The Garmin GPSMAP 376c was a 2006 handheld color chartplotter that combined land and marine navigation, an internal rechargeable battery, optional satellite weather (subscription) and an attachable sounder module. It shipped with a basemap and a 12-channel WAAS receiver offering meter-level accuracy. Since then, chartplotters have moved to multi-constellation GNSS, touchscreen displays, integrated sonar, wireless connectivity and smartphone apps for maps and weather.

What the GPSMAP 376c offered

The Garmin GPSMAP 376c was a popular 2006-era handheld color chartplotter aimed at boaters and road travelers. It combined land and water navigation modes, a sunlight-readable color screen, and the option to add customizable map data. Out of the box it included a basemap showing major highways, cities and coastlines so users could navigate immediately.

The unit supported satellite weather via a subscription service at the time and could interface with a remote sounder module to provide sonar capability. Routes were computed onboard, and Garmin quoted battery life up to about 15 hours from its internal rechargeable pack. Connectivity included a USB port for transferring maps and two serial-style connectors for power and auxiliary sound output. The 12-channel WAAS-enabled antenna was specified to offer accuracy on the order of a few meters (roughly nine feet under ideal conditions).

At release the GPSMAP 376c carried a premium price and many accessories were commonly purchased to extend its functionality - satellite weather receivers, external sonar modules, and additional map cartridges.

Why this device matters today

The 376c illustrates how mobile navigation moved from stand-alone devices toward integrated, connected systems. Its feature set - color mapping, optional satellite weather and add-on sonar - set expectations for multifunction portable units. Many people still value older receivers for ruggedness and offline map capability, but support and accessories for legacy models are limited.

How modern chartplotters differ

Today's Garmin chartplotters and handhelds build on the same ideas but add newer hardware and connectivity:
  • Multi-constellation GNSS (GPS + GLONASS/Galileo) for faster fixes and better accuracy.
  • Touchscreen displays, larger color maps and higher-resolution panels.
  • Integrated sonar options (CHIRP, ClearVü/SideVü) and networked sonar via NMEA 2000.
  • Wireless syncing: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and companion apps (for example Garmin ActiveCaptain) to receive updates, notifications and chart purchases.
  • Multiple power/port standards (including USB-C on newer gear) and standardized marine networking.
Many boaters now receive weather on displays via modern satellite receivers (SiriusXM Marine Weather) or via smartphone-based services, rather than the legacy XM receivers used in the mid-2000s.

Should you keep a GPSMAP 376c?

If you already own one it can still serve as a reliable offline GPS and chartplotter for basic navigation. For regular marine use, integrated sonar, smartphone connectivity, and newer maps make modern units more convenient and capable. Consider replacing a 376c if you need current weather integration, networked sonar, or easier chart updating.

FAQs about Garmin Gpsmap 376c

Is the Garmin GPSMAP 376c still sold?
No. The GPSMAP 376c is a legacy model from the mid-2000s and is no longer sold as new. Used units occasionally appear on resale sites, but support and compatible accessories are limited.
Did the 376c support satellite weather?
Yes. At the time it could display satellite weather through a subscription satellite service and a compatible receiver. Modern weather delivery typically uses newer satellite receivers or smartphone-based services.
Could the 376c connect to a sonar module?
Yes. The unit could interface with a remote sounder module to add sonar capability, a common accessory for recreational boaters then.
How accurate was the GPSMAP 376c?
Garmin specified a 12-channel WAAS-enabled antenna that could provide accuracy on the order of a few meters under good conditions (roughly nine feet was a common benchmark).
What do modern Garmin chartplotters add compared with the 376c?
Modern units add multi-constellation GNSS, larger touchscreens, integrated CHIRP and imaging sonar, NMEA 2000 networking, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, and companion apps for chart purchases and updates.