Garmin announced earlier this week that it will be expanding its GPSMAP series to include four 16-inch models; the largest screen sizes yet. The new models include two sonar models: the GPSMAP 7416xsv and the GPSMAP 7616xsv as well as two non-sonar models: GPSMAP 7416 and GPSMAP 7616. All four models are expected to hit markets in the second quarter of this year.
These four new GPS devices will be pretty equitable to the other GPSMAP 7400 and 7600 series models, from what I can gather and will include full pinch-to-zoom touchscreens and full network capabilities that will allow users to add sensors, multiple screens, remote sonar modules, weather, radar, autopilot, thermal and IP camera visibility, digital switching and more for a fully customizable setup based on the users needs.
Both of the xsv models will include built-in sonar capabilities including true dual-channel 1kW CHIRP sonar and both CHIRP DownVu and SideVu scanning sonar to provide nearly photographic imaging of the fish and structures beneath and to the sides of the boat. All xsv models in the GPSMAP 7400 and 7600 series also include support for Garmin Panoptix, an all-seeing sonar technology with a Down or Forward transducer to see fish swimming underwater in any direction.
Other premium sailing features present on all four new models include a pre-race guidance page that displays a virtual starting line, laylines, time to burn before start and a race countdown timer. For a full list of features available for other Garmin GPSMAP 7400 or 7600 models, click here.
The new GPSMAP 7416, 7416xsv, 7616 and 7616sxv models price range is expected to be around $5400 – $6000.
