Garmin GPSMAP® 8624 Chartplotter GN+ Review

Garmin GPSMAP® 8624 Chartplotter GN+ Review

The Garmin GPSMAP® 8624 is a premium, high-performance 24-inch chartplotter designed for serious boaters, offshore anglers, and marine professionals who demand cutting-edge navigation, superior display quality, and seamless integration with other marine electronics. With its ultra-fast processing, high-resolution touchscreen, and preloaded charts, this unit is built to elevate your on-the-water experience.

Key Features

✅ Massive 24-inch Full HD Touchscreen Display – Features a crystal-clear, sunlight-readable touchscreen with edge-to-edge glass for an immersive navigation experience.

✅ Preloaded Garmin Navionics+™ Charts – Comes with detailed coastal and inland maps, providing depth contours, auto-routing, and daily updates to keep navigation precise.

✅ Ultra-Fast Processing Power – Allows for quick chart redraws, smooth multi-tasking, and seamless integration with other Garmin devices.

✅ Network Integration & NMEA 2000 Compatibility – Easily connects with radar, sonar, autopilot, AIS, and more, making it the command center of your vessel.

✅ Garmin SailAssist™ & Fishing Features – Offers tactical sailing tools, fishfinding overlays, and sonar support for advanced marine functionality.

✅ Multi-Touch & Customizable Interface – Lets you customize data layouts, split-screen views, and controls to match your boating needs.

✅ Garmin BlueChart® & Vision+ Compatible – Expandable mapping support provides high-resolution relief shading, aerial photos, and satellite imagery for enhanced navigation.

✅ Wi-Fi & ANT+ Connectivity – Syncs with ActiveCaptain®, smartphone apps, and wearables for remote control and seamless updates.

✅ OneHelm™ Integration – Centralizes control of digital switching, lighting, and onboard systems for a fully connected marine experience.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:
✔ Stunning 24” full HD display for maximum visibility
✔ Preloaded Garmin Navionics+™ charts with regular updates
✔ Ultra-fast processor for seamless multi-tasking
✔ Full NMEA 2000 & Garmin Marine Network integration
✔ Sonar, radar, and autopilot compatibility
✔ Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and app connectivity for remote access

❌ Cons:
✖ High price point, but justified for serious boaters and professionals
✖ Large size requires ample helm space, limiting installation options on smaller boats
✖ Some advanced features require additional accessories (like sonar transducers or radar modules)

Final Verdict

The Garmin GPSMAP® 8624 is a top-of-the-line chartplotter that delivers exceptional performance, an ultra-responsive interface, and seamless network integration. Its massive 24-inch touchscreen, advanced mapping, and high-speed processing make it one of the best marine navigation systems available. While it's a significant investment, for those who demand precision, reliability, and cutting-edge technology, this unit is worth every penny.

⭐ Rating: 4.9/5

Would you like recommendations on compatible sonar transducers, radar systems, or accessories? 🚤📡🌊