Garmin has released the GMI 40, a dedicated display that mounts at the helm and shows live boat data, speed, depth, wind, heading, engine and fuel readings, pulled in from compatible instruments and sensors on board. It isn't a chartplotter and doesn't generate any of that data itself, it simply gives it one clear screen to live on.
Wired backbone, wireless add-ons
The GMI 40's core connections run through Garmin's own NMEA 2000 and BlueNet networks, which is how it links to chartplotters and other onboard systems. Wireless is reserved for specific add-ons: gWind wireless sensors, marine remote controls, and Garmin's quatix marine smartwatches. Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales & Marketing Susan Lyman said the aim was a compact instrument that fits cleanly at the helm and networks across Garmin's marine range so real-time data ends up in one place. Software updates come through the free ActiveCaptain app on a compatible smartphone, so the wireless side extends to keeping the unit current, not just to reading data off it.
The screen itself
The touchscreen runs 4.3 inches on the diagonal at 800 x 480 resolution on a WVGA IPS panel with edge-to-edge glass, styled to match Garmin's GPSMAP chartplotters. It's rated IPX7 for water resistance and weighs 240g in a 115 x 91 x 30mm housing, small enough to sit on a sailboat's pedestal or a runabout's dash without dominating it.
Upgrading from a GMI 20
Owners running the older GMI 20 can move up to the GMI 40 using an optional adapter plate, sold separately, that fits the existing dash cutout. It isn't a straight swap without that extra part, but it does mean no fresh holes need cutting.
Pricing and bundles
| Market | Configuration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| US | GMI 40 standalone | US$599.99 |
| US | Wind bundles: GMI 40 + gWind wired or wireless transducer | From US$1,099.99 |
| US | Sail bundles: two GMI 40 units + gWind and DST820 or GDT 43/GST 43 transducers | Up to US$1,899.99 |
| NZ | Wired Sail Pack, 52mm: one GMI 40 + gWind wired + DST820 transducer | NZ$3,199.00 |
| NZ | Wireless Sail Pack, 43mm: two GMI 40 units + gWind Wireless 2 + GDT 43/GST 43 transducers | NZ$4,199.00 |
Garmin heads into the GMI 40 launch on the back of its 11th consecutive NMEA Manufacturer of the Year title, awarded in September 2025.
