are chartplotters great for navigating to your favorite fishing spots and marked waypoints, but the clear, bright and readable display helps you see the fish below. ECHOMAP series or GPSMAP^® series chartplotters are ideal companions for LiveScope users. Both make it easy to distinguish between fish and structure thanks to vivid sonar color palettes.

When you pair your Garmin chartplotter, Force^® trolling motor and Spy Pole mount, you can control your LiveScope pole directly from your plotter. Oscillate the pole and lock in on points of interest using SpyLock and SpyScan.

Benefits of fishing with LiveScope

Fishing becomes faster — and a lot more fun — with detailed underwater visuals that can help improve your efficiency and targeting.

When you have Garmin LiveScope technology on board, you’ll be able to better see and understand fish behavior. Instead of blindly casting and hoping for a bite, the images displayed on your compatible chartplotter can help you compensate for underwater structures and avoid getting your lure caught on brush piles or logs. To better understand how fish interact with your line, watch your screen as the lure hits the water. You’ll be able to adapt your technique for more targeted fishing. 

Identifying your target species and large schools of fish becomes easier with LiveScope. Once you find a fishing spot you want to revisit, mark a waypoint and route yourself back the next time you’re on the water. Fishing your favorites is endless with LiveScope.

For an even better time on the water, check out Garmin LiveScope sonar.

The post What is Garmin LiveScope? appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Garmin Spy Pole

As Garmin pro and 2022 Bassmaster Classic champion Jason Christie put it, “The only picture that could be better is if you dive into the water with goggles, and I’m not sure that’s really even better.”

For coastal or inland anglers, one thing remains clear: A successful day on the water starts with Garmin LiveScope. With different options available, the question becomes which version of LiveScope is best suited for your needs. Below, we’ll walk you through your choices.

LiveScope 2 series

If you’re a serious angler looking for a LiveScope model that pushes the limits when it comes to lifelike, real-time views of the underwater world, LiveScope 2 is for you. Compared to previous generations, LiveScope 2 offers 20% higher resolution and 25% wider sonar angles in all 3 modes (forward-facing, down and perspective) thanks to the LVS44 transducer. Plus, LiveScope 2 connects directly to compatible MFDs, taking the need for a black box out of the equation. Who wouldn’t upgrade to an easy-to-install system with expanded sonar?

If you’re more interested in detailed visuals than extended range, consider LiveScope 2 HD with the LVS42HD transducer. Anglers can expect 50% more detail at closer ranges — the highest quality sonar from Garmin to date — and castable distances out to 125′.

Reel in fish at new depths with ease and efficiency when you’ve added LiveScope 2 technology to your boat.

LiveScope Plus

Known for high-quality sonar images, LiveScope Plus gives anglers even more edge. With improved resolution, reduced noise, clearer images and better target separation, see more and miss nothing. With 7 color palette options — including Aqua, Caribbean, Lava and more — anglers can fine-tune setups to their personal preferences for maximum clarity using all 3 modes.

The LiveScope Plus System includes a LVS34 transducer and a GLS 10 sonar module, so new users and upgraders have complete LiveScope functionally. If you’re upgrading an existing LiveScope system, you can opt for just the LVS34 transducer. 

LiveScope XR

For anglers wanting range, LiveScope XR exceeds expectations. Explore the deep with a range up to 500′ in freshwater and 350′ in saltwater, all with powerful clarity — perfect for coastal and open-water fishing.

LiveScope XR System includes a LVS62 transducer and a GLS 10 sonar module. If you already have a sonar box and want to upgrade your current system, pair your LiveScope model with the LVS62 transducer for LiveScope XR benefits.

Whether you’re bottom fishing for grouper or picking crappie off a brush pile, Garmin has you covered. Browse Garmin live sonar offerings to add our must-have marine electronics to your boat.

The post Which LiveScope model is right for me? appeared first on Garmin Blog.

If you’re curious about what Garmin marine electronics will best suit your needs, keep reading as we share a few of our favorites.  

1. Chartplotters and mapping solutions

Starting strong, let’s dive into Garmin chartplotters. Chartplotters have evolved to become a standard tool for anglers and boaters. Modern chartplotters are a multifunctional hub for your nautical charts, sonar and compatible marine equipment. When you take advantage of Garmin mapping solutions, you can expect smoother navigation. With Garmin Navionics+, plan out your routes and take note of what areas to navigate to or away from. Features like built-in Auto Guidance+ technology¹ help boaters plan trips by suggesting dock-to-dock routes, while the shallow water shading feature makes it easier to see where shallow waters are.

When you upgrade to Navionics Vision+, you get high-resolution relief shading for a realistic view of your underwater landscape and satellite imagery for a top-down view of surrounding land features and shallow areas with lots of vegetation and shoals. Plus, utilize surface photos for more above-water visuals. For even more depth data, dynamic lake level will detect your boat’s position and lets you adjust your map’s depth values to show updated shorelines and current water levels.

Curious where other boaters are docking their vessels? Join the ActiveCaptain® Community to see points of interest, reviews and ratings from other boaters right from your chartplotter. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite marina or small town.

2. Marine cameras

When you dock your boat, Garmin camera systems can help ensure a smooth approach and tie off. Consider the GC 255 flush mount camera or the GC 245 surface mount camera when having your desired camera system installed². To dock with ease, set up guidance lines and distance markers to avoid or see how far away you are from nearby objects. View up to four cameras at the same time on your chartplotter with FishEye, BirdsEye and standard perspectives².  

Looking for a tailored set up that’s factory-installed? Monitor 360-video feed on your compatible multifunction display (MFD) using the Surround View System with six cameras so nothing is left out of sight. The feed includes visual bumpers for captains maneuvering into tight spaces along docks, piers or other objects. Plus, listen for audible beeps from your MFD when you get too close to nearby objects.

3. AIS/VHF radios

Keeping in touch with nearby boaters requires the proper communication electronics. To help with collision avoidance, Garmin Signal VHF 400 and VHF 220 marine radios with built-in AIS offer detailed information from surrounding vessels. Transmit (VHF 400 only) and receive nearby vessel data, including vessel name, position, course and speed from other AIS-equipped vessels.

