How to Get the Most Out of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 Full Version on Your Garmin Chartplotter
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 Full Version: A Comprehensive Review
If you are looking for a reliable and accurate marine mapping software for your Garmin chartplotter, you might want to consider Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version. This software product provides detailed and up-to-date offshore cartography for the Atlantic region, covering Europe, Africa, North and South America, and more. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, advantages, drawbacks, customer reviews, and ratings of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version, and help you decide if it is worth buying.
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version
What is Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0?
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is a software product that contains digital marine maps for the Atlantic region, compatible with a wide range of Garmin chartplotters. It is available as a CD-ROM or a pre-programmed data card that you can insert into your device. It allows you to view high-resolution nautical charts on your chartplotter screen, with features such as shaded depth contours, intertidal zones, spot soundings, navaids, port plans, tides, wrecks, restricted areas, anchorages, and more. You can also use it with your PC or laptop to plan your trips and waypoints, and transfer them to your chartplotter via a USB cable or a data card reader.
Features and benefits of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 offers many features and benefits for boaters, anglers, sailors, and explorers who want to navigate the waters of the Atlantic region with confidence and ease. Some of the main features and benefits are:
It provides detailed and accurate offshore cartography that is based on official paper charts from various sources, such as NOAA, UKHO, CHS, SHOM, etc. It also includes chart-specific information, such as chart name and number, scale, revision date, latest Notice to Mariners date.
It covers a large area of the Atlantic region, including Europe (from Norway to Gibraltar), Africa (from Morocco to South Africa), North America (from Greenland to Panama), South America (from Colombia to Argentina), Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea. You can see the full coverage map [here](^1^).
It works in seamless integration with a wide range of Garmin chartplotters, such as GPSMAP series, echoMAP series, ECHOMAP Plus series. You can see the full compatibility list [here](^ 2^). You can also use it with your PC or laptop with the Garmin HomePort software.
It offers many navigation features and functions that enhance your safety and convenience on the water, such as auto guidance, mariner's eye view, fish eye view, fishing charts, perspective 3D, satellite imagery, aerial photos, coastal roads, points of interest, route planning, track recording, waypoint marking, etc .
It supports the use of Garmin radar, sonar, autopilot, AIS, VHF, and other marine devices that can be connected to your chartplotter via the NMEA 2000 network . You can also use it with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app on your smartphone or tablet to access online services such as community edits, smart notifications, OneChart, Quickdraw Contours, etc.
How to install and use Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0
Installing and using Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is easy and straightforward. Depending on the format you have purchased (CD-ROM or data card), you can follow these steps:
If you have the CD-ROM version, you need to install the Garmin HomePort software on your PC or laptop first. You can download it from [here]. Then, insert the CD-ROM into your computer and follow the instructions on the screen to unlock the maps for your device.
If you have the data card version, you just need to insert the data card into your chartplotter's card slot and turn on the device. The maps will be automatically recognized and loaded.
To use the maps on your chartplotter, you need to select them from the map settings menu. You can zoom in and out, pan, rotate, measure distances, view information, and customize the map appearance according to your preferences.
To use the maps on your PC or laptop with the Garmin HomePort software, you need to connect your chartplotter to your computer via a USB cable or a data card reader. You can then view and edit the maps on your computer screen, as well as plan and transfer routes and waypoints to your chartplotter.
What are the advantages of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 over other marine mapping products?
