Many people don’t realize that when we’re developing products we put them through extreme test conditions. We drop ‘em, dunk ‘em, freeze ‘em, and heat ‘em, and that’s just a few of the tests engineering puts products through. We’re proud that our devices are rugged and can stand up to the challenges our customers give them — even accidental challenges. Here’s a great testimonial sent to the Garmin inbox from Kevin, a satisfied Garmin customer, and his GPSMAP 76s that survived his accidental challenge. 

I just thought that you would like to know that your products have gone up a notch or two in my book this week. I always like to give credit where credit is due, and I think that your products have earned some praise following an accident I had with one during a recent road trip. 
 
I’ve been a Garmin customer for many years now, and currently use a Foretrex 101 and GPSMAP 76S for hiking here in Colorado. I also still have my original Garmin unit (a “GPS 40″ from the mid 1990′s). All of these units have performed as advertised, though I never had the opportunity to subject them to a true durability test…until this week.

I often keep the GPSMAP 76S in my vehicle when I travel, and that was the case during the past week when I traveled to Ohio to visit family. Unfortunately I wasn’t very careful with the storage of my GPS on this trip, and didn’t realize that the unit had been knocked out of my car’s door pocket while I was unloading the vehicle at my parent’s house. When I backed out of the driveway a short time later, I immediately felt a solid bump as the front wheel of my vehicle drove squarely over my GPS unit. 

I honestly didn’t even realize that I had driven over my GPS unit at the time, and I got out of the car expecting to find that I had run over a brick (or some other equally inconsequential item) in the driveway. I was greatly disappointed when I saw my GPS laying in front of my tire on the pavement. Although this unit was being stored in a soft-sided nylon case, this case is not really padded in any way, and certainly wasn’t designed to protect the product from anything more than the most minor abuse.
 
When I opened the carrying case I was surprised to see that my GPS unit had not been completely destroyed (I expected that it would have been crushed and/or cracked). I was also shocked to see that the screen appeared undamaged, and the only mark on the unit was a small (and very superficial) scratch near the antenna area on the unit’s case. I immediately turned the GPS on, and was surprised to see that the unit still functioned normally. The device quickly acquired a satellite fix, and the backlight functioned just as it always had.
 
Given that I had originally purchased this GPS unit for use during sea kayaking trips, I was well aware of the fact that it is designed to float. Because I had just driven over this device with a car, I was also concerned that the integrity of the case may have been compromised during my unplanned quality control test. However, as you can see in the picture I attached, my GPS unit is still functioning normally - even while it floats in a sink full of water, after being run over by nearly 3,000 lbs worth of vehicle!
 
In my opinion, that’s pretty impressive for an 8-year-old precision electronic device! Thanks for making a great product, and I’ll be sure to look to Garmin again as I begin to shop for a vehicle-based GPS system!

Thanks, Kevin, for sharing this great story! To learn more about our other rugged and waterproof marine handheld products, visit the On The Water section of Garmin.com.

Today Garmin and Bayliner Boats announced that, beginning with the upcoming 2011 model year, all Bayliner navigation packages will feature intuitive, state-of-the-art electronics exclusively from Garmin International. Bayliner, a world leader in affordably-priced runabouts and cruisers, formed this agreement with Garmin to continue its enhancements in the ease and usability of its boats.

Bayliner manufactures runabout and cruiser models ranging from 16 to 33 feet. The optional navigation packages vary by model based on boat size and specific use. Bayliner already is installing Garmin electronics on its cruiser models with complete integration throughout the product offering by September when the 2011 model year begins. 

“In comparing product features, pricing and overall value, we believe Garmin is clearly the best choice and is a recognized leader in GPS mapping and VHF technology,” said Betsy Lazzara, Bayliner’s Vice President and Brand Manager. “In addition to being a great value, Garmin’s GPS and VHF radio combinations feature the latest interfacing technology available and will provide our customers with great quality and state of the art design. Our primary goal is to make boating fun and attainable to everyone. To that end, Garmin electronics feature intuitive designs and clear menus making navigating and communication easier.”

We’ve received today’s Ask Garmin question from a few different people, which makes us think that many people are enjoying spending time on the water this summer! “Does the new Garminfone support BlueCharts?   –Jim”

Great question. Although you can add our detailed marine charts, BlueChart, to the Garminfone, you should know that the BlueChart mapping on the Garminfone will function with limited compatibility. The Garminfone with BlueChart will give you access to basic information like shaded depth contours and navaids, but there are certain elements of BlueChart that were designed
for use on dedicated Marine GPS products and will not be
displayed on a Garminfone.