A Heads-Up Display For Boaters

Electronics manufacturer Garmin has introduced what it describes as “a new hands-free in-view display” that enhances a boater’s situational awareness by putting important information directly in their line of sight.

The new Garmin Nautix is a small device that attaches to most types of sunglasses, where it displays key boating data including speed, heading, water depth and temperature, wind direction, engine RPM, and more, streaming the data from a compatible onboard device.

“The Garmin Nautix is another example of our innovative head-mounted display technology that’s purpose built and designed for dedicated activities like cruising, fishing or sailing,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “Boaters can now have a continuous view of critical boat data at all times, which is beneficial in a number of on-the-water situations, including when you’re looking for fish and want to see a change in water temperature or depth; if you’re a sailor to start a race and need to see the countdown timer; or if you have to hand over the helm to someone else for any reason, like to drop anchor.”

Featuring eight hours of always-on battery life and a durable, weatherproof design, the Garmin Nautix is built to withstand the harsh marine environment. Its glove-friendly touch panel can be used to rotate between data displays, and its adaptable mounting style allows it to attach on either arm of the user’s sunglasses with a fully adjustable arm and eyepiece for optimum display position.

The device, which weighs about one ounce (29.7 grams), includes an integrated ambient light sensor to ensure readability in all lighting conditions, and it can be worn with polarized and prescription lenses.

Once connected with a compatible chart plotter or instrument , the device can receive information from up to 12 different data screens. Users can easily view streaming boat data including speed and heading, speed over ground, wind angle and speed, water temperature and depth, engine RPM, and distance and bearing to next waypoint. Sailors can even view advanced racing data, including countdown timer, time to burn, and start line information.

The Garmin Nautix is compatible with the GPSMAP 7400/7600 series and the new GPSMAP 8400/8600 series. It’s expected to be available in April with a suggested retail price of about $400. Learn more at garmin.com/marine2016.