Clear audio is key when communicating with other boaters. To combat unnecessary noise, adaptive noise cancellation automatically tunes out background sound for a clean audio experience. Want to play back audio from other vessels? Record up to three minutes of audio from active channels. In case of an emergency, transmit a distress signal using digital selective calling so first responders can receive crucial information.

4. Radars

With a Garmin marine radar, see targets and objects ahead of time. When it’s getting dark and weather conditions cause low visibility, Garmin GMR Fantom radars can track targets with MotionScope technology to avoid potential collisions.

Adjust target size for better separation on your screen and check out dynamic auto gain features like auto bird gain, dynamic sea filter and rain clutter to locate birds, vessels and rainstorms.

If you’re familiar with advanced radar imagery, use target tracking as well as alerts and markers, including variable range markers and electronic bearing lines, to maintain a safe distance between other vessels and objects. And when you set a desired distance, you’ll receive an alert when you get close to other vessels.

5. Autopilots

Navigating with precision and control are key aspects for a successful day of boating and, we’re here to offer a helping hand. No matter where you’re headed, Garmin autopilot systems are purpose-built for improved control at the helm.

Thanks to the built-in, solid-state 9-axis attitude and heading reference system, your boat will react and adjust depending on the water conditions. Plus, you’re sure to stay the course with precise orientation and course guidance.

When paired with your Garmin chartplotter or GHC 50 autopilot instrument, wirelessly control your autopilot system from any spot on your boat.

Feel more confident navigating to any marina, any dock and any destination. Browse our lineup of marine electronics and learn more about your favorite products before you hop aboard your vessel.

¹_{Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations.}

²_{Feature requires professional installation and calibration. Contact your boatbuilder to confirm availability.}

The post How to increase situational awareness on the water appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Award-winning marine electronics from Garmin make it easy to take inland or coastal cruising to the next level. And with a wide range of products to choose from, we’re here to help you find the right marine electronics for your boat and budget.

For charting your course

Chartplotters:

If you’re a coastal angler looking for a chartplotter with LiveScope live scanning, high-definition sonar,  built-in Garmin Navionics+ charts, and the ability to connect with your autopilot systems, you’ll want the GPSMAP^® 9000 series or GPSMAP x3 series. Made for easy fit for any dash configuration, both the GPSMAP 9000 and GPSMAP x3 series come in multiple display sizes as small as 7” and as big as 27”. For inland fishing and exploring, consider adding the Garmin ECHOMAP series with high-def sonar, preloaded charts and vivid imagery to your electronics collection.

Marine mapping:

Charting your path is easy with marine maps available for coastal waters, rivers and lakes around the world. Garmin Navionics+ marine maps offer great detail and include shallow water shading, 1’ contours and depth range shading. Built-in Auto Guidance+ technology also gives suggested dock-to-dock routes. When you upgrade to Garmin Navionics Vision+, get advanced map layers, such as relief-shading and satellite imagery, aerial and surface photos for awareness of your surroundings and depth data with dynamic lake level.

For easy access to your maps and charts, including content from other boaters, wherever you are, download the free ActiveCaptain^® app. Update, download and save your charts on your mobile device and display them on your compatible chartplotter.

For finding fish

Fishfinders:

If you’re new to angling but still want a quality product to track down the best fishing spots, try out a fishfinder from the Garmin STRIKER Vivid series. With the help of STRIKER fishfinders, you’ll be able to see the fish below in high contrast, mark your favorite spots and store up to 2 million acres of maps.

Sonar technology:

Sonar technology will help you see what’s beneath your vessel in vivid, crystal-clear imagery. When you are using chartplotters and transducers that support scanning sonar, see directly below your boat with ClearVü sonar or on either side with SideVü. For hands-free fishing, situational awareness and a 360-view of underwater surroundings with OneVü, tack on Garmin Spy Pole and a GT360UHD transducer.

To target fish and scan their movement in real-time, live sonar imagery depicts marine life with better target separation and higher resolution in three different modes. With forward-facing, down and perspective mode, the Garmin LiveScope Plus System is fit for every fishing trip.

Trolling motors:

If you need something that will help propel you through the water quietly and efficiently, you’ll want to consider a Garmin trolling motor.  Go hands free and focus on catching fish thanks to wireless foot pedals in both forward and reverse for ultimate stealth maneuverability. Enjoy remote control capability when you draw your route on a compatible chartplotter. With choice in shaft length, you’ll find a trolling motor that aligns with the size of your boat. If you’re a kayaker, you’ll want the Force® Current to help you weave through tight spaces and navigate weed beds. Anglers with bass boats, you’ll be able to fish your favorite spots easily and all day with a Force Pro. For boats with deep v hulls, check out the Force Kraken.

For sailing the open waters

Wireless start packs:

Enhancing your sailing experience means knowing how to navigate both the wind and the water. With a Garmin GMI/GNX Wired Sail Pack 52, you’ll have more than one electronic to add to your collection. This phenomenal sail pack comes with a GMI 20 designed to show depth, speed and wind, and a GNX 20 that displays depth, speed and water temperature. Both have antiglare lenses for both day and night visibility. You’ll also receive a gWind transducer for superior sailing performance at low wind speeds and linearity as well as an AIRMAR^® DST 810 for heel/trim and pitch/roll inputs.

For controlling your vessel

OnDeck Hub:

When you’re out on the water, track, monitor and control a number of boat functions with the Garmin OnDeck system To receive notifications about your boat’s battery, shore power, bilge or saltwater pumps, simply pair the ActiveCaptain app with your smartphone, so you can be in the know 24/7. For even more connectivity, control your boat’s electrical function from your chartplotter or MFD with exclusive Garmin Boat Switch digital switching technology. 

Garmin Marine Network:

Having a full system setup that allows you to control all aspects of your boat from the helm provides seamless connectivity and data sharing. When using the Garmin Marine Network and NMEA 2000^®, you’ll be able to access Garmin marine audio systems, AIS, sonar, radars, chartplotters and more — all from one or more displays.

