Review on Garmin GPSMAP Waterproof Marine Chartplotter by Elmito Yeager

This is a great little device and I've used it extensively including on a 47 day kayaking 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 have been able to verify this over many days of use and have found this through experimentation, Deleting waypoints and routes as we move. There is probably a programming loop that always evaluates everything, not what is currently relevant, 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. As I said, I WANT to love it and they seem VERY close to a great design. It would 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. 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. 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.