GARMIN’S HIGH-SPEC NEW TECH
Garmin has just announced two exciting new products for anglers – the Panoptix PS70 live sonar and the expansion of the GPSMAP x3 series with a new 16-inch chartplotter. Tim Macpherson takes a closer look
GPSMAP X3 SERIES WITH NEW 16-INCH CHARTPLOTTER
e newest addition to its popular GPSMAP x3 series is this 16-inch chartplotter which combines the same easy-to-use features – including built-in Garmin Navionics+™ mapping and sonar support – with a high-resolution full HD 16-inch touchscreen display. For great clarity and sunlight readability, the GPSMAP 16x3’s in-plane switching (IPS) display provides consistent, accurate colours that can be seen from all viewing angles, even with polarised sunglasses.
e GPSMAP x3 series is known for providing anglers and boaters with a fast, sharp and smart chartplotter experience that integrates seamlessly into their Garmin marine system. is model further expands options to fit an even wider range of dash configurations, both new and retrofit.
Features of the GPSMAP x3 series:
■ Simple navigation: You can navigate coastal and inland waters with Garmin Navionics+ mapping with Auto Guidance+ technology that includes a one-year subscription with daily updates. Users can also add Garmin Navionics Vision+™ for premium features like high-resolution relief shading and more.
■ Sleek design: Designed for a wide range of dash configurations, the GPSMAP x3 series offers slimline design borders with edge-toedge glass displays.
■ Impressive processing power: Experience fast and responsive high-speed processing power that benefits all onboard sensors like sonar and radar while enhancing the user experience across the entire network.
■ Built-in sonar: e sonar combo versions (GPSMAP xsv series) offer built-in support for Ultra High-Definition ClearVü™ and SideVü™scanning sonar with high-contrast vivid colour palettes which help distinguish fish from structure, along with CHIRP traditional sonar.
■ LiveScope capable: To help anglers see all around their boat in real time, this chartplotter series supports the full lineup of Garmin Panoptix™ sonar, including the award-winning LiveScope™ live-scanning sonar (transducer required; sold separately).
■ Force® integration: When integrated with a Garmin Force trolling motor, anglers can create routes, patterns and tracks for the trolling motor to follow while they fish. From the chartplotter screen, they can also control speed, check battery life and more.
■ Seamless connectivity: Easily build an onboard marine system with compatible sonar, autopilot, radars, instruments, cameras and more by using NMEA® 2000 and the Garmin Marine Network. Built-in
Wi-Fi® enables reliable software updates, smart notifications and more via the free ActiveCaptain® app with a compatible smartphone or table.
PANOPTIX PS70
Garmin has announced the new Panoptix PS70 live sonar for deep-sea fishing. e new Garmin RapidReturn sonar is the first to deliver live images up to 1,000 feet below the surface. It’s the latest addition to its awardwinning live sonar line-up. Powered by Garmin RapidReturn sonar technology, the PS70 gives anglers a real-time view of what’s below the surface at greater depths than ever before. is is claimed to be the fastest live sonar at 1,000 feet on the market at six to eight times faster and provides a smooth, video-like view that updates a minimum of 10 frames per second.
Anglers have never seen live sonar images at depths like this or at this speed. Its wide sonar beam covers more of the water column at once and enables a quicker survey of the ocean floor in greater detail and can even show you where the targets are located, so it will take less time to find bait, fish and structure – it could be a real game-changer for deep-sea angling.
SEE FISH LIVE, CATCH FISH DEEP Garmin RapidReturn sets the standard for offshore live sonar – from small baitfish to target game fish – in real-time at depths up to 1,000 feet. e PS70 has an 800-watt power output, gives anglers stronger sonar penetration through the water and delivers four sonar modes that can be easily adjusted to fit a wide array of fishing techniques:
■ LiveVü™ Down – You can see small baitfish and target game fish in real-time up to 1,000ft below the boat, while the wide 120-degree beam angle covers huge areas of water.
■ e traditional sonar option gives crisp, clear fish arches with excellent separation of targets under the boat.
■ Triple-Beam is a three-way sonar split that gives returns from port, straight down and starboard in an easy-to-understand traditional sonar view. Adjust the beam angles to fine-tune the three columns of sonar data.
■ RealVü™ 3D Historical scanning technology helps find fish and build a map of the ocean floor while the boat is moving. It shows the entire water column in 3D, from the bottom to the surface and all fish in between. e True Motion 3D sonar returns feature follows the vessel’s course over the ground.
e stainless steel thru-hull PS70 transducer is also equipped with image stabilisation that allows it to continuously adjust the sonar beams to compensate for boat motion, so even in rough conditions, anglers will still see a steady sonar image.
QUICK ON THE DRAW
e PS70 allows anglers to survey the ocean floor in amazing detail and quicker than ever making it easy to view and store detailed contour maps in real time. Users have the option to contribute their data to the QuickDraw Community so it can be integrated into Garmin Navionics+ charts, or keep their contours saved to their personal chartplotter. e PS70 transducer can be flush or pocket mounted.
It’s available now with a suggested retail price of £4,999.99, or as a bundle that includes a fairing block to allow for deadrise angles of 0 to 20 degrees and mounting hardware for £5,169.99.
e PS70 is compatible with a wide range of Garmin GPSMAP® chartplotters; go to www.garmin.com/en-GB/c/marine/ chartplotters for a full list of devices and learn more about Garmin’s marine products.