GPSMAP® 8500 Black Box

Fully Integrated Black Box System

• Compatible with our 15", 17" and 19" multi-touch marine monitors
• Switch all monitors in sync to a custom preset mode with SmartMode
• Integrates sonar technologies, autopilot, connectivity, apps, engine data and more
• Pairs with external GPS 19x 10 Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver to update position and heading 10 times per second
• Low profile flush mount or smooth flat mount

The GPSMAP 8500 black box system provides a powerfully simple, fully-integrated helm that can give your boat a beautiful glass helm look. Enjoy pinch-to-zoom on the worldwide, satellite-enhanced basemap and SmartMode™ control when accompanied by our marine 15", 17" and 19" touchscreen monitors.

Add Multi-touch Monitors

Enjoy full touchscreen operation including pinch-to-zoom and other touch controls for intuitive operation when accompanied by our marine 15" (XGA resolution), 17" (SXGA resolution) and 19" (SXGA resolution)touchscreen monitors (sold separately). Anti-glare and LED backlighting makes it easy to view in bright sunlight. And auto-dimming provides outstanding visibility at night. The 15” and 17” monitors are available with 6 o’clock viewing angle options.

Full System Integration

GPSMAP 8500 integrates various sonar technologies as well as autopilot, connectivity, apps, engine data and multi-media. User data can be automatically synced for all networked 8000 series chartplotters across multiple helms — everything you need is at your fingertips, all on one screen. A full digital switching system uses CZone technology. You can power up your boat while away from the dock; switch on pumps; and control lights, even underwater lights. Nearly all of your controls are available right at your fingertips either at the helm, or programmed into a remote key fob, or an app on your tablet provided by CZone by Mastervolt.

Customize Layouts with SmartMode™

You can quickly change all screens at a helm in sync to a preset mode with the SmartMode. Switch all monitors in sync from one mode to another without manually switching each monitor separately. Fully customizable layouts, data and gauges allow you to place the information you need to see right where you want it.

Pair with GPS 19x 10 Hz GPS/GLONASS Receiver

Can be paired with our GPS 19x external 10 Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver that updates position and heading 10 times per second to display a more fluid vessel movement and dramatically improves your ability to accurately mark and navigate to 5,000 waypoints (sold separately).

Requires Garmin Card Reader

Provides convenient remote mounting and a single access point for 2 SD™ card slots for mapping. You can add multiple card readers for additional access points. Waterproof magnetic door allows card reader to be mounted horizontally or vertically (sold separately).

Special Features for Sailing

Supported sailing features include laylines, enhanced wind rose, heading and course-over-ground lines, and true wind data fields.

GND™ 10 Black Box Interface

The GND 10 black box interface seamlessly integrates Nexus instruments and sensors with the Garmin family. It converts data between the Nexus network and NMEA 2000® to provide trouble-free compatibility between Nexus and Garmin products, including gWind™ and gWind Race wind transducers.

Compatible with gWind Transducers

Garmin gWind, gWind Wireless and gWind Race transducers feature twin-fin technology with 3-bladed propeller. Connect to the NMEA 2000 and compatible Garmin chartplotters via the GND 10 black box bridge.

FLIR Camera Compatible

Control fix-mounted FLIR M-Series and MD-Series thermal night vision systems from your Glass Helm.

GRID™ (Garmin Remote Input Device)

GRID is a remote device that provides full control of all GPSMAP 8000 Glass Helm series devices. Rotary knob and joystick controls provide navigation through menus and screens and allows you to seamlessly navigate between monitors at a station. Control single or multiple monitors with one device. Supports multiple devices per station. GRID can rotate to allow vertical or horizontal installation. Small footprint can be integrated into a captain’s chair (sold separately).

Garmin Meteor™ Audio System

The Meteor 300 black box brings music to your boat controlled through your compatible chartplotter. Enjoy quick access to AM/FM radio tuner, media and volume plus streaming and control of other music sources via Bluetooth®. Easy plug-and-play NMEA 2000® connections. Includes support for Apple® digital mobile devices (including Lightning), USB, and devices for Android.

FUSION-Link Entertainment System

Enjoy the ability to control all compatible FUSION-Link-enabled audio systems directly from your compatible chartplotter display.

Free Garmin Helm App

Garmin Helm allows you to view and control your compatible Garmin chartplotter from an iPhone or iPad — while providing enhanced situational awareness for the mariner. Easily switch between portrait and landscape mode to accommodate mounting preferences. Using your Apple digital mobile device, you can even record a movie of your chartplotter screen to share with friends and family. Download from the App Store™ today (requires Garmin Marine Wi-Fi Adapter Kit sold separately).

Flexible Mounting Options

The 8000 Glass Helm series is compatible with the traditional bail mount, or you can step up to the low-profile flush mount. For the ultimate in custom appearance, check out our exclusive flat-mount glass helm option.