Multifunction displays are one of the most competitive segments in marine electronics. With the GPSMap 8616xsv, Garmin took top honors in the Multifunction Display category in the 2021 National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Awards program. The electronics company was also named Manufacturer of the Year.

A Closer Look

The GPSMAP 8616xsv is the 16” (40.64 cm) version of the series that ranges from 10” (25.4 cm) to 24” (60.96 cm). Garmin says the 8616xsv is targeted at serious cruisers, sailors and sail racers. It’s a fully networkable unit with HD in-plane switching touchscreen displays for wider viewing angles, improved clarity and sunlight readability — even with polarized glasses.

The GPSMAP 8616xsv is compatible with premium maps and charts and provides connectivity with ANT technology and Wi-Fi networking. Sailors will find clear laylines on the screen and in SmartMode, a user has one-touch access to information.

For flexibility, multiple units can be installed flat-mounted edge to edge or flush. An optional Grid 20 remote input device can be used to control the whole Garmin system on a given boat.

Sailing Features

Garmin’s SailAssist lets a user view laylines, race-start line guidance, enhanced wind rose, heading and course-over ground lines, true wind data fields and tide/current/time slider, wind angle, set and drift, wind speed and more.

Preloaded Mapping

BlueChart g3 coastal charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps feature integrated Garmin and Navionics content and Auto Guidance technology. If a boat is equipped with multiple Garmin devices, users can share information such as maps, user data, radar and IP cameras. NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0185 connect the MFD to autopilots, digital switching, weather, Fusion-Link audio system, media, VHF, AIS and more from a single screen.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity pairs with the free ActiveCaptain mobile app for access to the OneChart feature, smart notifications, software updates, Garmin Quickdraw Community data and more.

Integrated Bluetooth and ANT technologies connect the GPSMAP 8616 with devices including Quatix marine watches, gWind-Wireless 2 transducers, GNX-Wind marine instruments and wireless remote controls.

OneHelm is an exclusive feature that brings together the operations and capabilities of third-party devices like EmpirBus digital switching on one screen.

SmartMode Station Controls provide one-touch access to information needed to ease high-stress situations like docking by incorporating networked sonar, radar, cameras, media and more.

Garmin also provides the ability to connect its chartplotter to select Mercury and Yamaha engines to see rpm, fuel flow, temperature, trim and other information at a glance. Additional hardware may be required.

Panoptix Sonar support lets the GPSMap 8616 pair with Panoptix PS51 FrontVü forward-looking sonar to avoid obstacles.

Each unit comes with a power cable, NMEA connector and drop cable, a flush-mount kit, a sun cover and trim piece snap covers.   

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