For entertaining

JL Audio®:

For fantastic sound quality on the water, JL Audio speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers are easy to set up, equipped with digital signal processing technology and can be adjusted from your computer and compatible handheld device. JL Audio M6 marine speakers offer superior frequency response and ultralow distortion with a sleek design and LED lighting. For more state-of-the-art marine audio, you’ll want a JL Audio MVi amplifier for higher level sound performance and a JL Audio M7 subwoofer for stunning bass.

Fusion:

Choosing a head unit that fits all your entertainment needs is a must. For a head unit with seamless streaming, powerful audio performance, an internal amplifier and quick response times, you’ll want to check out the Fusion Apollo RA800. With twice the power of its predecessor, this marine head unit delivers fantastic clarity and high-quality audio performance. The Fusion marine head unit is built to withstand harsh marine conditions that keep your head unit working for the long haul. 

Head unit networking:

You’ve got your Fusion Apollo RA800, and now you want to connect it to other Apollo series head unit. Take advantage of the head unit networking feature by downloading the Garmin audio app on your compatible Android or Apple^® device. This feature allows you to seamlessly connect multiple head units and enjoy synchronized audio sources, volume control and power options for any head unit on your boat.

For communicating

Satellite communicators:

If you are looking for a Garmin device that specializes in off-the-grid communication², the inReach^® Messenger Plus or inReach Mini 3 Plus will suit all your needs. If you opt for the inReach Messenger Plus, you’ll need to pair your smartphone, have an active inReach plan and the Garmin Messenger app to send and receive text messages, photos and 30-second voice messages. If you prefer a standalone device, consider the inReach Mini 3 Plus for voice messaging, texting and receiving photos. All Garmin devices enabled with inReach technology or inReach Plus technology and an active inReach plan will allow you to trigger an SOS message in case of emergency.

Another long-lasting, durable product option enabled with inReach satellite technology is the GPSMAP 86i marine handheld. It is preloaded with coastal maps and charts, it floats and is perfect for any water adventure.

quatix^® marine watch:

Navigating the water with your smartwatch is easy with a quatix 8 Pro. Built for durability, the quatix comes with inReach techonology³, a built-in speaker, a microphone and dedicated marine features. With peace of mind from the wrist, send text messages, make voice calls and trigger SOS messages with satellite and cellular connectivity. Plus, mark your favorite fishing spots and stay up to date on water conditions such as depth, speed, heading and wind. You can also control your chartplotter functions via voice commands¹ as well as your trolling motor and Garmin marine entertainment system.

Radios:

Putting safety first means equipping your boat with electronics that ensure you’re aware of the vessels around you. Check out the Garmin Signal VHF 400 and VHF 220 marine radios to communicate with nearby boaters. Fit for any vessel, the premium VHF 400 and VHF 220 features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen. With the VHF 400, relay your vessel name, position, course and speed to other AIS-equipped vessels through built-in Class B AIS technology⁴. Plus, communicate clearly with noise cancellation capabilities, record and playback up to three minutes of audio from active channels, and much more with these superior marine radios.

Remote station:

The Garmin Signal RM 100 remote station is simplicity at its finest. When you add the remote station, control your VHF 400 and VHF 220 radios from a flybridge or secondary helm. Connected to the Garmin BlueNet Network, pair your remote and VHF radio for clear communication and increased situational awareness. 

For staying aware

Man overboard tags (MOB):

Being worry-free at the helm starts with passenger and captain peace of mind. When you have Garmin OnBoard System, pair up to 8 passenger-worn tags to your Garmin chartplotter. When triggered by overboard passenger tags, a MOB waypoint will be marked and an alarm on your MFD and Garmin OnBoard hub will sound. Captain tags will trigger engine cutoff so your boat stays in place while help is on the way.

Radars:

Having a radar on your boat can help you minimize the risk of an incident out on the water. To help you avoid potential hazards, find birds and track weather, consider the GMR Fantom radars. Highlight moving targets using MotionScope technology, see clearly with high-resolution imagery using pulse compression, find flocks of birds on the water using auto bird gain and more.

Cameras:

When you’re maneuvering into tough spots, you’ll need a camera system that lets you see your boat from every angle. The Garmin Surround View Camera System increases situational awareness by sending a high-definition video feed right to your chartplotter. See a 360-degree wraparound view of your boat with live bird’s-eye view video. For retrofitters wanting a similar camera setup when pulling into the dock or avoiding obstacles in the marina, consider a GC 255 or GC 245. Aside from high-definition video feeds, you’ll be able to create guidance lines for easier maneuvering and operate between three different camera views: FishEye, BirdsEye and standard with low-light capabilities.

Lighting:

Lighting on your boat is not only a great way to enhance your entertainment system onboard, but also great for increased awareness when navigating low-light conditions. For entertainment purposes, consider above water lights, such as Lumishore^® strip lights and downlights, to craft any lighting and ambiance from bright colors to soft gold and whites. Looking to install lights with wide-coverage that illuminate below the waterline? Consider Lumishore underwater lights. Once you’ve got your lights installed, control them from a compatible MFD with a Lumishore command center.

Collision avoidance:

In addition to their communication capabilities, Cortex^® V1 and Cortex M1 with smartAIS^® monitor the traffic and routes of other vessels on the water. When there’s potential for a collision, your Cortex device will alert you with collision alarms. You’ll be able to send and receive vessel ID, position, course and speed information if other boats are equipped with an AIS device.

¹_{Bluetooth^® connection required}

²_{Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.}

³_{Active subscription required; LTE network coverage and satellite connectivity are not available in all countries, e.g., satellite coverage up to 50 miles offshore. Check Garmin.com/quatix8procoverage for requirements and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in countries to where you may be traveling. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.}

⁴_{The Garmin Signal VHF 220 is AIS receive only}

_{Android is a trademark of Google LLC.}

_{Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.}

_{The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.}     

_{NMEA 2000 is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.}

The post What does your boat need? appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Garmin LiveScope has changed the fishing game. Not only are anglers able to be more efficient on the water, but locating cover where fish might be has never been easier. Plus, seeing them move below you is pretty remarkable. Using forward, down or perspective mode, see exactly what’s happening under the water in real time, from the point your lure drops to the moment the fish decides it’s curious enough to take a bite.

