The waterproof GPSMAP 3005C features a five-inch (diagonal) sunlight-readable, 256-color, 640 x 480-pixel VGA display. Like other multifunction displays (MFDs) within the Garmin Marine Network, the GPSMAP 3005C is compatible with BlueChart®, MapSource® Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots®, and Minnesota Lakemaster® marine cartography. The GPSMAP 3005C communicates with the rest of the network via a 100-megabit Garmin proprietary network. Once it is connected, the 3005C automatically detects any and all peripherals, automatically sharing information like waypoints, routes, tracks, and cartography.

The GPSMAP 3005C accepts XM WX Satellite Weather data service from the GDL™ 30 and GDL 30A weather data receiver (sold separately). When installed, the GPSMAP 3005C can display more than 15 different types of graphical weather information—including animated NEXRAD weather radar and forecasts, pressure, visibility, precipitation, wind data, wave data, and sea surface temperatures—directly onto the chartplotter display. With the GDL 30A, the unit also provides XM Satellite Radio service.

For boaters wanting dual-frequency sonar capabilities, the GPSMAP 3005C can be connected to Garmin’s GSD 20 “black box” sounder, which offers 4,000 watts of peak-to-peak power (500 watts RMS). The unit also features limited compatibility with the GMR-21 and GMR-41, Garmin’s new 2kW and 4kW radomes.

To offer the greatest value in a compact size, the GPSMAP 3005C differs from the larger GPSMAP 3006C and GPSMAP 3010C in the following ways:

• 3 serial ports (1 dedicated to the GPS 17, 2 configurable), compared to 4 for the GPSMAP 3006C and GPSMAP 3010C
• Single, front-loading card slot vs 2 slots on the GPSMAP 3006C and GPSMAP 3010C
• The following features are not supported: VGA output, video input, audio out, alpha numeric keypad, and IR remote