OLATHE, Kan. — Garmin today announced it has been named Manufacturer of the Year by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) for the 12th consecutive year, a distinction that underscores more than a decade of leadership in marine electronics innovation, product quality, service and support. Garmin also received six Product of Excellence awards as voted on by NMEA dealers, certified installers and industry professionals, recognizing standout products across multiple categories.
“Winning this award once is an achievement. Earning it 12 years in a row speaks to the trust dealers, installers and boaters place in Garmin products and service. It’s especially meaningful because it comes from the marine industry professionals who install, sell and support our products and see firsthand how they perform on the water. We’re grateful to the NMEA membership for this recognition and remain committed to supporting the dealers, installers and boaters who rely on Garmin every day.” —Dave Dunn, Garmin Senior Director of Marine & RV Sales
Since first earning NMEA’s top honor in 2015, Garmin has expanded its marine electronics portfolio with solutions spanning navigation, sonar, trolling motors, communication, safety, audio, lighting and connected boating technologies. This year’s recognition reflects Garmin’s ongoing commitment to developing products and services designed to help customers get more out of their time on the water.
2026 Garmin Product of Excellence Awards
- MFD: GPSMAP® 9227 — At 27 inches, this is the industry’s largest integrated 4K resolution touchscreen chartplotter. Garmin has earned the MFD category win for 12 consecutive years.
- Autopilot: Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with SmartPump v2 — Recreational autopilot system with AHRS technology. This continues Garmin’s 14-year winning streak in the autopilot category.
- Marine Safety Device: Garmin OnBoard™ System — Wireless MOB detection and engine cutoff system. Garmin earned the top honor in the marine safety device category for the second consecutive year.
- Live Sonar: LiveScope™ Plus System — See images clearly with improved resolution, reduced noise, clearer images and better target separation.
- AIS: Cortex® M1 Hub — Communication hub with smartAIS® transponder and remote vessel monitoring. This honor extends Garmin’s AIS category streak to three years in a row.
- Satellite Communication Antenna: inReach® Mini 3 — SOS satellite communicator with a color touchscreen display. This is Garmin’s third straight win in the satellite communication antenna category. (Active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
“These awards showcase the very best in marine electronics technology. Every year, our members and certified installers select products that they trust and rely on to deliver performance, safety, and innovation on the water.” —Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President and Executive Director
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for anglers, sailors, mariners and boat enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing the most innovative, highest quality, and easiest to use marine electronics the industry has ever known, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.
About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, GPSMAP, Cortex, SmartAIS and inReach are registered trademarks, and Reactor, OnBoard and LiveScope are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