That said, LiveScope doesn’t operate on its own. The chartplotter you pair it with is where you’ll get that real-time picture — and how you’ll cash in on that crystal clarity that live sonar can provide. Wondering exactly which Garmin chartplotter you need to get the most out of your Garmin LiveScope? Consider resolution, screen size, sonar support and installation when finding your preferred chartplotter.

1. Resolution

Resolution is a big component. A higher-resolution unit gives a better picture. Which is, of course, the point of using LiveScope technology in the first place. The better you can see the sonar returns, the better chance you have of success. For the highest resolution, consider the GPSMAP® 9000 series or GPSMAP 9000xsv series. At 3840 x 2160 pixels, the 4K resolution is top-notch. Need a more cost-effective option that still delivers excellent LiveScope performance? The GPSMAP x3 series offers full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) with outstanding sonar capability and premium networking features.

With up to 1920 x 1080 pixels, the ECHOMAP Ultra 2 series is also a contender that plays well with LiveScope — and those looking for a still-impressive resolution at a lower price point might consider the ECHOMAP UHD2 9” with 1024 x 600 pixels.

2. Screen size

Hand-in-hand with a high resolution is, of course, a screen big enough to see it. Screen sizes can be a matter of personal preference, as well as a matter of practicality, when taking into consideration your budget and the size of your boat. A general rule of thumb is that bigger is better to see below the surface in maximum clarity and detail using LiveScope sonar returns. Garmin chartplotter screen sizes range from 6” (the ECHOMAP UHD2 6”) up to 27” (the GPSMAP 9227), so there’s sure to be the perfect screen size for everyone.

3. Sonar support

When it comes to upping your angling game, you need sonar that gives you a broader scope of your surroundings before homing in with live sonar. In addition to LiveScope support, select Garmin chartplotters also offer high-definition scanning sonar. When bundled with a transducer or built-in sonar, GPSMAP 9000xsv, ECHOMAP Ultra 2 and ECHOMAP UHD2 series chartplotters include CHIRP and scanning sonar.

A staple of CHIRP sonar, see iconic fish arches in greater target separation. Before locking in on fish, use scanning sonar (such as ClearVü, SideVü and OneVü) to get the lay of the land — or water in this case. Find brush piles and other structure where fish might be hiding. Add a GT360UHD transducer and Spy Pole to get a 360-view of the water beneath you with OneVü.  

4. Installation and wiring

If you want to get the most out of your LiveScope unit, proper installation is key and we recommend two things: good, marine-grade wire and good wire size.

For quality, high-resolution LiveScope imagery, it’s recommended you have a 10-gauge wire running from the bow to the back of the boat. Another pro tip, you’ll need more wiring than you think. For example, if you measure 15’ between where your LiveScope is mounted and the battery source, it’s really a 30’ run. Because the current runs from the battery back to the LiveScope unit, you’ll need 30’ of wiring.

If you’re looking for the perfect chartplotter to pair with your LiveScope, look for a combination of good resolution and a screen size that fits both your budget and your boat — and make sure you’ve got the additional sonar support, wiring and battery to go with it.

The post Which Garmin chartplotter should I pair with my LiveScope? appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Garmin marine electronics can help increase peace of mind while on the water, and there’s no time like the present for advanced and beginner mariners to freshen up on boating best practices.

Here are six tips for captains and passengers to promote smooth sailing this boating season.

1. Prepare your vessel and passengers.

Increase your peace of mind on the water by outfitting your boat with Garmin marine electronics such as man overboard (MOB) tags, AIS devices and chartplotters.

Protecting the crew is of utmost importance. With the Garmin OnBoard System, tag up to 8 passengers. Both captain and passenger tags mark waypoints on your chartplotter and sound an alarm from the MFD and hub when triggered. Captain tags will trigger engine cutoff, stopping the vessel from moving.

To help avoid potential collisions while on the water, equip your boat with a Garmin AIS device. When you have a Garmin VHF marine radio, you can see ID, position, course and speed information from other AIS-equipped vessels. To receive and transmit additional data, including alerts, dragging anchors and man overboard, equip your boat with the Garmin Cortex® V1 hub. Coupled with a compatible chartplotter, see real-time alerts and information directly on your display.

If you’re looking to add more Garmin marine electronics to your situational awareness toolkit, check out our GPS satellite communicators and accessories (such as our adjustable mount and spine mount adapter), autopilots, radars, camera systems, satellite compasses, marine smartwatches and more.

2. Know your waters. 

Being prepared is essential in executing any plan. It’s no different when navigating your route on the water. With the #1 marine mapping¹, get daily chart updates, suggested routes with Auto Guidance+ technology² and downloadable charts for your chartplotter. Get additional map features such as high-resolution relief shading, satellite imagery and more with Navionics Vision+.

Plus, with the free all-in-one ActiveCaptain® app, download and manage all your favorite charts and maps on your mobile device. When you join the ActiveCaptain Community, read user reviews, comments and ratings about marinas, boat ramps and other points of interest. Track, control and monitor your boat with the Garmin OnDeck system directly from your phone.

3. Buckle up. (Your life jacket, that is.) 

According to a 2024 recreational boating report by the U.S. Coast Guard, 87% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Whether you’re navigating remote coastal waters or calm inland waves, you must have the proper life jackets on board. Having various sizes of jackets ensures that both adults and children are snuggly buckled up. If you’re curious what type of jacket you should have on board, check out the Coast Guard Foundations boating safety guide.

4. Have a safety plan. 

In the event of bad weather or high-risk boating practices from nearby vessels, it’s important to have a plan in place to protect your boat and those on board. Ensure life jackets are accessible, and your crew is knowledgeable on how to protect themselves in case of an emergency. For best safety practices during a crisis, check out tips from the Coast Guard Foundation. Plus, don’t forget to share a rough itinerary of your trip with someone on land.

In case of bad weather, always check the local forecast for the day. See water and developing weather conditions on your compatible chartplotter when you have a Garmin radar.

Once you have the desired electronics and safety supplies, it’s important to verify your boat is in line with state and federal safety regulations. To ensure your boat is compliant, have a volunteer Vessel Safety Check examiner inspect the vessel. 

