The Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is a remarkable floating handheld GPS that offers a range of impressive features for marine enthusiasts. With its water-resistant design and sunlight-visible 3″ display, this GPS ensures ease of use while out on the water. You can stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments, consolidating all your essential marine system information. The preloaded bluechart G3 coastal charts include data from both Garmin and Navionics, providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date navigation details. Not only does this GPS function as a remote control for your Garmin autopilot and Fusion Marine products, but it also pairs with your smartphone to deliver smart notifications. With a rechargeable lithium battery that offers up to 50 hours of battery life and connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, ANT+, and Bluetooth, the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is the perfect companion for all your marine adventures.
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Why Consider This Product?
If you’re someone who loves spending time on the water, whether it’s boating, fishing, or kayaking, the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is a product that you should definitely consider. This handheld GPS device offers a range of features and benefits that make it an essential tool for any water enthusiast.
The Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is not just your ordinary GPS device. It is water-resistant and designed to float, ensuring that it stays secure and visible even in wet and rough conditions. This means that you can confidently take it with you on your marine adventures, knowing that it will stay safe and accessible.
One of the standout features of the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is its sunlight-visible 3-inch display and button operation. This not only makes it easy to use on the water, but it also ensures that you can clearly see the information displayed, even in bright sunlight. No more struggling to read small screens or having to shield your device from the glare.
The ability to stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments is another added advantage of this GPS device. It allows you to consolidate all your marine system information in one place, making navigation and tracking easier and more efficient. With this feature, you can have all the necessary data at your fingertips, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free boating experience.
Garmin GPSMAP 86SC, Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters (Renewed)
Features and Benefits
Stream Boat Data
With the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC, you have the ability to stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments. This feature allows you to consolidate all your marine system information in one place, giving you a comprehensive overview of your boat’s performance and navigation. This not only simplifies the process but also enhances your overall boating experience.
Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts
The GPSMAP 86SC comes with preloaded BlueChart G3 coastal charts, which include the best of Garmin and Navionics data. These charts offer detailed mapping of coastal areas, helping you navigate and explore with confidence. Whether you’re planning a fishing trip or just cruising along the coastline, these charts provide reliable and accurate information to guide you along the way.
Functions as a Remote Control
Another versatile feature of the GPSMAP 86SC is its ability to function as a remote control for your Garmin autopilot and Fusion Marine products. By downloading free apps from the Connect IQ store, you can conveniently operate these devices from your handheld GPS. This feature adds convenience and efficiency to your boating experience, allowing you to control multiple devices with just one tool.
Adjustable GPS Filter
Crossing swells can often cause fluctuations in speed and heading indications, making it difficult to get accurate readings. The adjustable GPS filter of the GPSMAP 86SC helps smooth out these variations, providing more reliable and consistent speed and heading information. This ensures that you can navigate with confidence, even in challenging conditions.
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Product Quality
Garmin is a trusted name in the GPS industry, known for producing high-quality and reliable products. The GPSMAP 86SC is no exception. With its water-resistant and floating design, it is built to withstand the rigors of the water, ensuring durability and longevity. The 3-inch sunlight-visible display is clear and easy to read, providing excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. The button operation is intuitive and responsive, making it simple to navigate through menus and access the various features of the device.
What sets the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC apart is its ability to stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments. This feature allows you to consolidate all your marine system information in one place, giving you a comprehensive overview of your boat’s performance and navigation. The preloaded BlueChart G3 coastal charts further enhance the product’s quality, providing detailed and reliable mapping of coastal areas.
What It’s Used For
Accurate Navigation
The GPSMAP 86SC is primarily used for accurate navigation on the water. Whether you’re boating along the coast or exploring new fishing spots, this handheld GPS device provides reliable and precise positioning information. The preloaded BlueChart G3 coastal charts offer detailed mapping of coastal areas, ensuring that you can navigate with confidence.
Consolidating Marine System Information
Another important use of the GPSMAP 86SC is its ability to stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments. This feature allows you to consolidate all your marine system information in one place, giving you a comprehensive overview of your boat’s performance and navigation. This makes it easier to track and monitor important data, ensuring a smooth and efficient boating experience.
Remote Control Functionality
The GPSMAP 86SC also functions as a remote control for your Garmin autopilot and Fusion Marine products. By downloading free apps from the Connect IQ store, you can conveniently operate these devices from your handheld GPS. This feature adds convenience and efficiency to your boating experience, allowing you to control multiple devices with just one tool.
Smart Notifications
By pairing the GPSMAP 86SC with your compatible smartphone, you can receive smart notifications directly on your handheld GPS. This means that you can stay connected even while on the water, receiving important calls, messages, and other notifications. This feature allows you to stay informed and connected without the need to constantly check your smartphone.
