August 20, 2024

Boating in the dark offers unique experiences and practical advantages, including less traffic, cooler temperatures and amazing stargazing — just to name a few. Whether you’re heading out to catch the early-morning bite at your favorite fishing spot, enjoying a peaceful moonlit cruise or navigating back to the marina after a long day on the water, nighttime boating requires careful preparation and the right tools.

How Garmin Electronics Can Help You Boat at Night

It’s no surprise that visibility is top of mind when boating under the cover of darkness. There are laws and guidance about navigation lights while boating in the dark, but there are more steps each boat owner can take to enhance navigation day or night. Garmin chartplotters provide clear chart views even in low-light situations. A too-bright screen can have you seeing stars when you glance away (and we’re not referring to the night sky reflecting on calm seas).

Compatible Garmin chartplotters have screens that can be adjusted easily for optimal nighttime viewing. Simply select night colors on your chartplotter or enable the auto option for automatic adjustments based on time of day or the brightness outside.

Many of the GPSMAP and ECHOMAP chartplotters come with Garmin mapping built-in, and it can also be purchased separately for models where it’s not included. When night mode is activated, the charts are displayed in muted tones with enhanced contrast. This adjustment makes it easier to see important navigation features, such as contours and hazards, even in low-light conditions. With an included one-year, renewable subscription, charts can be updated daily, giving you the confidence you need to navigate at night.

The Auto Guidance+¹ feature uses chart data to help you plan routes through coastal and inland waters — avoiding land, obstacles and hazards along the way. You can also use the ActiveCaptain® smartphone app as a backup for chart viewing and navigation in night mode.

Looking for precise location accuracy on your chartplotter? If not built in, the GPS 24xd position receiver and antenna can provide that on your compatible Garmin marine multifunctional displays, instrument displays and autopilots, thanks to multi-band GPS. All so you can focus on exploring the coastal or inland waters.

Once you arrive at your location, set the anchor drag alarm on your compatible chartplotter for overnight anchoring to set off an alarm if your boat moves beyond a set distance. For added security and awareness at night, the GC™ 200 marine IP camera allows you to monitor your vessel and its surroundings. With HD resolution — even in lowlight situations — this boat camera provides improved situational awareness and allows you to stream video from up to four cameras to your compatible chartplotter.

Peace of Mind with Garmin Products

Ideally, every time you venture out on the water will be smooth sailing — but it’s always crucial to be prepared in the event that it’s not. Marine electronics like radars and automatic identification system (AIS) transceivers can provide you with an extra layer of confidence regardless of the time of day.

Thanks to our SOS integration on compatible chartplotters, Garmin has unique emergency features that integrate seamlessly with Garmin VHF radios to help you get the assistance you need should an emergency arise. An SOS message can be quickly sent to nearby vessels and authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard.

Garmin’s VHF radios allow boaters access to direct selective calling to get in touch with local boaters and water rescue services. The Garmin inReach® Mini 2 is another SOS solution one can explore, allowing messaging and SOS capabilities without cell coverage² and access to our Garmin Response^SM international response coordination center. 

The GMR Fantom™ radar offers superior situational awareness and weather updates, while VHF radios with built-in AIS transponders such as the Cortex® V1 Hub can help to communicate on the water, potentially preventing collisions and assisting in emergencies. Read this in-depth blog post about how you can use AIS technology and the GMR Fantom radar to help avoid a potential collision with a boat and stationary objects, respectively.

Garmin marine electronics can help to keep safety and simplicity top of mind, both in the dark and in the full light of day. Learn more about our marine products and what they can do for your life on the water.

¹Auto Guidance+ is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations.
²Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.