Overview

The Garmin GPSMAP 79s/79sc is a floating handheld GPS for marine navigation when you want a dependable backup to a fixed plotter or a primary navigator on small boats, tenders, kayaks, and dinghies. It uses a 3-inch color display (240 x 400) that stays readable in sun, and the glass resists fogging and scratches.

It measures 2.67 x 6.85 x 1.67 inches and weighs 9.95 oz with batteries installed. Power comes from two AA batteries, with up to 19 hours of battery life in GPS mode. For day to day navigation it holds up to 10,000 waypoints and 250 routes, plus track logging up to 20,000 points.

The unit is water resistant to IEC 60529 IPX6 (unit level) and IPX7, and the ports sit under a weather cap to help keep spray and salt out during offshore runs and cockpit washdowns.

Key features

• 3-inch transflective color screen with 240 x 400 resolution for daylight readability
• Screen glass that resists fogging and scratches
• Floats if it goes overboard, with a lanyard attachment point for tethering
• Water resistance to IEC 60529 IPX6 (unit level) and IPX7 for spray and incidental immersion
• Runs on two AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH, or lithium) or an optional NiMH battery pack, with up to 19 hours of GPS battery life
• Stores up to 10,000 waypoints and 250 routes, plus 20,000-point track logging
• GNSS support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS
• Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass for a steady heading even when stopped
• 8 GB internal memory and microSD card support up to 32 GB for extra storage or preloaded maps
• Micro-USB and NMEA 0183 compatible connectivity, including support for a 12 V serial and data power cable (sold separately)
• Man overboard function to mark an MOB position and start navigation back
• MIL-STD-810 testing (thermal, shock, water) for the bare unit

Variants

This handheld is offered with different preloaded mapping options.

The core device and navigation functions are consistent across the range; the difference is the mapping that comes loaded from the factory.

• 010-02635-02: Preloaded mapping with BlueChart g3 coastal charts. This version focuses on coastal detail and marine chart content right out of the box.
• 010-02635-00: Preloaded mapping with a worldwide basemap. This version starts with general global coverage and can be expanded with compatible optional mapping as needed.

Installation and setup

There is nothing to mount permanently for basic use. Install two AA batteries, acquire satellites, and start marking waypoints. The microSD card slot sits under the batteries if you want extra storage or additional maps.

External power through the USB port uses the included USB cable and a compatible 5 V adapter (sold separately). For wired NMEA 0183 integration, the connection is made through the serial port with a 12 V serial and data power cable (sold separately).

Compatibility and marine use

This is a practical fit for skippers who want a handheld that can live in the grab bag, ride on a lanyard in the cockpit, or run navigation on a small open boat without a fixed display. It also works well as a backup position and waypoint tool on boats that already have a chartplotter, especially when you want something that still operates on AA batteries.

After saltwater exposure, rinse with fresh water and dry the unit before opening the cap or connecting any cable. Keeping the cap seated helps protect the ports from corrosion over time.

What’s included

• GPSMAP 79s/79sc handheld
• Lanyard
• USB cable
• Documentation