5. Boat sober. 

Alcohol is the leading contributing factor to recreational boating fatalities, according to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Operating a water vessel while under the influence is illegal in many jurisdiction because it can weaken boater awareness and reaction time.

6. Take a boating safety course. 

According to NSBC, most boat operators have never taken a boating safety course. To educate yourself before heading onto the water, take free on-the-water and online training courses offered by NSBC. The free videos and quizzes give insight into basic navigational rules of boating.

Being prepared on the water ensures a smooth trip for both boat operators and passengers. Enjoy the water this boating season when you complete these simple best practices. For more resources and education opportunities, visit the NSBC’s National Safe Boating Week website.

_{¹Based on 2025 sales}

_{²Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations}

The post 6 tips for peace of mind on the water appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Whether you’re enjoying a day on your boat, eyeing that next big catch, or both, a durable chartplotter is one of the most important components of your boating experience. You may prefer a large touchscreen with the best screen resolution possible, or you need advanced sonar features such as SideVü, ClearVü or OneVü with LiveScope compatibility. Maybe you just want a fishfinder with GPS and basic sonar.

However you enjoy time on the water, we’re here to help you understand the differences in the many GPS chartplotters and fishfinders Garmin has to offer.

Here are some of our innovative chartplotter and fishfinder offerings:

GPSMAP® 9000 Series (10”, 13”, 17”, 19”, 22”, 24”, 27” Chartplotters)

We’re starting with the big one. The best of the best, one may say. If you’re serious about all things boating and you want a chartplotter loaded with features and capabilities, the GPSMAP 9000 series should be your top choice. This series offers a range of display sizes and configurations to fit different helm setups. With the GPSMAP 9000 chartplotters, you can have stunning 4K resolution at sizes ranging from 13” to 27” and full HD on 10” display screens.

It’s all about speed and clarity with these modern and luxurious chartplotters. The GPSMAP 9000 multifunction display provides connectivity at lightning-fast speeds and can connect to multiple chartplotters, sonars (separate black box required; sold separately), radars and cameras. Those networking speeds clock in at 10 times faster than previous versions on the Garmin BlueNet network. Meanwhile, the processing power is up to seven times faster than previous generations, allowing for faster map drawing and routing.

You can also enjoy top-of-the-line marine charts. The GPSMAP 9000 series has preloaded Garmin Navionics+, which provides detail-rich coastal and inland charts, Auto Guidance+ technology¹ and a 1-year subscription for daily map updates to help keep up with sea bed changes. With an optional upgrade to Garmin Navionics Vision+, see even clearer with high-resolution relief shading and satellite imagery that pops with the 4K screen.

Is entertainment your forte? With the GPSMAP 9000, you can sync your audio and video across your network of screens and speakers — all from one spot at your helm through HDCP distribution. With the GPSMAP 9000, it’s simple.

Plus, for those who want the same powerful capabilities in a more compact configuration with built-in sonar, the GPSMAP 9000xsv models are available in 10” to 17” display sizes. These chartplotters include integrated CHIRP traditional sonar and UHD scanning sonar, allowing you to explore what’s below the surface in vivid detail.

GPSMAP® x3 Series (7”, 9”, 12”, 15” Ultrawide, 16” Chartplotters)

If you want to transform your boating experience, you’ll love the GPSMAP x3 series, available in 7”, 9”, 12”, 15” ultrawide and 16” touchscreens — with or without built-in sonar and Garmin Navionics+ charts. Perfect for a variety of boat types and styles, these chartplotters offer a sunlight-readable display and slimline design borders with edge-to-edge glass.

The GPSMAP x3 series comes with optional built-in 1 kW traditional CHIRP sonar as well as Ultra High-Definition SideVü and ClearVü scanning sonars with vivid, high-contrast color palettes to differentiate fish from everything else. Furthermore, the GPSMAP x3 series supports the full lineup of LiveScope, Panoptix and CHIRP traditional sonar, so you’ll have the visibility you need around your boat, in real time (transducers sold separately).

Are you passionate about sailing? Then this is the chartplotter for you. With the GPSMAP x3 series, take advantage of sailing features such as Garmin SailAssist to view laylines, receive race start line guidance, view enhanced wind rose and more. Embrace your vessel’s polar table and view key data to guide how you trim your sails.

And rest assured, you can navigate confidently with superior marine charts with the built-in Garmin Navionics+ mapping, which provides detail-rich coastal and inland charts of lakes, rivers, inlets, bays, and nearshore and offshore waters. It includes Auto Guidance+ technology¹ and a 1-year subscription to daily updates. Or you could upgrade to a whole new level with Garmin Navionics Vision+ charts that supply high-resolution relief shading and satellite imagery.

With any of the GPSMAP x3 chartplotters, you’ll be able to build a complete onboard marine system using NMEA® networks or the Garmin Marine Network. With compatible sonar, autopilot, radars, cameras and more, you’ll be completely connected.

Consider your boating experience officially transformed.

ECHOMAP Ultra 2 Series (10”, 12”, 16” Chartplotters)

If you’re serious about your fishing and looking to get more out of your chartplotter, we’ve designed the ECHOMAP Ultra 2 just for you.

Take it all in with the Ultra 2’s larger display options at 10”, 12” or 16” with the highest screen resolution in the ECHOMAP series for the best Ultra High-Definition scanning sonar image. With LiveScope compatibility, these Ultra 2 chartplotters can capture your impressive fish catches with the new screen recording feature. These chartplotters come with preloaded Garmin Navionics+ U.S. coastal and inland mapping, a 1-year subscription for daily updates, depth range shading and detailed 1” contours to help you identify fishing hot spots. Additionally, optional Garmin Navionics Vision+ gives you features such as high-resolution relief shading, satellite imagery and more.

If you have more than one UHD2 or Ultra 2, you can network them wirelessly to share sonar, waypoints and routes. Wirelessly connect to your Force® trolling motor to navigate to waypoints, draw and follow routes, and more. Get improved position accuracy in areas where the signal is weak with multi-band GPS.

