Garmin launches Surround View, a video guidance system for boats

The Garmin Surround View system uses six high-definition through-hull cameras mounted strategically around the boat’s perimeter that Garmin says act like “multiple sets of eyes”.

These cameras then provide the skipper with “a live 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vessel to help captains quickly view their vessel’s perimeter during low-speed maneuvers, such as docking, from the helm”.

“Our innovative Surround View brings the comforts and conveniences our customers rely on in their vehicles to the helm of their yacht to help captains see as much of their environment as possible for easier maneuvering on the water,” Garmin global consumer sales vice-president Dan Bartel said.

“Until now, no other marine camera technology has offered a true 360-degree bird’s-eye view, a vantage point that can help reduce the stress of docking and navigating marinas, narrow causeways and busy channels by giving captains a live look at their surroundings.”

The HD camera system includes a forward-looking camera at the bow, a rear-looking camera on the aft, and two side-looking cameras on both the port and starboard sides. 

“When the system is engaged, it displays a full overhead stitched image with 360-degree real-time video views from around the vessel directly to compatible Garmin chartplotters or multifunction helm displays,” Garmin said.

“Designed to maximise visibility and minimise blind spots, captains can view one or two cameras simultaneously with the bird’s-eye image, and even zoom in and pan around on an area of interest from any of the individual camera views.”

The system can also tie in with augmented reality – the ability to provide virtual feedback overlaid on the real-world images being shown on the camera.

This includes a visual fender system that will highlight areas of the video if a dock or pylon gets too close to a set distance away from the boat, and distance indicators similar to those overlaid on a car’s reversing camera that shows where the boat will end up if it continues on its current course.

The system is compatible with a number of Garmin chartplotters and multifunction screens, including the GPSMAP 8400/8600 and 7x3/9x3/12x3, and Volvo Penta’s Glass Cockpit.

Garmin already provides a range of video cameras for boats, with prices starting from $449 per camera for a basic unit that can connect wirelessly with a compatible multifunction display.