Garmin unveils the all-new GPSMAP 86 marine handheld series with global communication, BlueChart g3 and chartplotter connectivity

5 Responses

  1. Ben Ellison Ben Ellison says:

    Jeezum crow! Contemplate the connectivity in this handheld: GPS receiver, probably multiple GNNS constellations; Iridium two-way satellite messaging, SOS and weather; ANT+ to Garmin and Fusion boat gear for boat data plus autopilot and entertainment control; and WiFi/Bluetooth for updates, inReach Earthmate app, chart and map downloading, and Garmin Connect activity logging.

    Is there any handheld as powerful? Heck, is there any other Garmin product that combines so many members of its vast electronics ecology?

  2. Ben Ellison Ben Ellison says:

    The Garmin 86SCI won Best New Electronics Product at the Newport Show — deservedly, I think — and check out other winners like the UGO Tablet Case:

    https://www.cruisingworld.com/newport-international-boat-show-announces-newport-for-new-products-award-winners/

  3. AM says:

    I wonder if it will play nice with other makes of APs. Furuno 711c or perhaps the 300.
    It looks like the perfect backup/safety gear in any case.

    • Ben Ellison Ben Ellison says:

      Sorry, that’s not likely. I can’t think of any NMEA 2000 autopilot control heads that work across brands, let alone wireless ones. But backup nav with two-way satellite messaging built-in — wow.

      • AM says:

        That’s a shame, but I agree it is quite impressive. However, I was kind of expecting this marine version after they came out with their GPSMAP 66i a little while ago.

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