Garmin GPSMAP 620

[cindersailor]

Anyone use a GPSMAP 620? I am looking to install my first chartplotter and am quite taken with the 620. Seems to be a smaller portable version of the 750 (without the add radar option) with the added benefit of dual use as a car satnav. The fact that it has its own battery means that there would be no need to install a second station down below for passage planning activities. How good is the touch screen? Any concerns over corrosion of the contacts on the unit and mount? Any user feedback would be useful in making my decision. Thanks

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I have two Garmin touch screen plotters, albeit different models. However, I would imagine the technology is the same.

I prefer touch screen as it means that functionality can be upgraded, as Garmin do, by changing the soft button allocations.

There was a problem a few years back with the sensitivity of the screen, they were going crazy in the rain, but Garmin has sorted that.

The one possible drawback of touch screen is that they do not seem to be compatible with gloves. I have found though that my touch screens work fine with Seal Skinz gloves on.

Garmin support is superb. Their cartography can be a little slow in responding to new things but it's more than enough for me. I have just spent a couple of weeks in France driving around with a three year old Garmin Satnav and it was perfect. On the boat we use G2 vision and have upgraded once in 3 years.

 

[tag13]

I have had a 620 for about two years - very plesed with it. Have installed cockpit and chart tableIn flush mounts in my Contessa 26 at Port Edgar and also take it to Algarve for use on my Longbow with a marine mount. One problem is the screen misting up but Garmin say this should clear in 10 mins if you leave it in location without the battery installed but not always successful. Garmin support very good -tried a firmware update once an corrupted the software - sent back to Grmin and a replacement unit supplied by return courier. Touchscreen easy to use and software very intuitive

Tom