Gear: Garmin GPSMAP 9000 Series chartplotters
The only thing larger than the new Garmin GPSMAP 9000 Series is the one that got awayGarmin has launched the new GPSMAP 9000 Series chartplotter featuring screens ranging between 19 inches and what it claims is an industry-first 27-inch touchscreen display.
The new screens also set a new benchmark with 4K resolution, made possible by an electronic brain that uses a processor that’s seven times faster than the generation it pushes across to the technology has-beens.
The new screens are built to take advantage of Garmin’s BlueNet, a high-speed network that allows data from sensors around the boat to quickly reach the multifunction touchscreen. Once there, it can render quickly and clearly.
Garmin global consumer sales vice-president Dan Bartel said boaters had relied on Garmin’s GPSMAP technology for decades, helping them navigate the waters.
“Building on that success, we're thrilled to unveil the 9000 series with bigger, best-in-class displays, lightning-fast processing speeds and the ultimate connected boating experience on the new Garmin BlueNet network,” Bartel said.
Each of the new screens – 19, 22, 24 or 27 inches – feature a minimised glass design that allows them to be flat or flush mounted. They also use in-plane switching, technology that allows them to be brighter and more colourful than conventional LED screens and give a much wider viewing angle even while wearing polarised sunglasses.
The 4K technology – the equivalent of high-definition TV – allows for more pixels to fill a screen, meaning that the image remains sharp without losing clarity. That means fishers will be able to clearly spot fish and other sonar targets if a Garmin transducer compatible with the screen is fitted to the boat.
Other features that the new GPSMAP 9000 Series adds include:
- Engine monitoring keeps tabs on engine data performance like revs, speed, fuel flow, temperature, exceedance warnings and more
- OneHelm integrated digital switching with full support for the EmpirBus system and other third-party monitoring, control and automation solutions
- Listening to music, watching movies and audio alerts via Fusion audio and entertainment integration
- Control and see footage directly on the chartplotter with extensive camera support; even get a live 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vessel during low-speed maneuvers such as docking in a tight spot with the optional Surround View Camera System
- Connect a GPSMAP 9000 chartplotter with a compatible Garmin smartwatch for remote control of key multifunction display features including chart zoom, autopilot control and more
- Use voice commands to control the chartplotter through an optional headset
The screens will also allow boat-builders to customise the homepage layout and splash screen for a unique, branded look.
Garmin’s GPSMAP 9000 Series launches in the US next month with the screens costing from $US10,000 ($A15,500) to $US17,000 for the 27-inch version – about the same price as a small car.
A GPS 24xd position receiver and antenna with multiband GPS are included with each screen.
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