Knowing Where to Go
The easy-to-use GPSMAP 8612 chartplotter, one of three new smaller variants of Garmin’s celebrated 8600 series, comes standard with such premium features as BlueChart g3 coastal cartography and a 12in HD IPS touchscreen display that’s refreshingly easy on the eyes in direct sunlight, no matter what the light angle. Among other things, Garmin’s BlueChart g3 built-in Auto Guidance technology performs automatic routing based on your boat’s draft and mast height. Similarly, the chartplotter’s built-in Garmin SailAssist feature provides critical data displays and pre-race guidance to help you gain a competitive edge mixing things up round the buoys. Other sailing-specific features include laylines, an enhanced wind rose, heading and course-over-ground lines. Wi-Fi and NMEA connectivity (in addition to Garmin Marine Network connectivity) open up a world of networking and display possibilities. A 10 or 16-in display is also available.
$3,499. Garmin Ltd., garmin.com