ECHOMAP UHD2 Series (5”, 6”, 7”, 9” Chartplotters)

Do you like to tread new waters? Great, because with an ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter, you can know the water better than a local thanks to best-in-class sonar and mapping.

The UHD2 6”, 7” and 9” sv chartplotters come with an ultra high-definition transducer that produces Garmin traditional and ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar images so you can zero in on your next catch. You can choose between a unit preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ U.S. inland or coastal mapping (plus a 1-year subscription to daily map updates) with features such as depth range shading, shallow water shading and detailed 1” contours to assist in locating fishing hot spots.

Is a touchscreen a must for you? The UHD2 6”, 7”and 9” sv chartplotters have your back with an easy-to-use, sunlight-readable touchscreen display with a keyed assist interface. Other perks? Wireless networking for data sharing with a separate UHD2 or Ultra 2, support for LiveScope live-scanning sonar, multi-band GPS and wireless connectivity with your Force trolling motor.

If you’re just looking for basic sonar and mapping, we’ve got you covered there too. The convenient UHD2 5” and 7” cv units are available with CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonars offering high-resolution color palettes. They come preloaded with inland or coastal Garmin Navionics+ mapping.

Treading new waters has never been this easy.

STRIKER® Vivid (4”, 5”, 7”, 9” Fishfinders)

The STRIKER Vivid series is sure to catch your attention. The STRIKER Vivid fishfinders come with a transducer, scanning and traditional sonar, and built-in GPS to mark fishing hotspots. If you’re on a budget and you need a robust GPS fishfinder, the Vivid is a great option for you.

Perfect for lakes, ponds and inland coastal waters, the STRIKER Vivid series is available in 4”, 5”, 7” and 9” screen sizes with mounting hardware. The 4”, 5” and 7” cv units come with a GT20-TM transducer and support traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar. Meanwhile, the 7” and 9” sv fishfinders have a GT52HW-TM transducer and support traditional, ClearVü and SideVü technology.

We bet you’re paying attention now.

We understand that not all anglers, cruisers and sailors are alike, which is why Garmin offers many options. For more information, check out all of our chartplotter and fishfinder offerings.

_{¹Auto Guidance+ is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations}

_{NMEA®, NMEA 2000®, and the NMEA 2000 logo are registered trademarks of the National Marine Electronics Association.}

The post Which Garmin chartplotter or fishfinder is right for me? appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Luckily, Garmin has plenty of sonar options including underwater perspectives from the side of, around or in front of your boat. With enhanced 2D and 3D multidimensional sonar visuals, anglers can find nooks and crannies in bottom structure as well as uncover fish patterns and positioning.

Keeping reading to learn more about Garmin sonar and the benefits of utilizing on your next fishing trip.

What is Garmin sonar?

At Garmin, sonar offerings span from captured images (scanning sonar) to real-time footage (live sonar) that can be seen on your compatible chartplotter.

Whether you just got your first fishfinder or you’re a seasoned angler, CHIRP sonar is ideal. CHIRP sonar uses multiple frequencies to bring you high-resolution images with even better target separation. CHIRP kHZ allows you to adjust your settings to low, medium or high depending on the depths you’re exploring. High settings are preferable for shallow waters and identifying smaller targets while low CHIRP is meant for deep water and marking targets at various depths.

When you first get out on the water, you need big picture details. That’s where scanning sonar comes into play. Begin your trip by finding bottom structure and cover, both potential hiding spots for fish, with ClearVü, SideVü and OneVü. When you have a Garmin transducer, use ClearVü to see directly below your boat and SideVü to see details to the side of you. Broaden your scope even more with OneVü. If you have Spy Pole and the GT360UHD transducer onboard, get a 360-degree view of life below your boat in both 2D and 3D. Plus, scan up to a whole football field worth of data.

Now that you have an idea of where you might find some fish, use Garmin LiveScope to home in on them with live sonar footage. Live sonar allows you to see fish in relation to your boat in 3 different modes. Forward mode shows you the surroundings in front of your boat, down mode details underwater surroundings directly below your boat and perspective mode gives you a horizontal field of view — preferable for fishing in shallow water.

Benefits of having sonar onboard

1. Finding fishing spots

Instead of lingering in an area where baiting fish would be hard to do, scanning sonar, like ClearVü, SideVü and OneVü, makes it undeniably easy to see bottom structure where fish might be hiding. Now, you’ll be able to cover water quickly and detect hard-to-find spots.

2. Precision and efficiency

Time is valuable when you’re on the water, especially in tournaments. Once you’ve quickly identified potential fishing spots, turn to live sonar to study fish patterns and movement. Cast your line and see your positioning in relation to the fish or bottom structure below on your chartplotter. Plus, watch as fish interact with your line to detect early bites and better understand behavior towards your bait.

3. Navigate confidently

Sonar can be used for more than just catching fish. See water depths and avoid bottom structure when viewing below the surface imagery on your chartplotter. When in shallow water, be aware of rocks and reefs so you can prevent potential collisions.

4. GPS integration

You’ve found a fishing spot that consistently provides results. Come back time and time again when you mark a waypoint on your chartplotter. Then, you can easily navigate back. Plus, if you have a Force® trolling motor mounted, let it take over and automatically route you back.

And, if you have a Garmin GT360UHD transducer, built-in TrueMotion technology lets you spend more time catching fish. Even if your boat moves, the technology integrates with GPS and allows you to roam within the scanned area.

Help ensure a successful fishing trip with when you take advantage of Garmin sonar capabilities. Prepare for your next outing and learn more about getting sonar on your boat.

The post Benefits of using Garmin sonar for fishing appeared first on Garmin Blog.

That’s where Garmin Spy pole comes into play. Having Spy pole on board helps increase your chances of a catch. Plus, the Garmin live sonar pole connects with both your Garmin chartplotter and the Garmin Force® trolling motor so you can control more of your boat and use your Garmin LiveScope system to its fullest potential.

Let’s breakdown the benefits of having Spy pole on your boat for even better fishing.

1. Independent positioning

Stay locked in on fish and worry less about maintaining your position. Thanks to built-in True Motion technology, keep your true position without losing sight of your next catch.