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is one of the best marine mapping products available on the market today. It has many advantages over other similar products from Garmin or other brands. Some of the main advantages are:
Comparison with other Garmin BlueChart products
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is an improved and updated version of the previous Garmin BlueChart Atlantic products, such as v7.5, v6.5, v5.5, etc. It has more coverage area, more detail level, more features and functions, and more compatibility with newer Garmin devices . For example:
ProductCoverage AreaDetail LevelFeatures and FunctionsCompatibility
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0Europe (from Norway to Gibraltar), Africa (from Morocco to South Africa), North America (from Greenland to Panama), South America (from Colombia to Argentina), Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic SeaHigh-resolution nautical charts with shaded depth contours, intertidal zones, spot soundings, navaids, port plans, tides, wrecks, restricted areas, anchorages, and more Auto guidance, mariner's eye view, fish eye view, fishing charts, perspective 3D, satellite imagery, aerial photos, coastal roads, points of interest, route planning, track recording, waypoint marking, etc GPSMAP series, echoMAP series, ECHOMAP Plus series and more
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v7.5Europe (from Norway to Gibraltar), Africa (from Morocco to South Africa), North America (from Greenland to Panama), South America (from Colombia to Argentina), Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico Mediterranean Sea Black Sea Baltic Sea Nautical charts with shaded depth contours, intertidal zones, spot soundings, navaids, port plans, tides, wrecks, restricted areas, anchorages and moreAuto guidance, mariner's eye view, fish eye view, fishing charts, perspective 3D, satellite imagery, aerial photos, coastal roads, points of interest, route planning, track recording, waypoint marking etcGPSMAP series, echoMAP series and more
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v6.5Europe (from Norway to Gibraltar), Africa (from Morocco to South Africa), North America (from Greenland to Panama), South America (from Colombia to Argentina), Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico Mediterranean Sea Black Sea Baltic Sea Nautical charts with shaded depth contours, intertidal zones, spot soundings, navaids, port plans, tides, wrecks, restricted areas, anchorages and moreMariner's eye view, fish eye view, fishing charts, perspective 3D, satellite imagery, aerial photos, coastal roads, points of interest, route planning, track recording, waypoint marking etcGPSMAP series and more
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v5.5Europe (from Norway to Gibraltar), Africa (from Morocco to South Africa), North America (from Greenland to Panama), South America (from Colombia to Argentina), Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico Mediterranean Sea Black Sea Baltic Sea Nautical charts with shaded depth contours, intertidal zones, spot soundings, navaids, port plans, tides, wrecks, restricted areas, anchorages and moreFishing charts, perspective 3D, satellite imagery, aerial photos, coastal roads, points of interest, route planning, track recording, waypoint marking etcGPSMAP series and more
As you can see, Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 has more features and functions than the previous versions, and is compatible with newer Garmin devices that have more advanced capabilities. Therefore, it is a better choice if you want to get the most out of your Garmin chartplotter.
Comparison with other marine mapping products from different brands
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is not the only marine mapping product that covers the Atlantic region. There are other products from different brands that offer similar or different features and functions. Some of the most popular ones are:
Navionics Platinum+ Atlantic: This product provides high-definition nautical charts with 3D view and satellite overlay for the Atlantic region, covering Europe, Africa, North and South America. It also includes sonar charts, community edits, port services, tides and currents, dynamic raster charts, and more. It is compatible with many chartplotters from different brands, such as Raymarine, Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Humminbird, etc.
C-MAP MAX-N+ Atlantic: This product provides vector-based nautical charts with high-resolution bathymetry for the Atlantic region, covering Europe, Africa, North and South America. It also includes dynamic tides and currents, aerial photos, marina charts, custom depth shading, easy routing, C-MAP Genesis layer, and more. It is compatible with many chartplotters from different brands, such as Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, etc.
Navico Insight Pro Atlantic: This product provides raster-based nautical charts with high-resolution imagery for the Atlantic region, covering North America (from Canada to Mexico), Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico and Bahamas. It also includes fishing hot spots , lake insight HD inland maps , coastal roads , points of interest , and more . It is compatible with many chartplotters from different brands , such as Lowrance , Simrad , B&G , etc .
Compared to these products , Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 has some advantages and disadvantages . Some of the advantages are :
It has more coverage area than Navico Insight Pro Atlantic , which only covers North America and part of the Caribbean Sea .
It has more detail level than C-MAP MAX-N+ Atlantic , which only provides vector-based charts without shaded depth contours or spot soundings .
It has more features and functions than Navionics Platinum+ Atlantic , such as auto guidance , mariner's eye view , fish eye view , fishing charts , perspective 3D , etc .
It works in seamless integration with Garmin devices and accessories , such as radar , sonar , autopilot, AIS, VHF, etc., which can enhance your navigation experience and safety.
Some of the disadvantages are:
It has compatibility issues with some Garmin devices, such as older models or handheld units, which may not support all the features and functions of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0.
It has high cost and limited availability, as it is only sold by Garmin or authorized dealers, and it is more expensive than other marine mapping products from different brands.
What are the drawbacks and limitations of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0?
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is not a perfect product, and it has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of before buying it. Some of the main drawbacks and limitations are:
Compatibility issues with some Garmin devices
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is compatible with a wide range of Garmin chartplotters, but not with all of them. Some older models or handheld units may not support all the features and functions of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0, or may not recognize the maps at all. For example, some devices that are not compatible with Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 are:
GPSMAP 76 series
GPSMAP 60 series
eTrex series
Oregon series
Dakota series
Montana series
and more
You can check the full compatibility list [here] to see if your device is compatible with Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0. If your device is not compatible, you may need to upgrade to a newer model or choose a different marine mapping product that works with your device.
High cost and limited availability
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is one of the most expensive marine mapping products on the market today. It costs around $300 for the CD-ROM version or $400 for the data card version. This is much higher than other marine mapping products from different brands, which usually cost around $100 to $200. Moreover, Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 is only sold by Garmin or authorized dealers, which means you may not find it easily in your local stores or online platforms. You may need to order it directly from Garmin or from a reputable dealer that ships to your location.
What are the customer reviews and ratings of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0?
