In June, 2015, Bizer started receiving emails that Bizer's data was not working on certain newer Garmin devices.  Eventually, Bizer discovered that Garmin has started to block third-party map from some of its GPS devices.  Bizer has contacted Garmin, but they are unconcerned about the fact that many boaters want Bizer accuracy.  Garmin has convinced themselves that Garmin's LakeVu product is quite good despite the fact that they show no rocks in Winnipesaukee. 

So far, it appears that Garmin's blocking only applies to new models manufactured in 2015.  Thanks to one Bizer customer who tested Bizer software at West Marine, it appears that the following Garmins will not accept Bizer data:

• EchoMap models (model numbers usually end in "DV")
• GPSMAP 7000 series (e.g. model 7607)

• 840xx models
• 1040xx models
• 741x models

• Obtain a Micro_SD card with at least 1gb.
• Obtain an SD adaptor.  Some Garmins accept a full-size SD card and some Garmins accept a Micro_SD card.
• Place the Micro_SD card into the SD adaptor and place them both into your computer.  Let's assume that your computer assigns the SD/Micro_SD card the letter "K:" drive.  From this point on, substitute your drive letter whenever you see "K:"
• Create a directory/folder named "\Garmin" on the K: drive. (DOS command MD K:\Garmin)
• download from www.bizer.com\garmin\3islands.img
• Place the 3island.img file into the K:\Garmin folder
• Rename the 3islands.img fil to be gmapsupp.img (as in Garmin MAP SUPPlemental)
• Remove the SD/Micro_SD card and try and insert it into a new Garmin GPS
• If the Garmins says something like, "The map format is not supported", then Garmin is blocking Bizer's map from this device. 
• Try to zoom in on Long Island, or Cow Island.  If you see those islands and the buoys around them, then the Garmin GPS you are testing will accept Bizer's file. 

As a secondary note, Bizer believes that Garmin copied Bizer's depth data from a chart published about 11-13 years ago.  Their LakeVu product fails to show the seven rocks that Bizer (or Bizer customers) have discovered since 2002.  Bizer finds it unbelievable that Bizer and Garmin just happen to overlook the same seven rocks.  Also, LakeVu buoys contain several errors and are more than twelve years old.  Garmin fails to show that FL12 and FL59 moved in 2004 and 2005 respectively.  Nor does Garmin include the 8 buoys that were added between 2003 and 2012. 

END OF 2015 WARNING ABOUT GARMIN GPS AND BIZER DATA

Bizer's Garmin data NOW works on the new chartplotters that accept BlueChart maps.  This includes the 42x, 43x, 44x, 52x, 53x, and 54x series.  We have limited experience with BlueChart_G2 devices, but our product is guaranteed to work on your device or your money will be refunded.  See the bottom of this page for samples of Bizer's map on Bizer's Garmin 276C. 

Bizer's Garmin data will NOT work on

• old chartplotters that accept micro-G charts (We believe Garmin stopped making these devices in in 2002). 
• Garmin NuVi models 1300 series and higher Or any of the newer NuVis that have a lifetime-maps feature.  On these models, the shoals show up in the correct place; However, some buoys do not show up; boating routes are not visible.  See out new-Nuvi examples at Nuvi2123.doc. 

We are now calling Bizer's 8th version of Garmin/Winnipesaukee, D8 (downloadable), G8 (Garmin DataCards), and S8 (on SD/MicroSD cards).

UPDATE March, 2014: Bizer announces the availability of the eighth version of Winnipesaukee for Garmin.  This includes changes that were encountered during our annual survey of Lake Winnipesaukee in September, 2013, as well as changes announced by the Marine Patrol in January, 2014.  If you purchased a previous Bizer Garmin edition, you may upgrade to Version four for $48. 

Version 8 is available in three different formats (D8, G8, & S8). 