If you’re locked in on a certain brush pile or school of fish, you can trust that your trolling motor will work to maintain ideal heading position while your Spy pole and LiveScope show you where the fish are in real time with SpyLock.

2. Seamless integration

When you have both a Garmin chartplotter and trolling motor, Spy pole is an ideal addition. The trio allows you to control your LiveScope pole directly from your chartplotter for a simplified, performance-driven outing. When paired, take advantage of predefined modes such as SpyLock to lock your LiveScope on a point of interest and SpyScan to oscillate the pole as you search for fish and structure.

Plus, Spy pole can mirror the speed and mount direction of your Force trolling motor in SpyLink mode. Traditionally done with a LiveScope transducer, users can scan the underwater world with their trolling motor remote and foot pedal. Even when your anchor lock is set, use the Force foot pedal to control your pole. 

With a Garmin live sonar pole, GPS integration results in clear imagery and precise structure position.

3. Advanced sonar imagery

With Spy pole, there’s no excuse for not having the full picture. When you mount the GT360UHD transducer to your Spy pole, see 360-sonar 3D and 2D images with OneVü. With views all around, scan and store the equivalent of up to 120 yards of sonar imagery – the size of a football field. When viewing imagery on your Garmin chartplotter, customize the color, dial in the settings, and engage auto, manual or constant scans depending on your preference.

4. Ultimate control

Whether you’re casting your line or surveying a bank or channel, remain in control in most situations. Have the choice of hands-free fishing with the gesture remote and wireless foot controls. Attach your gesture remote to your rod or hold it and point your Spy pole in the direction you prefer to scan.

If you prefer hands-free control, Spy pole includes a low-profile foot control. To switch up your views as you hold onto your rod, change the position of the Spy pole by shifting the weight of your foot.

When you’re on the move, anglers can troll and scan simultaneously with independent control of their trolling motor.

For every angler and every catch, Spy pole should be your next upgrade. Learn more about Garmin LiveScope and other marine electronic offerings so you can be up to date on all thing’s live sonar.

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ActiveCaptain Community has grown into a valuable resource and a friend to boaters everywhere, amassing more than 176,000 independent reviews of marinas, points of interest, places to drop anchor, potential hazards, bridges, dams, boat ramps and more. Users can also provide photos along with their written reviews, painting an even clearer picture of what you may encounter.

Whether you’re a cruiser, sailor, angler or even a passenger, Sharing the Experience^® is made possible with access to user-left information and by providing your own comments and reviews through the ActiveCaptain^® app and ActiveCaptain Community online.

Here’s a breakdown of all you can do when you’re connected to fellow boaters through ActiveCaptain Community.

Plan the perfect trip

Before stepping foot on the boat, familiarize yourself with potential locations using ratings, reviews and user-submitted photos on your compatible Garmin chartplotter and ActiveCaptain app. Community input makes it easier to determine where you want to stop and where you want to explore.

Find information on the water

If you find yourself making an unexpected pit stop or wanting to change course in the middle of a trip, use ActiveCaptain Community to discover new places to visit and local marinas with an available slip or mooring.

If you’re looking for information on marinas, anchorages or waterfront services, click on the markers to see user reviews and ratings. If you’re changing your route, click on nearby markers with user-left comments for information on potential hazards, boat ramps, dams and more.

Take a look at what some of our users have said in the ActiveCaptain Community:

• Wormley Creek Marina 5-star review: “A little slice of heaven. We loved seeing the gorgeous sunsets and the coast guard going out. The entire staff was so friendly and helpful!”
• Pinckney Island: “Very comfortable anchorage with good holding. Current is minimal. Entrance to Mackey Creek from Port Royal Sound was 5 feet at mid tide, depth quickly improved. Very quiet with only a few other smaller boats passing during the day.”
• Glover Bight 5-star review: “Tied to the pier with a stern anchor out and explored the park for 1/2 a day. Rotary Park was great and FREE: nature center with snakes, fish, salamanders, butterflies, lots of trails, lookout towers, dog park and places to stop and rest or use the exercise stations.”

Provide your own boating insights

Chances are you’ve gained some unique insights during your time on the water and can help other boaters in your area. You don’t have to share all your secrets, but maybe there’s a spot where you always buy your live bait or a boat launch upstream that’s easier to use if you have a larger truck. If so, share your experiences with other mariners by leaving your own reviews and comments.

Ready to join the community? Learn more about the ActiveCaptain Community and its offerings.

The post How to connect with other boaters using ActiveCaptain Community appeared first on Garmin Blog.

That’s where Garmin digital switching and integrations come in. This technology can give you the smart-home experience ­on a boat. You can reduce your reliance on traditional switches, circuit breakers and fuses by integrating digital controls and monitoring into your boat. In other words, you can view and operate all your onboard electrical functions right from your chartplotter screen or compatible smartphone — all while keeping your helm crisp and clean.

Garmin offers three solutions based on where you are in your boat-ownership journey, whether that’s updating the boat you already own and love or are purchasing a new one.

Garmin Boat Switch

If you are looking to design a modern boating experience, without the complexity of customer configurations or graphics, you’ll want a Garmin Boat Switch. It’s a simple solution that comes preconfigured to add digital switching to operate onboard electrical functions.

Boat Switch comes with a preconfigured module, harness and pre-labeled connectors with 18” flying leads for easy setup by your  professional installer. It replaces your fuse box and physical switches, and it communicates via the NMEA 2000^® network to control up to 20 circuits from the screen on your GPSMAP^® or ECHOMAP^® chartplotter.

When you’ve assigned customizable switch names to on-off toggle switches, such as nav lights and bilge pumps, you’ll be able to control switch behaviors directly on your touchscreen. Adjust your interior lights with press-and-hold dimmers and control horns through momentary switches. You also get built-in tank sender detection and calibration for up to 4 tanks, such as fuel, freshwater, graywater, blackwater or livewell. Boat Switch includes a built-in livewell timer that automatically cycles your pump to keep water fresh for your catch while reducing continuous runtime to help extend pump life. Plus, monitor analog voltage on your house and start battery, as well as bilge pump operations. And, of course, you have the option to still use physical switches for backup. It’s your boat — now even smarter.

