Garmin unfit for purpose?

Last September I bought a Garmin GPS 176c and a Navman fish finder which have both been positioned in a somewhat exposed position on my steering consul, but both removed when not out on the water. Now the screen on the Garmin has crazed over and is almost unreadable but the Navman screen is in perfect condition.

It looks like there may be a coating on the Garmin screen that has started to degrade.

Has anyone experienced this? Should I try to polish off the rest of the coating or complain to Garmin?

Has the plastic screen cover been taken off? :D

yes, i removed the plastic film.

Should I try to polish off the rest of the coating or complain to Garmin? Call Garmin. They will probably replace the unit.

John

I had the same GPS on my first rib and no such problem. Would recommend you contacted Garmin with this problem and if valid would not be suprised if they replaced the GPS and since the 176C is no longer in production with any luck you may even get the upgraded model :) . It is worth a try

Just called them and they said that, as it under a year old, they will repair or replce the unit if i send it back to them in the States. They also said that there is an anti reflective coating on the screen which can be damaged by cleaning agents and there have been no modifications to the design. As i have not used any cleaning agents on the screen this must mean that if they replace the screen it will only last me another year. Not good!

yes, i removed the plastic film.

I was actually kidding :D

Why does it need to go to the States? there is a main agent in the UK that does warranty repairs somewhere in England. Mine was replaced by them after my dog broke it :]

You had me going, but i manage to hold back a blast of sarcasm with my response.

Found Garmin Europe in Southampton. Thanks.

Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle
Abbey Park Industrial Estate
Romsey, Hampshire
SO51 9DL, UK
Phone: 44 1794-519944
Fax: 44 1794-519222

this must mean that if they replace the screen it will only last me another year. Not good!

I can't see why. Mine has been going strong for over 2 years of constant use in an open boat with no problems at all.

Like may others I have had a 176 (mono version) for a few years now, 3 or 4 and its perfect.

Sure Garmin will sort thing quick, thier service is usually very good.

Regards Gary

My Garmin ended up have a clear liquid floating around the screen. I don't know if it was sea water or the LCD breaking down but it looked a bit like a lava lamp.

Garmin replaced it. It took 5 weeks.

In my mind too many of Garmins products seem to fail. Just do a quick search on Garmin and read everybodys woes.

Regards Nick R

Had my 176C 3 years been drenched in rain, salt & is fine, navigated the channel isles.
3 times. Racing at cowes week for 3 years. garmin back up from Romesy brilliant :V