• It is available for download to your Garmin.  Version D8 is $110.  Your Garmin must have memory or a Garmin DataCard, an SD card, or a MicroSD chip to receive the data.  Note: Use this for NuVis (other than 13xx/14xx). 
• If your Garmin uses a Garmin DataCard and you do not have a blank DataCard, we have version G8 pre-loaded onto a Garmin DataCards for $144. 
• If your Garmin uses an SD cards or MicroSD card and you do not have a blank SD/MicroSD card, we have version S8 pre-loaded onto a SD/MicroSD card with Version S8 for $119.  NOTE:If you have a Garmin NuVi that accepts SD cards, see the special note for NvVi users below. 

To purchase the download version, please download winni-D8.doc (for version D8). Complete and mail the form.  In about 10 days you will receive winnigD8.zip via email.  To see if your Garmin is compatible, please download Bizer's test file, 3islands.zip, below.  Memory needed: Both versions require less than two megabytes of storage.  The smallest Garmin DataCard (sixteen megabytes) should be adequate. 

To purchase Winnipesaukee pre-loaded onto a Garmin SD/Micro_SD card for use with BlueChart_G2 Garmin devices, please download winni-S8.doc. Complete and mail the form.  In about 10 days you will receive your Garmin SD/Micro_SD card in the mail.  (NB: Do not use this for NuVi.  See Below.)

To purchase Winnipesaukee pre-loaded onto a Garmin DataCard, or pre-loaded onto a SD/MicroSD card please download winni-S8.doc (for version S8). Complete and mail the form.  In about 10 days you will receive your Garmin DataCard in the mail.  (NB: Do not use this for NuVi.)

So far, Garmin users have been able to successfully download or load 3islands.zip into all Garmin GPS less than five years old. 

Special notes for NuVi users. 
Although NuVis are primarily an automobile navigation aid, Bizer has been able to load its data onto its own NuVi.  Users have reported success on many different NuVis.  However, on two models, 1390T and 1450T, users have reported problems.  While the shoals are visible on these models, the boating routes are not visible and some of the buoys are not shown.  Prior to purchasing version D8 for your NuVi, Bizer suggests

• You read our NuVi documentation on loading a NuVi at garmnuvi.doc. 
• You download and install Bizer's test file at 3islands.zip. 

• 15-FEB-07 - Many (but not all) buoys in the vicinity of Long/Bear/Cow Islands have been added to 3islands.zip.  Click on the link to download the new 3islands.zip to your own Garmin GPS.
• 21-Jun-07 - Check the Garmin website for firmware updates.  Bizer received the following from a customer: "Everyone should always make sure their Garmin firmware is updated.  When I first loaded the maps, the buoy colors were off.  The blacks were black, but the reds were dark blue.  So it was very difficult to differentiate.  I spent a half hour digging through menu settings, and finally tried a firmware update which fixed it.  (I found references to 'buoy color' in several Garmin firmware release notes... so it sounds like they had a general problem.)"
• 20-Aug-07 - Some high-end Garmins (e.g. 378, 496) show the base map rather than the Bizer map.  On these devices, there is a map selection page in which the base map can be temporarily deactivated.  See the user's manual for your particular Garmin.
• 01-MAR-08 (list updated) - So far, Bizer's file has worked on every Garmin manufactured since 2002.  Users have reported success on the following Garmin GPS units: 60C, 60 CSx, 76S, 76CS, 76CSx, 78sc, 168, 172, 172C, 176, 176C, 178C, 276C, 296, 376C, 378, 421, 440, 441, 478, 492, 496, 498, 500 series, 640, 720, Street Pilot (C330, C340, C530, C550, & 660), Etrex Legend, iQue 3600, NuVi (200W, 250W, 260W, 265W, 350, 500, & 750) Quest, Street Pilot, V, Zumo 500. 
• 24-MAR-08 - A NuVi user reported that Bizer's buoys are not colored.  In looking at a NuVi product review, "NuVi is designed expressly for automobile use ...", so this may be a limitation.  NuVi loads differently than most Garmin devices.  If you have a NuVi or StreetPilot, please read garmnuvi.doc.
• 10-MAR-10 Price reductions for Garmin Data Cards and BlueChart SD cards.
• 03-MAR-14 Version 8 reflects buoy eliminations in 2014.