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.}

The post Digital switching: Your one-stop shop to control all your boat’s systems appeared first on Garmin Blog.

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}

The post What autopilot system to choose for your boat appeared first on Garmin Blog.

If you’re a mariner looking for equipment to inspire confidence on the water, look no further. Made for captains and passengers, the Garmin OnBoard system is for marine enthusiasts looking for added awareness and man overboard alerts while enjoying their aquatic adventure.

Why choose the Garmin OnBoard system?

To boat with peace of mind, confidence in getting your crew from point A to point B is key. The Garmin OnBoard system can help you focus on the adventure ahead instead of worrying about the journey to your destination.

The Garmin OnBoard system is a simple, topside solution for captain and passenger peace of mind. Instead of traditional tethered cords, this system comes with MOB tags that can be worn on the wrist or on a carabiner by both the captain and the passengers, helping to enhance boater awareness while on the water.  

Boating with added awareness using MOB tags

The MOB tags can be designated as either the passenger or captain on your compatible chartplotter to trigger the appropriate action if someone were to fall overboard.

When the tag loses connection with the vessel, both captain and passenger tags will prompt an audible alarm on compatible GPSMAP® or ECHOMAP chartplotters and the hub. Plus, a waypoint will be marked at the location the tag was last on the vessel. If the tag designated as “captain” falls overboard, engine power will be cutoff to avoid a ghost boat.

If you have a larger group aboard, no worries —  up to 8 tags can be paired to the system. And if those on board choose to enjoy the water or venture out on excursions, the tags can be disabled temporarily.

Rely on long-lasting battery performance throughout boating season. Each tag exceeds a single season of operation for extended captain and passenger protection.

Boat confidently and tag what matters. Learn more about boating best practices from Garmin by checking out our blog.

The post How Garmin OnBoard can help you boat with peace of mind appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Depth finders are a valuable feature for anyone hitting the water, but which one is best for your small boat? Keep reading to learn more about Garmin chartplotters and fishfinders that can show you the depth — and a whole lot more.

Why choose a Garmin chartplotter or fishfinder?

Most boat owners want more than just depth data. That’s where Garmin comes in. If you’re looking for a depth finder, Garmin has incorporated the depth-finding feature into all chartplotters and fishfinders.

Fishfinders are most helpful for locating fish and seeing bottom structure. Chartplotters display a visual map of the body of water you’re on with topographic lines that show bottom contours. You can use this to home in on certain fishing depths or know which areas of the lake you want to avoid entirely due to shallow water.

Plus, Garmin chartplotters and fishfinders are designed with the modern boat owner in mind. From johnboats to bass boats, they blend seamlessly into every helm style and are available in different sizes to accommodate all layouts.

Take into consideration where you’ll be fishing and what other features you need, such as sonar, when deciding which Garmin chartplotter or fishfinder will suit your needs. 

Chartplotters and fishfinders with depth finders

Between our compact and portable STRIKER fishfinders and feature-heavy GPSMAP^® or ECHOMAP chartplotters, there is a device fit for every need, every adventure and every skill level.

Good

If you just want to know depth, the Garmin STRIKER 4 is a great start. Beyond depth, you also get an easy-to-use 3.5” color screen with traditional sonar and a high-sensitivity GPS to help you navigate. Built-in CHIRP sonar provides clear images of fish and bottom structure, so you’ll have a better idea of where to cast your line. Plus, use this fishfinder year round to see what’s near your line when you’re ice fishing.

Better

For even more features or a bigger display, the Garmin STRIKER Vivid series offers displays from 4” to 9”. In addition to showing you the depth, this fishfinder supports ClearVü, SideVü and traditional sonar technology for an enhanced view of what’s beneath the water.

Best

Packed with features and preloaded Navionics^® mapping on select units, the ECHOMAP Ultra 2 series is a great choice. See fish and structure on an even bigger screen with display options ranging from 10” to 16”. Select models have built-in CHIRP traditional sonar as well as ClearVü and SideVü. Plus, this ECHOMAP series supports LiveScope live-scanning sonar for anglers who need the best fish-finding technology.

For better fishing, explore our full lineup of Garmin chartplotters and fishfinders.

The post What’s the best depth finder for your small boat? appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Since he first held a rod, Justin Hamner knew his life’s mission was to fish professionally.

Hamner spent much of his childhood fishing for bluegill in nearby ponds with his dad and grandpa in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Proving his talent early on, Justin and his dad won their first fishing tournament together when Justin was just 7 years old.

“From then on, that’s all I thought about,” Hamner said.

As Justin got older and his passion for the sport grew, he began competing in junior Bassmaster tournaments and won three state championships. These tournaments introduced him to competitive freshwater fishing and gave him the opportunity to fish alongside many of his childhood heroes. 

“At the time, Bassmaster was taking each state champion and had a Junior World Championship. You got to fish with an Elite Series Pro for that world championship,” Hamner said. “So, that brought me into the professional bass fishing world.”

With support from his wife and Justin’s own drive and determination, he continued to hone in on his craft and keep his eyes set on larger competitions. But the road to becoming a pro was no easy feat.

LiveScope comes into play

Justin worked two jobs to save enough money to compete in his first open. After months of preparation and grueling hours spent mowing lawns and pouring concrete, Justin was the first angler to miss the Bassmaster Elite Series cut for the following season.

“That stung. It hurt a lot,” Hamner said. “I almost didn’t even try the next year because we didn’t have any money, and I didn’t want to put the family at more of a risk than we already were.”

