The Watercooler-What's New, Hot Items, Advice, Tips, & More

Garmin has released all new Garmin fenix 7 Pro and epix Pro Gen 2 series multisport watches. The fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches include a solar charging Power Glass lens, while the epix Pro Gen 2 series include a super bright AMOLED display. These new watches feature an LED flashlight- a convenient safety feature for night training. New Pro models also include a next generation (gen 5) heart rate sensor which constantly samples your heart rate to help you gauge how hard you work during activities. Multiple case sizes allow for a custom fit to suit your wrist size and style preferences, while color options are neutral and ideal for every day wear.

Shop the new Garmin epix Pro Gen 2 series here.

Shop the new Garmin fenix 7 Pro series here.

Garmin has released the April 2023 (Q2 2023) Marine Software Update. Download this update free of charge from the Garmin ActiveCaptain app or from your computer with Garmin Express software. As a convenience, we also offer software updates on SD card, available for the Garmin GPSMAP Series here and Garmin ECHOMAP Series here.

Want to save the data from a specific area on to an SD card? Now users can save the data within a specified boundary on to an SD card. This makes it quick and easy to share waypoints with a friend or bring your user data to another boat or new chartplotter.

The Q2 update includes user interface improvements for autopilot graphics. These improvements feature a rotating compass and added gradients to improve the overall feel of the autopilot page.

Through an SD card, users can now save system profile settings and import these settings to a new unit. This new feature can be helpful for charter or fleet vessels- or for sharing information and settings with a friend who may like your setup!

Have your Garmin chartplotter connected to a Garmin inReach Communicator? Now send new messages or reply to incoming messages with custom messages drafted directly on your Garmin MFD’s display. This makes it quick and easy to draft custom messages from your large MFD display.

Fusion has made several improvements within this software update. Users can now re-create previously established groups when switching units from off to on. Fusion stereos can now automatically adjust speaker volume as the boat speed increases, making sure you can always hear high quality sound!

Users can now control Mercury autopilots (Auto heading and Route Following) from your Garmin MFD.

Voice Control commands have expanded to include new sonar and radar voice commands including ‘Increase Sonar Gain’ and ‘Start MotionScope Technology’.

We recommend updating the software in your Garmin MFD routinely to keep it running at its best and to ensure compatibility with new features. Check the compatibility list below to see what you can expect from this new update based on the MFD you own.

Who doesn’t love a deal? The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Handheld GPS features built-in sensors, U.S. and Canada TopoActive Charts and is on sale with a whopping $150 savings!

Hiking, climbing, hunting, geocaching, kayaking or biking- the GPSMAP 66sr is a great choice. The large 3-inch display showcases detailed Topo maps for the U.S. and Canada that will keep you on course. The preloaded TopoActive charts show terrain contours, elevations, summits, parks, coastlines and more! Multiple satellite system support (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS) provide accurate positioning even in areas with heavy tree cover. ABC sensors include altimeter for elevation data, barometer for weather monitoring and a 3-axis electronic compass. Pair with your compatible smartphone to get real-time forecast information and live weather radar. The GPSMAP 66sr provides advanced features at an incredible price.

Shop the deal here!

Want a peek inside The GPS Store, Inc. watercooler talk? What’s your sleep score? This is a topic of discussion in our office, and I suspect in yours as well. We all know sleep is a vital component to any healthy lifestyle, but few of us are actually getting consistent quality sleep. Garmin has made sleep data accessible for almost all through their wide variety of health monitoring features built in to almost all of their wearables. It’s easier than ever to track your sleep, recognize factors that improve it or discourage a good nights rest- straight from your Garmin smartwatch. Click here to read more about Garmin Sleep scores and how yours stacks up.

If you’re planning to hit the trails this spring, now is a great time to check out Garmin handheld GPS options. Garmin has released a few new handheld GPS including the Garmin eTrex SE, GPSMAP 67, GPSMAP 67i.

The Garmin eTrex SE is the simplest unit out of the 3 new models and features an extra long battery life, multi satellite support and compatibility with the Garmin Explore app. Keep your bearings with the digital compass and enjoy automatic cache updates from Geocaching Live. With a retail price under $150- this is an ideal GPS for those seeking a basic, easy-to-use handheld. Shop it here.

