Garmin Electronics for Boats

Garmin is a name that is widely associated with GPS systems, and they have a line of marine electronics that carry their tradition of navigation assistance to the marine market, with a range of hand held GPS devices. They start at $129.99 and go up to $599.99. Garmin also makes a number of chart plotters with bright four inch QVGA color displays with high speed design for faster map drawing and panning. The chart plotters range in price from $499.99 to $999.99.

In addition to GPS navigation systems and chart plotters, Garmin Marine Electronics also makes VHF marine radios with intuitive features that make them an easy addition to your safety at sea. The Garmin VHF 100 has up to 25 watts of power so that you can make contact regardless of 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 boats and monitors all AIS (automatic identification system) channels at the same time, ensuring you never 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 boat information to other AIS users in your area.

The GPH 10, an easy to use autopilot system, is the first in a line of auto guided navigation by Garmin. This system has patented Shadow Drive technology that allows the boaters to maintain control when using the autopilot system. It automatically disengages if the helm is turned, so that the helmsman can then steer the boat. It automatically re-engages if the helmsman holds a steady course. You can obtain up to three controllers for this autopilot system for autopilot capabilities from several places on board.

The TR1 Gold Marine Autopilot is sold only in North America and puts autopilot on small gasoline outboard boats with motors up to 20 hp. It’s the first true autopilot designed for smaller boats that are used for trolling or fishing. 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.

Garmin also makes fish finders, sounders, radar, and marine networking equipment in its stable of marine electronics products. Starting in 1989, Garmin has been making navigation and communication devises based on a vertical integration, meaning that they design, manufacture and market 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.