Garmin GPSMAP 720s Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 720s is a 7-inch chartplotter/sonar combo designed for marine navigation. It features a sunlight-readable display, built-in BlueChart g3 coastal charts, a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, CHIRP traditional sonar capability, support for various sonar modules (GTxx transducers), NMEA 2000 and 0183 connectivity, microSD card slot for additional maps, and rugged, waterproof construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Using Navigation & Sonar 8. Chartplotter Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 7-inch sunlight-readable display, Power/data cable, GPS antenna, Transducer connector, microSD card slot, NMEA 2000/0183 ports.

Feature	Description
Display	7-inch WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) sunlight-readable
Built-in Charts	BlueChart g3 coastal charts (preloaded)
Sonar	CHIRP traditional sonar (50/77/200 kHz)
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity, WAAS/EGNOS capable
Connectivity	NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, microSD card slot
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 (submersible 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Power Input	10-32 V DC
POWER Key	Turns unit on/off
PAGES Key	Cycles through main display pages
ZOOM Keys	Zoom in/out on charts or sonar

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location with clear view and access.

Mount display: Use included bracket; secure to helm or console.
Connect power: Route power/data cable to battery (fuse protected).
Connect transducer: Attach compatible GTxx transducer to SONAR port.
Connect NMEA devices: Attach NMEA 2000 network or NMEA 0183 devices.
Insert microSD card (optional) for additional charts.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are waterproofed. Route cables away from moving parts and heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Select language: Choose from available options (default ENGLISH).
Configure units: Set nautical/miles, feet/fathoms, etc.
Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions.
Set up sonar: Auto-configure or manually set frequency/gain.
Acquire GPS: Allow time for first satellite fix (outdoors).

CAUTION! Perform initial GPS acquisition with clear view of sky.

Specifications

Display Size: 7 inches diagonal.
Display Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels.
Sonar: CHIRP traditional, 50/77/200 kHz.
Charts: Built-in BlueChart g3 coastal charts.
GPS: High-sensitivity, WAAS/EGNOS.
Connectivity: NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, microSD.
Power: 10-32 V DC, typical 1.5 A at 12 V.
Waterproof: IPX7.
Operating Temp: -15° to 55°C (5° to 131°F).

Controls and Settings

Access menus via PAGES key or touchscreen. Front Panel: POWER, PAGES, ZOOM IN/OUT, ENTER/MENU.

Touchscreen: Tap icons, menus, charts. Use gestures to pan/zoom.

Settings Menu: System (Language, Units, Backlight), Sonar (Frequency, Gain, Range), Chart (Overlays, Detail), Navigation (Routes, Waypoints), Communications (NMEA settings). Sonar Display: Adjust gain, frequency, range, and palette.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 2000: Connect to network via included cable. NMEA 0183: Use dedicated wires for Tx/Rx. Transducer: Connect to SONAR port. microSD: Insert card for additional maps.

Turn off power before making connections.
Use waterproof connectors for all external wiring.
Configure NMEA data sources in Communications menu.

Tip: Label cables during installation for easier maintenance.

Using Navigation & Sonar

Supports waypoints, routes, tracks, and fishfinding.

Create waypoint: Press MARK or tap location on chart.
Navigate to waypoint: Select waypoint, choose GOTO.
Create route: Add waypoints in sequence on chart.
Sonar view: Switch to Sonar page; adjust settings for depth/fish.
Split screen: View chart and sonar simultaneously.
Track recording: Automatically records track log.
Alarms: Set anchor drag, shallow/deep water, arrival alarms.

WARNING! Use navigation aids as supplements; always maintain situational awareness.

Chartplotter Features

BlueChart g3: Shows depth contours, harbors, marinas, points of interest. Customize with data overlays (tides, currents). Plan routes with auto-routing (where supported).

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use fresh water and mild soap with soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Ensure connectors are dry before re-powering. Store in dry place when not in use.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with Part 15. ICES-003: Class B. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. BlueChart and GPSMAP are trademarks of Garmin. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact your local dealer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection/fuse	Check battery connections; verify fuse is intact.
No GPS signal	Obstruction/antenna	Ensure clear view of sky; check antenna connection.
No sonar display	Transducer/settings	Verify transducer connection; check sonar settings/frequency.
Chart not detailed	Map region/zoom level	Zoom in; ensure correct chart region is loaded.
Touchscreen unresponsive	Screen calibration	Clean screen; recalibrate in System settings.

Reset: Hold POWER key for 10+ seconds for soft reset.

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized dealer.