Garmin chart plotter/navionics install?????

[woodster]

I read somewhere if you install Navionics on a Garmin chartplotter that you can not reverse it and go back to original garmin format...is this correct ......the reason i asked is i don't want to not be able to go back to scratch if i install and decide to change directions....anyone got any info on this or am i just concerned in vain.......

 

[joker460]

I looked at that some time ago and the only Navionic charts compatible with Garmin Chartplotters was their SonarChart. Garmin then changed their firmware and that stopped that. Unless someone has hacked their Garmin, I don't see how you can interchange between formats. http://www.navionics.com/en/compatibility-guide-sonarchart-garmin-plotters

 

[Maine Sail]

If you want to use Navionics Sonar charts, DO NOT upgrade your Garmin plotter. Garmin has currently blocked the use of Navionics charts in Garmin plotters. That said I have the Garmin / Navionics sonar charts and I am not a fan at all. Very cluttered and they lack comparable spot soundings to the NOAA charts. I used it in my Garmin before I updated the firmware and decided it was not worth continuing to use and the firmware update was more worthwhile.. I also have the Navionics sonar charts on my iPad with Navionics and rarely if ever use it. The areas I actually want it for, off the beaten path gunkholes, are not charted well anyway, even by the sonar data.......

 

[woodster]

Thanks for the answers. I have updated my 541 so these apps are no good to me I got these from that lady that was looking for testers about 8 months ago on here but didn't install them because I was not in the water yet. Now while I set here waiting on my trucker to get in gear and haul my boat all of the sudden I have million questions and thoughts going through my mind

 

[JTulls]

You should be able to just pull out the Navionics card revert back to the old Garmin charts, but the Navionics charts are no longer compatible if you've done the update. As far as the clutter on the screen, I know on some units you can adjust the resolution of the depth contours so it clears areas up a bit and I think there's that option on the Garmin. There's an interesting article about everything about the situation between Garmin and Navionics below and it also has some interesting info on the SonarChart features. http://www.panbo.com/archives/2015/...harts_for_garmin_conflict_messy_business.html