Are you in the market for a reliable GPS navigation device that offers top-notch features and advanced functionalities? Look no further than the Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus. This high-end GPS device boasts an array of features that cater to the needs of boaters, fishermen, and sailors alike.

In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus and all its features. From its design to its navigational capabilities, we’ll cover it all. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to the Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus

The Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus is a versatile GPS device that offers advanced features that cater to the needs of sailors, boaters, and fishermen. It features a 7-inch touchscreen display that provides clear and detailed visuals of the maps and charts.

Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus

$499.99 at Amazon

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Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus is a high-performance marine GPS chartplotter that offers advanced navigation features and connectivity options. It is designed to provide accurate location and mapping information for boats and marine vessels of all sizes. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus, as well as its design, connectivity options, and performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus boasts a sleek and durable design that’s built to withstand harsh marine environments. It has an IPX7 water rating, which means it can withstand incidental exposure to water up to one meter for 30 minutes. The device is also resistant to UV rays and corrosion, making it ideal for long-term use.

Display

The device’s 7-inch touchscreen display offers clear and detailed visuals of the maps and charts. It has a resolution of 800×480 pixels, which makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight. The display is also intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate through the device’s menus.

Navigation Features

The GPSMAP 742 Plus is packed with advanced navigation features that make it a top-performing chartplotter. Here are some of the standout features:

Chartplotting and Mapping

The GPSMAP 742 Plus comes preloaded with detailed maps and charts for coastal and inland waters, including Navionics and C-MAP. The device also supports Garmin BlueChart g3 coastal charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps, which provide even more detailed information.

Autopilot Integration

The GPSMAP 742 Plus can be integrated with compatible Garmin autopilots, allowing you to control your boat’s steering from the chartplotter display. This feature makes it easy to follow pre-planned routes and make precise course adjustments.

Radar Support

The GPSMAP 742 Plus supports Garmin radar, allowing you to overlay radar images on your chartplotter display. This feature is especially useful in low-visibility conditions, making it easier to navigate safely.

Sonar Capability

The GPSMAP 742 Plus is compatible with a range of Garmin sonar transducers, allowing you to add sonar capabilities to your chartplotter. With Garmin ClearVu and SideVu scanning sonar, you can get a clear picture of what’s beneath your boat, including fish, structure, and other objects. The device also supports traditional CHIRP sonar, which provides excellent target separation and definition.

Connectivity Options

The GPSMAP 742 Plus offers a range of connectivity options to help you stay connected while out on the water. Here are some of the key features:

NMEA 2000 Support

The GPSMAP 742 Plus supports NMEA 2000, which allows it to communicate with other NMEA 2000 devices on your boat. This enables you to share data, such as engine information and fuel levels, between devices.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

The GPSMAP 742 Plus also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to your smartphone or tablet. This enables you to access additional features, such as downloading software updates, syncing waypoints, and accessing weather forecasts.

ActiveCaptain App Integration

The GPSMAP 742 Plus integrates with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app, which provides additional functionality and features. With the app, you can plan and create routes, access weather forecasts, and share your location with friends and family.

Other Features

In addition to its advanced navigation features and connectivity options, the GPSMAP 742 Plus also includes a range of other features, including:

SailAssist

The GPSMAP 742 Plus includes a range of sail assist features, including laylines, enhanced wind rose, and heading and course-over-ground lines. These features are especially useful for sailors, allowing you to optimize your sail angles and make better use of the wind.

Quickdraw Contours

The GPSMAP 742 Plus also includes Quickdraw Contours, which allows you to create your own HD fishing maps on the fly. With this feature, you can create custom maps of your favorite fishing spots and share them with other Garmin users.

Inreach Satellite Communication

The GPSMAP 742 Plus is also compatible with Garmin’s inreach satellite communication devices. This enables you to send and receive messages, track your location, and trigger an SOS in case of an emergency.

Performance and Battery Life

Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus is powered by a high-performance processor and features aperture radar support for better performance and accuracy. It also comes with a 10 Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver that provides fast and accurate location information. The device has a 10,000-point track log and can store up to 100 routes and 5,000 waypoints.

In terms of battery life, Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 2.5 hours of continuous use. However, it can also be powered through the boat’s electrical system or an external battery.

User Interface and Ease of Use

The user interface of Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus is intuitive and easy to use, with a simple and responsive touchscreen display. It features a customizable home screen that allows users to access their favorite apps and features quickly. The device also supports voice control and gesture control, which makes it easy to operate hands-free.

Comparison with Other Models

Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus is an upgrade from the Garmin GPSMAP 1242, with added features such as built-in sonar and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also offers more advanced navigation features than other models in the Garmin GPSMAP series, such as the GPSMAP 1022.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

High-performance processor and memory
Advanced navigation features and connectivity options
Easy to use and customizable user interface
Built-in sonar for underwater mapping

Cons:

Limited battery life when used continuously

FAQs

What is the battery life of Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus?

Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 2.5 hours of continuous use.

Does Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus support NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity?

Yes, Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus supports both NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity.

Can I connect Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus to my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows users to connect the device to their smartphones or tablets and access additional features and data.

What is Quickdraw Contours?

Quickdraw Contours is a feature that allows you to create your own HD fishing maps on the fly.

What type of maps and charts are preloaded on the GPSMAP 742 Plus?

The GPSMAP 742 Plus comes preloaded with detailed maps and charts for coastal and inland waters, including Navionics and C-MAP.

Does the GPSMAP 742 Plus support autopilot integration?

Yes, the GPSMAP 742 Plus can be integrated with compatible Garmin autopilots.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus is an excellent chartplotter that offers a range of advanced navigation features and connectivity options. With its large, bright, and customizable touchscreen display, easy-to-use interface, and rugged design, the GPSMAP 742 Plus is a top-performing device that is well-suited for boaters of all levels.

While the device may be on the pricier side, its advanced features and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious boaters who demand the best. With its range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000, and its compatibility with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app and inreach satellite communication devices, the GPSMAP 742 Plus is a versatile and reliable device that can help you stay connected while out on the water.

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