Garmin is not only one of the best-known manufacturer of various GPS devices, but it's a company that has managed to launch quite an extensive lineup of dedicated nautical equipment over the years, including here several radars. And that's exactly the type of product you'll read about as follows, namely the GMR 406, launched back in the second half of 2006, a device whose size and features make it a good choice especially for bigger boats or small ships.



Thus, the GMR 406 from Garmin is a 6-foot (1.83-meter) open array scanner with 1.1-degree beamwidth and a range of 72 nautical miles. With this intense beamwidth and 4 kilowatts of power, the 406 offers a very high level clarity, precision and target definition. Actually, Garmin touts this device to be so effective that it can actually track flying birds and even certain weather-related phenomena.



Furthermore, the GMR 406 can even be used to avoid traffic on the water with MARPA target tracking, which allows users to track the bearing, course, speed and predicted closest approach of up to 10 targets. However, if they want to enjoy this enhanced level of functionality, users will also have to purchase a heading sensor, which is sold separately.



Another very interesting fact worth mentioning about the GMR 406 is that it transmits data over the Garmin Marine Network, a 100-megabit plug-and-play proprietary network that offers users the ability to expand the boat’s system of various electronic accessories in order to match their current needs.



Once connected to the network, any network-compatible Garmin chartplotter can double as a radar screen. And as an aid to locational awareness, one can simply overlay the GMR 406 radar image on the chartplotter's map page. The on-screen display can also be split, thus allowing users to view the map and the standard radar page simultaneously.



The Garmin GMR 406 is available at several retailers for around 1,200 – 1,600 US dollars, which is not that bad a price, especially if we take into account just how useful (and potentially lifesaving) this device could actually prove to be.