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Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 3-inch sunlight-visible display |
| Water Resistance | Yes (floating design) |
| Mapping | Preloaded bluechart G3 coastal charts |
| Boat Data Streaming | Yes |
| Remote Control Function | Yes |
| GPS Filter | Adjustable |
| Smartphone Compatibility | Pair with compatible smartphones |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours in 10-minute tracking mode |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, ANT+, Bluetooth |
Who Needs This
The Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is designed for anyone who spends time on the water, whether it’s for boating, fishing, kayaking, or any other water-related activity. It is a valuable tool for both casual boaters and professionals who require precise navigation and reliable performance.
If you enjoy exploring new fishing spots, the GPSMAP 86SC’s accurate navigation and preloaded BlueChart G3 coastal charts will greatly enhance your experience. The ability to stream boat data and function as a remote control for other Garmin devices is particularly useful for those who want to consolidate their marine system information and operate multiple devices with ease.
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Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Water-resistant and floating design
- Sunlight-visible display for easy visibility
- Stream boat data from compatible chartplotters
- Functions as a remote control for Garmin autopilot and Fusion Marine products
- Adjustable GPS filter for smoother speed and heading indications
- Smartphone compatibility for smart notifications
- Long battery life
- Wi-Fi, ANT+, and Bluetooth connectivity for convenience
Cons:
- May not be as feature-rich as larger chartplotters and GPS devices
- Limited screen size may not be ideal for detailed mapping
FAQ’s
Q: Can the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC be used for boating in rough conditions? A: Yes, the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is water-resistant and designed to float, making it suitable for use in rough conditions. Its durability and floating design ensure that it stays secure and visible, even in wet and challenging environments.
Q: How long does the battery last on the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC? A: The Garmin GPSMAP 86SC has an internal rechargeable lithium battery that provides up to 50 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode. This ensures that you have ample power for extended outings on the water.
Q: Can I receive smart notifications on the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC? A: Yes, by pairing the GPSMAP 86SC with your compatible smartphone, you can receive smart notifications directly on your handheld GPS. This allows you to stay connected and receive important calls, messages, and other notifications while on the water.
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What Customers Are Saying
Customers who have purchased the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC have praised its ease of use and reliability. They appreciate the water-resistant and floating design, which gives them peace of mind during their water activities. The clear and sunlight-visible display has also been well-received, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions.
The ability to stream boat data and function as a remote control for other Garmin devices has been highlighted as a major advantage of the GPSMAP 86SC. Customers find it convenient to have all their marine system information in one place and to be able to control multiple devices with just one tool.
Overall, customers have found the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC to be a valuable and reliable tool for their boating and water activities.
Overall Value
The Garmin GPSMAP 86SC offers excellent value for anyone who spends time on the water. Its water-resistant and floating design, combined with the sunlight-visible display and button operation, make it easy and convenient to use in a variety of conditions. The ability to stream boat data, function as a remote control, and receive smart notifications further enhance its value and utility.
The preloaded BlueChart G3 coastal charts ensure accurate and reliable navigation, while the adjustable GPS filter smoothes out speed and heading indications for a more consistent experience. The long battery life and Wi-Fi, ANT+, and Bluetooth connectivity make the GPSMAP 86SC a versatile and reliable companion for all your marine adventures.
Tips and Tricks For Best Results
To get the best results from your Garmin GPSMAP 86SC, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Familiarize yourself with the device’s features and functions before heading out on the water. This will ensure that you can make the most of its capabilities and have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Download the necessary apps from the Connect IQ store to activate the remote control functionality and access additional features.
- Keep the device charged to ensure that it has sufficient battery life for your outings. Utilize power-saving settings, such as adjusting the tracking interval, to maximize battery life.
- Pair the GPSMAP 86SC with your compatible smartphone to receive smart notifications and stay connected while on the water.
- Explore the Earthmate app and Garmin Explore portal for cloud management of waypoints, tracks, and routes. This will allow you to backup and sync your data for easy access and organization.
Final Thoughts
Product Summary
The Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is a feature-packed handheld GPS device designed for water enthusiasts. Its water-resistant and floating design, paired with the sunlight-visible display and button operation, make it easy and convenient to use on the water. The ability to stream boat data, function as a remote control, and receive smart notifications add versatility and convenience to your marine adventures.
The preloaded BlueChart G3 coastal charts ensure accurate and reliable navigation, while the adjustable GPS filter smooths out fluctuations in speed and heading indications. With long battery life and Wi-Fi, ANT+, and Bluetooth connectivity, the GPSMAP 86SC is a reliable and valuable tool for all your water activities.
Final Recommendation
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile handheld GPS device for your boating, fishing, or water-related adventures, the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC is an excellent choice. Its water-resistant and floating design, combined with its range of features, make it a valuable asset for navigation, data consolidation, and remote control functionality. The durable construction, clear display, and long battery life ensure that you can rely on this device to enhance your marine experience. Invest in the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC and take your water adventures to a whole new level.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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