The GPSMAP 3006C and GPSMAP 3010C launch Garmin into the world of Marine networking, with plug-and-play systems that put GPS, weather, sonar, radar, and other important data at boaters’ fingertips.

Both units are waterproof and feature a sunlight readable, 256-color, 640 x 480-pixel VGA display. The screen size for the GPSMAP 3006C is 6.4" diagonal. These multifunction displays (MFDs) are powered by a high-speed processor and graphics controller for fast redraw of charts and weather graphics. They communicate with the Garmin Marine Network through a 100-megabit Garmin-proprietary ethernet-based network. The entire system is waterproof and completely plug-and-play—the MFDs automatically detect any and all peripherals once they’re connected. Boaters can connect a GPS antenna and one remote sensor directly to the MFD. Or, with the addition of the GMS™ 10 Network Port Expander, users can connect multiple MFDs and sensors to the same network. Each networked MFD can be configured independently.

A unique feature to the Garmin Marine Network is the addition of the GDL™ 30 weather data receiver. Through a partnership with XM WX Satellite Weather, North American mariners can—for the first time—access real-time graphical weather data directly on the GPSMAP 3010C or 3006C—without the need for a separate PC interface. For those wanting more than 120 channels of XM Satellite Radio along with weather data, Garmin also offers the GDL 30A—which provides a unique audio-channel interface on the 3010C and 3006C that allows for connection to an on-board stereo.

GPSMAP 3000 series products receive sonar data through the GSD 20, a proprietary "black box" sounder which offers 4,000 watts of peak-to-peak power (500 watts RMS) in a dual-frequency transducer. The Garmin Marine Network will be compatible with Garmin's new marine radar that is expected for the 2005 marine season. More information on the radar should be available in late 2004.

The Garmin Marine Network also offers a unique network upgrade system. The user simply prompts the MFD to read the current software version of all components within the network, and writes them onto a Garmin data card. Then the user uploads this data via a PC to the Garmin website, where the newest software versions are downloaded to the data card. The entire system is automatically updated once the card is re-inserted into the MFD.