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GPSMAP 9000 series chartplotter displays are now bigger, faster, and sharper; GMR xHD3 radomes deliver faster redraw rates, quick target updating for cruisers and offshore anglers.
Marine electronics manufacturer Garmin has introduced two new products designed for cruising boats and offshore anglers.
For those with a “bigger is better” mindset, Garmin introduces the GPSMAP 9000 series, upgrading its flagship 8600 model line to include the industry’s first 4K resolution chartplotter displays. A new 27-inch model is also now the largest available touchscreen chartplotter around and it’s powered by a high-performance processor which Garmin says is seven times faster than previous generations. From $9,900 for the 19-inch to $17,000 for the 27-inch.
Garmin is also known for radar units and has expanded its GMR xHD3 radar series with two new GMR xHD3 domes. Available in 18- and 24- sizes, these antennae deliver their views via a 4-kW magnetron.
While many new radars have shifted to solid-state (the magnetron is replaced by a broadband transmitter that outputs a clean, frequency-stable signal), including Garmin’s own Fantom line, magnetron radomes have the advantage of being less expensive. The new 24-inch GMR xHD3, for example, lists for $200 less than the 24-inch Fantom. And the xHD3 is not your average magnetron dome radar. Unlike most, this one has a rotation of up to 60 rpm for faster redraw rates and quick target updating.
Take a look at Garmin’s slick promotional video:
The GMR xHD3 also has a list of advanced features such as True Echo trails showing the history of a target’s motion while removing relative motion, so you can see exactly which way a boat is headed. Object shape is optimized via pulse expansion and angular processing. This is also Garmin’s first magnetron radar to offer Scan Averaging to help remove clutter and interference.
The features you expect from a modern unit are present and accounted for, too. Split screen and dual range views are in the mix with individual settings for each, as well as MARPA target tracking, improved dynamic auto-gain, preset bird-mode, and low-noise operation.
Max range is 36 nautical miles for the 18- and 48 nautical miles for the 24-inch models. Domes are IPX7 waterproofed, and beamwidth is 5.2-degrees horizontal, 25-degrees vertical. Power consumption is 15/40 watts (standby/transmit). $1,999.99/$2,799.99