Review on Garmin GPSMAP Waterproof Marine Chartplotter by Michael Syph

This is a great little device that I have used extensively, including on a 47 day kayak trip from Anacortes WA to Petersburg, AK. When working properly, this is a great tool. However, there are some design flaws that I would like to correct. The rubber covers for the USB and power ports are poorly constructed and let in salt water, causing corrosion. My other IPX 7 devices (camera, FM radio, etc.) have sturdier housings that never leak. If you download many waypoints and routes, the device uses more power. I've been able to verify this over many days of use and figured it out through experimentation, removing waypoints and routes as I went along. Prolly has a software loop that always evaluates everything, not what is relevant at the moment, that never falls asleep as the amount of data grows.3. The device FREQUENTLY gets stuck while driving on a route. To do this you must remove the protective cover, remove the batteries and restart. Nothing you want to do in windy, wavy conditions! Eventually I stopped using this feature but it's just a shame. Let me repeat that I love it when it works. I cover myself with Aquaseal protective sleeves before paddling in salt water. However, I then have to remove it before I can plug the USB into the computer, which is obviously the problem. Like I said I WANT to love it and they seem VERY close to a great design. Wouldn't it be nice if they listened to their customers a little better? January 7, 2020: I would like to add to my review. Last summer he kayaked around Vancouver Island in 34 days. I reloaded my GPSMAP with more data including waypoints and tracks. Battery performance has been greatly improved and never froze while following a track. I felt the software changes resolved my ailments. Unfortunately, port covers are still poorly constructed and leaking.