Garmin brings tears to my eyes

[LiftyK]

For years I’ve been a fan of Garmin gear. Great functionality, bullet proof equipment and a range of products that covered all budgets.

Then I noticed they stopped doing smaller plotters, the sort I have purchased in the past.

Today I received an email from Garmin explaining their new Navionics+ charts. While my plotter is no antique, it would not run on my plotter anyway. Fair enough. Then I noticed “subscription “. It was subscription pricing that drove me away from Adobe’s otherwise excellent computer software.

Looking at Garmin's new East Coast UK chart and English Channel as examples, it seems to be about £150 a year. I’m so disappointed. I guess I’ll stick with my current setup for as long as my plotter works. If they will continue to offer affordable lifetime charts in future and I missed that, I will be happy. Otherwise it seems Garmin wishes to exit the market for gear for small craft. From hero to zero. I can’t believe it.

See Garmin Navionics+ | Marine Cartography

 

[lustyd]

The subscription is just for updates, the charts don't expire.

 

[HenrikH]

I have been very pleased with Navionics charts for a B&G plotter. Feared something would happen when Garmin took over. Guess I will have to move to C-map?

 

[KompetentKrew]

I actually prefer C-Map charts on my B&G.

They're about the same price, although I've never looked at the updates.

 

[[70521]]

I have just received a UK and Ireland update to my ancient GPSMap750. Works on the laptop. Going to install it on the CP tomorrow. I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Please note post #2

Garmin charts do not expire, they will last indefinitely, although they will obviously get out of date eventually. The subscription offers a cost effective way to keep the charts fully up to date, for those that wish to.

 

[ChromeDome]

As always the future is uncertain.
In 2016 the Lowrance/Simrad/B&G owner 'Navico' aquired C-Map, in 2021 'Navico' was aquired by Brunswick (Mercury engines, 16 boat brands, 19 accessories brands and then some). So the game now mainly is between Brunswick and Garmin and the competition should benefit you and me as customers.

Must keep an eye on things ?️‍?️. If the two big ones go hand in hand prices are bound to increase.

 

[lustyd]

I'm curious whether this marks the beginning of the end of BlueCharts. It would be nice to see Garmin consolidate but hopefully leave Navionics as they are. They do seem to be having some big re-orgs right now accross the business

 

[ChromeDome]

Could make a guy revisit all options. I mean if the big names only offer devices and software you won't ever really use, then the more cost efficient solutions might be for you.

Onwa with K-Chart and C-map + Navionics compatibility
OpenSeaMap,
iBoating ,
OpenCPN,

devices like tablets, pc's...

Pro's and Con's of course, but if your requirements and budget fits something less than the Golden Standard, then a fresh view might stretch your funds.

Personally still pondering about next step or stay on current.

 

[ghostlymoron]

When I first got Navionics for my tablet, it cost twelve quid to buy outright the whole UK and Ireland (including substantial chunks of Holland and France. Fantastic value! Including free updates! Now Garmin have bought them, the same chart is £34 PER YEAR (if you want updates) still good value I opine.

 

[ChromeDome]

When I first got Navionics for my tablet, it cost twelve quid to buy outright the whole UK and Ireland (including substantial chunks of Holland and France. Fantastic value! Including free updates! Now Garmin have bought them, the same chart is £34 PER YEAR (if you want updates) still good value I opine.

I used to have a large coverage on the iPad + card on the plotter. Now cut to a fraction AND more expensive.
No longer subscribing to updates.