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 has received mixed reviews and ratings from customers who have bought and used it. Some customers have given positive feedback and praised the product for its quality, accuracy, detail, features, and functions. Some customers have given negative feedback and criticized the product for its compatibility issues, high cost, limited availability, and bugs. Here are some examples of customer reviews and ratings from Amazon.com:
Positive feedback from satisfied customers
"I have been using this product for a few months now and I am very happy with it. It has everything I need for my sailing trips in the Atlantic region. The maps are very detailed and accurate, and the features are very useful and easy to use. I especially like the auto guidance, the 3D view, and the satellite imagery. It works perfectly with my GPSMAP 741xs chartplotter."
"This is a great product for anyone who wants to explore the waters of the Atlantic region. It covers a large area and has a lot of information on navaids, ports, tides, wrecks , and more. It also has some cool features like the fishing charts, the 3D view, and the aerial photos. It is compatible with my echoMAP CHIRP 74cv chartplotter."
"This is a must-have product for anyone who owns a Garmin chartplotter and wants to navigate the Atlantic region. It has a lot of detail and accuracy, and it is very easy to install and use. It also has some amazing features like the auto guidance, the mariner's eye view, and the fish eye view. It works flawlessly with my GPSMAP 942xs chartplotter."
Negative feedback from dissatisfied customers
"I bought this product hoping to use it with my GPSMAP 76Cx handheld unit, but it turned out to be incompatible. It did not recognize the maps at all, and I wasted a lot of time and money trying to make it work. I contacted Garmin customer support, but they were not helpful at all. They told me that this product is only compatible with newer chartplotters, and that I should buy a new device or a different product. This is very disappointing and misleading."
"I bought this product expecting to get the full version of the maps, but it turned out to be a trial version that expired after 30 days. I had to pay extra money to unlock the maps for my device, which was not mentioned anywhere in the product description or the instructions. I felt cheated and ripped off by Garmin. This is very dishonest and unfair."
"I bought this product thinking that it would cover the whole Atlantic region, but it turned out to be very limited and incomplete. It did not have some of the areas that I wanted to visit, such as Cape Verde, Canary Islands, Azores, etc. It also had some errors and bugs in some of the maps, such as missing or wrong information, distorted or blurry images, etc. I contacted Garmin customer support, but they did not fix or update the maps. They told me that this product is discontinued and that I should buy a new product. This is very poor and unacceptable."
Conclusion and recommendation
Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version is a software product that provides detailed and up-to-date offshore cartography for the Atlantic region, compatible with a wide range of Garmin chartplotters. It offers many features and benefits for boaters, anglers, sailors, and explorers who want to navigate the waters of the Atlantic region with confidence and ease.
However, Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of before buying it. It has compatibility issues with some Garmin devices, high cost and limited availability, and mixed customer reviews and ratings.
Therefore, we recommend that you carefully consider your needs, preferences, budget, and device compatibility before buying Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version. If you are looking for a reliable and accurate marine mapping software for your Garmin chartplotter that covers a large area of the Atlantic region and offers many features and functions, then Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version may be a good choice for you. However, if you are looking for a cheaper or more available marine mapping software that works with your older or handheld Garmin device or covers some specific areas of the Atlantic region that are not included in Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 full version, then you may want to look for other alternatives.
FAQs
Q1: How much does Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 cost and where can I buy it?
A1: Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 costs around $300 for the CD-ROM version or $400 for the data card version. You can buy it from Garmin's official website or from authorized dealers online or offline.
Q2: How can I unlock Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 for my device?
A2: If you have the CD-ROM version of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 , you need to install the Garmin HomePort software on your PC or laptop first. You can download it from [here]. Then, insert the CD-ROM into your computer and follow the instructions on the screen to unlock the maps for your device. You will need to enter a 25-character unlock code that is printed on the CD-ROM case or on the receipt. You can also find the unlock code online by logging into your Garmin account and going to the Unlock Maps section.
Q3: How can I update Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 to the latest version?
A3: If you have the data card version of Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0, you can update it to the latest version by using the Garmin Express software on your PC or laptop. You can download it from [here]. Then, connect your chartplotter to your computer via a USB cable or a data card reader and launch the Garmin Express software. It will automatically detect your device and check for available updates. You can then follow the instructions on the screen to download and install the updates.
Q4: What are the system requirements for Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0?
A4: The system requirements for Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0 are as follows:
For the CD-ROM version, you need a PC or laptop with Windows XP or later, 1 GB of RAM, 2 GB of hard disk space, a CD-ROM drive, a USB port, and an internet connection.
For the data card version, you need a compatible Garmin chartplotter with a card slot and an internet connection.
For both versions, you need a compatible Garmin device that supports Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0. You can check the compatibility list [here].
Q5: How can I contact Garmin customer support if I have any questions or issues with Garmin BlueChart Atlantic v8.0?
A5: If