Garmin expands marine audio and sailing product range

Garmin has introduced a range of marine products covering autopilot, instrumentation and audio, including the SmartDrive autopilot for sailboats and catamarans, the GMI 40 multipurpose marine instrument, and new JL Audio A60 and M200 systems.

SmartDrive introduces brushless actuator

The SmartDrive autopilot is designed for sailboats and catamarans up to 45ft, with a maximum displacement of 15 tonnes. It uses a brushless linear actuator with an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) and rudder feedback sensor. The Reactor 40 Corepack with SmartDrive provides up to 1,050lb of maximum thrust.

“Whether out for a day trip or a longer voyage, sailors need dependable technology. SmartDrive was designed from the ground up to deliver precise steering, long-term durability, a quiet ride and reliable performance in demanding offshore conditions, giving sailors confidence wherever their journey takes them,” says Susan Lyman, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales and marketing.

The actuator uses fewer cables and external components than previous configurations and has a similar form factor to other linear actuators, which Garmin says is intended to simplify retrofit installations.

SmartDrive connects to compatible Garmin multifunction displays (MFDs) through NMEA 2000 and is available as a standalone actuator or as part of the Reactor 40 Sail Corepack.

The Corepack includes a course computer with a nine-axis attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) and a GHC 50 autopilot display with a 5-inch touchscreen. The system supports wind hold, adjustable tack and gybe speeds, and automatic response settings, with control also available through selected Garmin devices.

The SmartDrive actuator costs £3,449.99 or €3,999.99. The Reactor 40 Sail Corepack with SmartDrive starts at £4,739.99 or €5,499.99.

GMI 40 adds touchscreen instrumentation

The GMI 40 is a 4.3-inch multipurpose marine instrument with a colour LCD touchscreen and edge-to-edge glass. It displays live boating data and can be used alongside Garmin GPSMAP chartplotters.

“Whether sailing, fishing the coast or cruising for the weekend, you need a compact instrument that’s simple to operate and fits cleanly at the helm. Our new GMI 40 delivers that and more with a modern display that networks seamlessly across Garmin’s marine products, putting the real-time data you rely on in one place,” says Lyman.

The instrument connects to compatible equipment through NMEA 2000 and Garmin BlueNet networks, and supports wireless connectivity with gWind sensors, marine remote controls and Garmin quatix marine smartwatches.

The GMI 40 can be installed in the existing dash cutout used by the GMI 20 with an adapter plate. It is available as a standalone product or in bundles with wind and water instrumentation, including gWind and DST820 transducers.

The GMI 40 is priced at £599.99 or €699.99. Bundle prices range from £866.99 or €1,199.99 to £1,499.99 or €2,099.99.

JL Audio A60 adds four-zone audio control

Garmin has introduced two JL Audio head units, the A60 and A60-H. Both provide four-zone audio control and incorporate digital signal processing (DSP), Bluetooth LE audio streaming and compatibility with the Garmin Audio app.

“We’re excited to offer boat owners a new premium, convenient and affordable audio solution that will entertain on every trip,” explains Lyman. “The new JL Audio A60 head units bring together a robust feature set, including built-in Digital Signal Processing, superior Bluetooth connectivity and a modern-looking design to fit with the current trends in mid-size boats.”

The A60 has a 2.95-inch colour display, while the A60-H uses a hideaway format for installation alongside Garmin MFDs. Both support wireless control through compatible Garmin smartwatches or the Garmin Audio app.

NMEA 2000 connectivity allows the system to be networked with a Garmin MFD or JL Audio NRX-300 wired remote. Both models also feature Speed vs. Volume adjustment and a built-in DAB tuner.

The A60 and A60-H are priced at £429.99 or €499.99.

M200 extends JL Audio speaker range

The JL Audio M200 series adds 6.5-inch and 7.7-inch marine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. The speakers use a 1-inch edge-driven silk dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet and provide up to 60W RMS power handling. The subwoofer has a polypropylene cone and 250W RMS power handling.

The components include red, green and blue LED illumination, which can be controlled through a compatible chartplotter or marine head unit when paired with a Garmin Spectra or Garmin Lumishore light control module.

White and grey grille options are available, with marine-grade materials and corrosion-resistant connections and finishes. Garmin states that the M200 series meets or exceeds ASTM standards for salt fog and sunlight exposure.

“With the JL Audio M200 series, we’re offering boaters a powerful onboard audio solution with crystal-clear sound, modern styling and customisable lighting – all at an exceptional value,” Lyman says. “Designed to keep the party going year after year, these speakers and subwoofers deliver the performance, durability and versatility to enhance any day on the water.”

The M200 series has suggested retail prices ranging from £159.99 or €179.99 to £259.99 or €299.99.