August 18, 1999

Garmin® Debuts Two New Tools for Mariners -- GPSMAP® 162 and 168 Sounder

GPSMAP 162 and 168 Sounder offer boat owners affordable options in fixed-mount navigation

OLATHE, Kan. – Garmin International, the leading manufacturer of GPS for the marine industry, introduces the new GPSMAP 162 and GPSMAP 168 Sounder, two fixed mount units that are rich in features. The GPSMAP 162 is a combination GPS receiver and chartplotter, while the GPSMAP 168 Sounder includes those same characteristics plus the addition of a depth-finder.

"We are pleased to offer two exceptional fixed mount marine units at such an affordable price," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "These products will give mariners the features they need at a size that will fit nicely on most boats. They also offer many installation options including flush mounting, bracket mounting, swivel mounting and a new quick-release flush mounting kit."

The GPSMAP 162 and 168 Sounder share an impressive list of features including a powerful 12 parallel channel GPS receiver and tide prediction tables. Both units have a built-in worldwide basemap, with U.S. highways, interstates, rivers and lakes. Even more remarkable, the GPSMAP 162 and 168 Sounder can accept downloaded map data from Garmin's MapSource® line of CD-ROMs.

Additionally, the GPSMAP 168 Sounder has a 150-watt depth-finder to make catching fish just a little bit easier. The 168 Sounder features Garmin's exclusive See-Thru® technology which will help separate fish returns from thermoclines and structure. What's more, a graphic whiteline on the 168 Sounder provides a clear image of both bottom hardness and structure.

Physically, both units resemble Garmin's popular Fishfinder 240. The GPSMAP 162 and 168 Sounder measure about five by six inches in size and boast a four-level gray FSTN LCD display with 240 x 240 pixels. Even in the dark the units are easy to read, thanks to a backlit display.

Significant GPSMAP 162/168 Sounder features include:

• Ability to download additional map detail from the MapSource line of CD-ROMs
• Store up to 500 user waypoints
• Tide prediction tables
• Updateable marine light list available via MapSource CD-ROMs
• Waterproof to IPX7 standards, immersible in one meter of water for 30 minutes
• Includes a 150-watt depth-finder with Garmin's exclusive See-Thru technology (GPSMAP 168 Sounder only)

The GPSMAP 162 and 168 Sounder will be sold standard with a cover, mounting bracket, power data cable, owner's manual and quick reference guide. The 168 Sounder also comes standard with a transom mount transducer. The GPSMAP 162 will carry a suggested retail price of $485, while the GPSMAP 168 will have a suggested retail price of $668. Both units will be available in April 2000.