Justin persisted and the next year, after more time on the water and Garmin LiveScope live-scanning sonar on board, he qualified.

“I remember we were fishing, and one of [Patrick Walters] friends told us he had LiveScope on his boat. Patrick threw his shaky head by a tree, and we watched the shaky head go down the worm and just looked at each other,” Hamner said. “That night, both of us ordered one.”

Justin was already targeting fish by using suspending lures, such as jerkbaits, before having LiveScope on his boat. But, with Garmin tech on board, he was shocked to unlock new fishing spots on lakes he had fished for years. He was equally surprised to discover unexpected fish patterns.

“[LiveScope] was breaking the mold of what everybody thought fish did,” Hamner said. “We were just scratching the surface. There were way more fish out there, and they were not doing what we thought they were doing.”

Transformative technology

Justin credits LiveScope with transforming him from a competitive angler to an elite one. The key to becoming elite: being efficient and continuously learning. During the offseason, Justin said he’s constantly covering water, learning about seasonal baits and studying fish patterns.

“The amount of time I’ve spent with LiveScope learning everything I can about it and everything about fish just enhances your knowledge of what fish do, how they react to certain baits and ultimately, how to catch them,” Hamner said.

With live sonar, Justin said he spends a lot less time guessing whether a fish active or not.  He’s also able to quickly identify unproductive fishing areas, known as dead water, in tournaments.

“They might have been here in practice, but after 15 minutes into the tournament day, I can tell if these fish are sitting on the bottom, not wanting to chase,” Hamner said.

Plus, Justin said he spends a lot of time marking waypoints and planning his spots with the help of Garmin mapping before any big tournament.

When it comes to trolling a bank or a channel, Justin uses his Garmin trolling motor and its reverse feature to sneak up on fish.

“Instead of having to loop around, come back and waste all that time trying to set up, you see it, and you can immediately stop and position yourself how you need to be,” Hamner said. “That just makes you way more efficient.”

In the grass-filled waters of Alabama, hitting the reverse to knock grass off his Force® Pro trolling motor is a bonus.

For Justin, Garmin technology didn’t completely change the way he fished. Instead, he used it to enhance his already stacked skill set. He said the moment he saw LiveScope in action, he knew it was going to be revolutionary.

No matter the experience level, Garmin LiveScope is for every angler. Don’t wait to get your hands on the tool that takes anglers from good to great.

_{Justin Hamner is a Garmin-sponsored pro.}

The post Becoming an elite angler with Garmin appeared first on Garmin Blog.

If you’re looking to add a Garmin radar to your vessel but want to learn more about radar imagery first, keep reading as we break down key features.

How it works

Garmin boat radars use electromagnetic radio waves to detect objects, landforms, weather cells and more. A wave is sent out at the speed of light, hits a target and is reflected back toward the radar. It’s then processed and shows up on your compatible Garmin MFD screen.

Garmin GMR Fantom radars with built-in MotionScope technology use the Doppler effect to detect and highlight targets ranging from 20’ up to 96 nautical miles. Targets will appear in different colors, depending on the direction in which the target is moving. MotionScope technology helps boaters avoid collisions with other vessels as well as find flocks of birds and track hazardous weather.

Plus, with pulse compression technology and 8-bit true color imagery, see higher resolution targets with increased separation.

Reading basic radar images

There are many different radar features that help you see your surroundings. Keep a close eye on each of these images to gain a better understanding of what’s around you.

Target size: Adjust target size for better separation on your screen.

Dynamic auto gain: The dynamic auto gain feature will automatically adjust your gain to filter out noise from environmental factors. You can also manually adjust the gain with a higher gain giving you a longer but narrower view. Lower gain will have shorter reach but allows you to see more of your surrounding view.

• Auto bird gain: The auto bird gain feature will adjust the gain level to best locate birds at the water’s surface, perfect for finding fish.
• Dynamic sea filter: Automatically filter your image to eliminate small, close waves and water so you primarily see boats, channel markers and other targets. Sea clutter can improve target visibility particularly in medium and rough sea conditions.
• Rain clutter: To better navigate and follow traffic targets through rainstorms, the rain clutter filter adjustment will reduce what weather is showing up on your radar so targets remain visible.

Echo trails: Visible targets will appear with a colored trail behind them so you’re aware of what direction other vessels are moving in to avoid a collision.

Reading advanced radar images

If you’re looking for advanced ways to monitor, target and navigate your surroundings, check out these additional Garmin radar imagery features.

Dual range with overlay: The dual range with overlay feature shows split-screen images for both close and long range. Plus, dual range capabilities support chart overlay, so you can layer radar images on top of your navigation chart.

MARPA target tracking: This feature allows you to track up to 30 nearby targets. When you’ve selected a target to track, it will appear with a green ring around it and a dashed green line indicating its projected target and GPS heading. When a target gets within range of your vessel, a red ring, alarm and message banner will notify you so you can change your course.

Cross-talk rejection: To prevent ghost images, cross-talk rejection eliminates interference from other nearby radar sources, giving you a more accurate image.

Alerts and markers: To help avoid potential collisions, variable range markers (VRM) and electronic bearing lines (EBL) give distance and bearing to vessels and land structures. Once you’ve set the desired zone around your vessel, you’ll receive an alert when you move too close.

Protect your boat and vessels around you with a Garmin radar. Learn more about Garmin radar offerings and find a radar that fits your vessel.

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