Garmin just launched its new GPSMAP x3 mid-sized chartplotters with more power and higher-res displays; they’re available with or without built-in sonar. The new units were shown at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Designed for a wide range of helm configurations, the new X3 series have streamlined borders with edge-to-edge glass displays and they can be installed in bail-, flush-, or flat-mounted configurations. The 12×3 and 9×3 models offer touchscreens with accurate colors that you can see from all viewing angles, even if you’re wearing polarized sunglasses.
The 9×3 and 7×3 models offer 50 percent and 60 percent more display pixels than previous Garmin models. For present Garmin owners, the company offers a retrofit kit for easy installation.
With almost double the processing power of the previous generation, the power in the GPSMAP x3 series benefits other sensors like sonar, radar, cameras, video and digital switching. The increased processing power delivers Garmin’s fastest mapping capabilities, so there’s rarely a delay, even at high speeds.
You can navigate easily with preloaded exclusive BlueChart g3 coastal charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps with integrated Navionics data and Auto Guidance technology. The x3 series is fully network capable with NMEA 2000 and the Garmin Marine Network.
The sonar combo versions offer built-in support for 1kW CHIRP sonar so you can see target separation up to 1,000 feet below the boat. These models also have built-in support for ultra-high-definition scanning sonars featuring Garmin’s new high-contract color palettes, making it easier to distinguish a fish from an underwater structure of some kind.
The new GPSMAP 7×3, 9×3 and 12×3 come with 7-, 9-, and 12-inch displays, with prices from $999.99 to $2,699.99. The sonar versions cost from $1,099.99 to $2,899.99. Read more:
