January 2025 Marine Software Update
Garmin has announced the Q1 2025 marine software update, including functionality updates and new features across its marine systems.
Source Garmin.com
The update is available as a free download using the ActiveCaptain mobile app or from a computer with Garmin Express software. A preloaded update card can also be purchased and shipped directly from Garmin. More information about update methods is provided on Garmin’s website.
Users can visit the chart update page or the marine support section on Garmin.com for the latest chart data. The Download Charts option is also available in the ActiveCaptain app. Additional details about marine charts can be accessed through the marine chart viewer.
Source Garmin.com
New Features
Fusion Stereo and Garmin Spectra Lighting Controller Updates
- These updates are part of the marine software bundle.
- They enable users to update these devices via their networked Garmin chartplotter using an SD card or the ActiveCaptain app.
Auto Guidance+ Improvements in ActiveCaptain App
This update includes changes to the review process for hazards in Auto Guidance+ suggested paths:
- Hazard grouping: Hazards near one another are grouped and sorted from the start position to the end of the route.
- Chart expiry notification: Notifications are displayed when expired charts are used for Auto Guidance+ calculations.
Source Garmin.com
MARPA Alarm Improvements
The update makes the following changes to MARPA alarms:
- Lost Target Alarm toggle: An option to enable or disable the Lost Target Alarm has been added to the top level of the Dangerous Target menu (previously called the Collision Alarm menu).
- Customizable triggers: The Lost Target Alarms can now be limited based on target range or speed.
- Target capacity warning: A notification alerts users when the list of MARPA or AIS targets reaches 95% capacity.
Source Garmin.com
Compatibility
This update is compatible with the following devices:
- GPSMAP 9000 (19–27 inches)
- GPSMAP 9500 Black Box
- GPSMAP 8600 (17–24 inches)
- GPSMAP 8600xsv (10–16 inches)
- GPSMAP 8700 Black Box
- GPSMAP 7×3/9×3/12×3/16×3
- GPSMAP 10×2/12×2 (Key)
- ECHOMAP Ultra 2 (10/12 inches)
- ECHOMAP UHD2 (6/7/9-inch Touch)
- ECHOMAP UHD2 (5/7-inch Key)
Source Garmin.com
For more details, users can visit the marine software support page.