Garmin® shows its fully networked package for sail and motor boats at METS

Garmin is proud to have its new GHPTM 12 sailboat autopilot system on show at METS as part of its fully networked package of electronics for sail and motor boats. Bringing robust performance and sophisticated control capabilities to 20 to 70 foot sailboats equipped with linear-actuated steering systems, it adds to the comprehensive range from the global leader in satellite navigation.*GHP 12

The sailing holiday company, Sunsail, has already chosen Garmin marine equipment including the new GHP 12 sailboat autopilot system for use on its new flagship racing fleet. The Port Solent based fleet is being completely replaced with new boats are due to arrive early in 2011 in time for the spring season.

The GHP 12 is a below-deck autopilot system that acts as a second set of hands aboard your vessel. This new system is available with two linear drive options: the Class A Drive unit for sailboats with up to 28,500 pounds of displacement, or the Class B Drive Unit for larger sailboats with up to 79,000 pounds of displacement.

For optimal performance, the GHP 12 features a built-in gyro that maintains precise turn response and control stability. In addition, the integrated rudder feedback ensures ease of installation and exceptional reliability. And the GHP 12 offers minimal power consumption to conserve onboard power systems.

The Wind Hold, Auto-Tacking/Gybing functions as well as preset upwind courses – that can be tailored specifically to your vessel allowing it to sail and tack at predefined intervals – are all valuable features. This is all controlled not only at the push of a button from the GHCTM 10 control unit but also from the compatible remote, offered as a handy accessory to the GHP 12 Sailpilot.

Nigel Craine, Garmin’s marine product manager said “The GHP 12 is the evolution of the reputable GHP 10 autopilot system, introducing key benefits sailors have requested.” He went on to say, “By adding two linear drive options and updated sailing-specific software, the GHP 12 will bring Garmin’s leading autopilot technology to the sailboat market, and will address the needs of our loyal sailing customers.”

When interfaced with Garmin’s GWS™ 10 or other compatible wind sensor, GPS and network electronics, the GHP 12 can support workload-saving features such as heading hold, wind hold, step turns, tack/gybe, MFD route following and more. In addition, this new system features sailing-specific software and employs the industry-standard NMEA 2000 interface, ensuring ease of installation and network access to autopilot heading data.

For more information, visit www.garmin.com/onthewater

*According to Canalys report for sat nav sales made in 2009

 

About Garmin
 
The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications since 1989 – most of which are enabled by GPS technology.  Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information visit Garmin's media centre at http://garmin.blogs.com/ukpr. Garmin is a registered trademark and GHP, GHC and GWS are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.  All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

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