Garmin EmpirBus Systems

Building a new boat offers the greatest opportunities to create the most connected and smart-boat experience on the water with digital Garmin EmpirBus systems, which include digital integration, controls, monitoring, automation and custom graphics. You can work with your manufacturer to make sure your new boat functions exactly how you want it to, with next-level setups that include sensor alerts and system monitoring. Plus, customized automated modes help set the onboard mood or enhance boater peace of mind with easy-to-control security systems when cruising, fishing, relaxing and docking.

If you have a fishing boat, you may need automated controls of livewells and outrigger control. On cruisers and sailboats, you can add more automations akin to smart-home functionality — including grouping lights and monitoring system data. You can even tailor your light settings to automatically change based on time of day.

In each case, you’re gaining a boatload of control over your vessel. From your MFD, you can control a full array of exterior lights, cabin temperature, pumps and more. Control a full array of interior features as well as entertainment, security, mechanical and electrical systems. You can even extend control beyond the helm by using the ActiveCaptain^® app on a compatible mobile device within Wi-Fi^® range of your MFD, or add a conveniently placed keypad in the salon for quick access. Plus, you can add physical buttons to your most critical features, so you have redundancy for peace of mind. And if you need multiple screens or system access points on your boat, think about networking in the TD 50 touchscreen display as a companion instrument for access around your vessel — not just at the helm.

Have a third-party input device such as a steering wheel with input keys? No problem. The EmpirBus Connect 50 allows for third-party inputs to be programmed as remote input devices for chartplotters. It can be programmed to a variety of functions, including favorite keys, function-specific keys, media controls and complete display navigation — all seamlessly integrated within your Garmin system and compatible OneHelm ecosystem.

OnDeck Hub

Controlling your boat from anywhere just got easier. With the Garmin OnDeck Hub, you’ll have access to your boat’s data right on your mobile device. Whether you’re on board or somewhere on shore, receive text alerts¹ and updates about the status of your boat through the free ActiveCaptain app and an active subscription to an OnDeck plan.

When you’ve downloaded the ActiveCaptain app, enable alarm notifications for real-time monitoring of your boat. See boat battery, bilge activity, shore power, temperature changes and more right from your smartphone. Plus, take control of switches on board with the OnDeck hub and ActiveCaptain app. Users can manage up to 5 relay switches and critical onboard systems, such as battery chargers, ice makers and more.  

To track the movement and security of your boat, the built-in internal GPS sensor is updated every 15 or 30 minutes. If your boat has moved outside of the geofenced area, you will receive text alerts. 

Whether you’re designing a new boat for your future adventures, or you’re adding capability to your existing vessel, Garmin has solutions that will help you get the most enjoyment from your boat-ownership experience — and it’s all just a few touches away.

Learn more about Garmin marine products, and see how to make the most of your time on the water.

_{¹An active subscription plan is required. Both OnDeck Hub and user’s compatible smartphone or tablet must have connectivity via Wi-Fi or 3G/4G (or above) network. See cellular coverage area for OnDeck. NMEA is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.}

_{NMEA is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.}

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Whether you have a saltwater cruiser, center console fishing boat or sailing yacht, there’s a Garmin marine autopilot system for you. Here’s a break down of autopilots that Garmin offers.

What do Reactor autopilot systems offer?

No matter the vessel you have, every Reactor 40 autopilot is easy to calibrate and set up. Plus, they offer a lineup of essential features to help ensure smooth sailing.

With its built-in, solid-state 9-axis attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), your marine autopilot system will gather precise orientation and course guidance, while also conserving power. So when you’re pitching and rolling, your autopilot will be able to help react to varying water conditions and help stay the course.

Pair your Garmin chartplotter or GHC 50 autopilot instrument for advanced control at the helm. You have the option to add additional Garmin devices, such as a Reactor autopilot remote or a quatix® smartwatch, for wireless control from any spot on your vessel.

All our autopilot systems include additional powerboat and sailing features when connected to a compatible Garmin chartplotter. These features include heading hold and step turns as well as wind hold and tack/jibe (for sailing only) when paired with a wind sensor. For route planning, use our Auto Guidance+ technology¹.  

For sailboats or powerboats

Reactor 40 hydraulic: You own a high-performance powerboat or sailboat that has a hydraulic steering system and want a premium autopilot. If that’s the case, then let this Reactor 40 corepack be your companion.

Among standard Garmin autopilot features, the Reactor 40 hydraulic system has Shadow Drive technology so you can take control by disengaging the autopilot when you turn your wheel. 

The Reactor 40 hydraulic corepack is compatible with other pumps in various sizes, including 1.2-liter and 2-liter, suited for smaller vessels with a hydraulic steering system.

Reactor 40 steer-by-wire standard corepack: Perfect for large center console vessels or yachts, this system is designed for boats with steer-by-wire steering, including SeaStar Optimus systems, YANMAR Marine ZT370 sterndrive electronic power steering systems and ZF 2800 pod drives. If you have a Viking yacht or a yacht with a Yamaha® Helm Master® system or Volvo Penta® inboard performance system, we have a pack for that too.

Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid corepack: Built for large vessels or sailboats with mechanical steering systems, this autopilot corepack supports heading hold, wind hold, step turns and tack/jibe modes.

Depending on the size and operational functions of your sailboat, choose between Class A, Class B compact or Class B drive units. To prevent rudder stops while sailing and receive rudder feedback position information, add the GRF 10 rudder feedback sensor. 

For small motorboats

Compact Reactor 40: Small boats need autopilot systems too. Feature-heavy like bigger autopilot systems, the compact reactor 40 helps ensure excellent navigation on single-engine outboard boats less than 25’. You’ll also have the option of disengaging your autopilot with Shadow Drive technology.

Reactor 40 kicker autopilot: If you have a boat with a small gasoline outboard motor with up to 25 horsepower, this kicker autopilot is built for your vessel. With an easy-to-read handheld remote for user control, control throttle settings when you’re changing speeds or coming up on fish and moorings.

Take boating to the next level and let Garmin lend you an extra hand. Find your companion by exploring our lineup of autopilot systems or checking out the Garmin autopilot guide to find the right set up for your boat.

_{¹Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations}

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