The new GPSMAP 67 series includes 2 models, the Garmin GPSMAP 67 which does not provide inReach Satellite Technology, and the Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach support (inReach Subscription Required and Sold Separately for inReach functions on the 67i). These more advanced handheld GPS units provide preloaded TopoActive maps and access to satellite imagery via WiFi. If you desire premium map features, create an Outdoor Maps+ subscription (sold separately). Connect to Garmin Explore App to plan, review and sync waypoints. Get real-time forecast information so you can make informed decisions while on the trail! Shop the Garmin GPSMAP 67 here. Shop the Garmin GPSMAP 67i here.

Spring is just around the corner, which means its time for your boat’s Pre-Season Check-Up. Click here for a list of important pre-season checks.

Safety equipment such as EPIRB’s and PLB’s have made tremendous strides in the past year with the addition of ACR Return Link Service (RLS). ACR released the ResQLink AIS PLB-450 with AIS and RLS this year. The first of its kind to offer both AIS, NFC and RLS- the PLB-450 provides peace of mind when you need it. Simple life jacket integration makes this an ideal addition to your safety equipment on board. New ACR EPRIB models include the ACR 2852 Cat II and 2851 Cat I EPIRB. Both feature ACR’s Return Link Service and new Mobile App integration. Now is a great time to assess your safety equipment and add to it if needed!

Our team returned from the Miami Boat Show earlier this week and are preparing for the Atlantic City boat show next week. The Miami show was great and we enjoyed talking to customers from all over. The Atlantic City show runs from March 1-5, 2023 and is located at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased here– keep in mind all ticket sales are online. If you can make it to the Atlantic City show, we will be in booth 407. Come see us!

New Product Alert- Raymarine releases new Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro series. The Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro series follows in the same path as previous customer-loved Axiom series displays but with some new bells and whistles and overall improvements. The new 6-Core Processor provides fast response while the nano-coated displays repels water and features smart backlighting to auto adjust based on day/night conditions. Two available models (RVM or S) and 3 display sizes provide options depending on your application and sonar needs. Give us a call 1-800-477-2611 to discuss models. Our experienced sales team is here to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

If you’re looking for a high performance hideaway stereo, the WB675 is the right system for you. Control four separate audio zones and set custom audio profiles for each zone! Control your music from your compatible display, smart device or compatible Garmin watch. Fusion has truly thought of it all while designing this stereo. Connect the stereo via NMEA 2000 and audio volume is automatically adjusted based on your boat’s speed (faster = louder; slower = lower volume).

The Apollo WB675 is equipped with Fusion Digital Signal Processing (DSP) which provides a superior sound quality at all volume levels and environments. Easy to set up DSP profiles make it easy to listen to high quality audio customized to your preferences and specific environment.

Connect your Apollo WB675 to your router via Ethernet to enjoy WIFI streaming. AirPlay 2 from Apple and universal Plug and Play put convenience at the forefront. Update software direct from your compatible smartphone via the Fusion-Link app.

The WB675 is a hideaway style stereo and can be controlled in a number of ways. Connect an Apollo ERX400 wired remote, connect to a compatible multifunction display or use the Fusion-Link app.

Shop the Fusion Apollo MS-WB675 Hideaway System here.

Garmin has released a new ECG app! The ECG app is compatible with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus series of smartwatches and allows you to record your heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or normal sinus rhythm. This 30-second recording is convenient and can be done anytime while wearing a Garmin Venu 2 Plus smartwatch. Results can be viewed immediately on your smartwatch or in the Garmin Connect app. These results can also be exported to a PDF to share with your doctor. Read more about the Garmin ECG app here.

Shop the Garmin Venu 2 Plus series here!

• Please note that the ECG App is not a diagnostic tool.
• The ECG app is available on the Venu^® 2 Plus smartwatch (firmware version 11.21 or later) with the Garmin Connect^TM smartphone app (version 4.62 or later).
• The ECG app is not available in all regions; see Garmin.com/ECG for availability.
• The ECG app is not intended for use by people under 22 years old.
• With the ECG app, the Venu^® 2 Plus smartwatch is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram.
• The Garmin Connect app must be downloaded on a compatible smartphone.

Garmin is continually working to improve their current product line with the release of periodic software updates. Software updates are free from the Garmin website or through Garmin’s free ActiveCaptain app. Software updates can also be purchased on SD card.

The January (Q1) Software update provides new features in addition to enhancements to current features including:

• Display DC Status Properties, Health and Case Temperature
• Mercury Cruise V12 Improvements
• Mercury Overlay Bar- ‘No Communication’ Bar
• Addition of Several New Voice Commands, Voice Control Bundle required and sold here.

Updating your software regularly ensures that your Garmin device operates at its best!