GARMIN

[toni63]

So just some FYI, I put a new UHD 93SV on my console 2 weeks ago and inadvertently smacked the screen with a crank bait 3rd time out with it and it busted. So I was kind of surprised the screen wasn't a little tougher than that, then to top it off I contacted Garmin asking if this was something they could repair (my fault, I busted it, happy to pay for it to get fixed) and got told no, they don't fix that kind of stuff, just buy a new one, you're out of luck.

 

Just some FYI if you are considering buying one. I don't have a lot of experience with these companies generally, and this is the first time something broke that I wanted fixed. The unit still functions just fine, but I will not risk it in the rain cause that will probably fry it completely. So its just going to sit in a box until such time as someone comes up with a replacement screen option I guess.

 

Anyway, another $1000 later, I have a new one on the boat. Just putting this out there if it may be useful information for others. 

[MN Fisher]

$40 would have saved the first one - tempered glass protector

https://www.russellmarineproducts.com/product-p/rmp-gsp-9em.htm

 

I got one for my Striker 7...well worth it.

[Jig Man]

Clearcast might be able to help you.

[toni63]

Thank you, and thank you. I just ordered screen protectors for the 93 and my bow 106 and will call Clear Cast.

 

 

Edited October 8, 2021 by toni63
Bought screen protectors. Shoulda done that when I got the things.

[Jig Man]

Those screen protectors also make cleaning easier.  You don’t have to take special care.  I just wipe with a damp cloth and dry with a towel as I clean the boat cap.

[TnRiver46]

I need a screen protector ASAP! Totally forgot about the possibility of smashing the screen, thanks guys 

[HookInMouth]

I never thought of adding a screen protector either. 

 

Good advice. 

[slonezp]

Could a cell phone fixit store replace the glass?

[newbiedmv]

I had a little Garmin e trex. Something hit the display and I had a black spot for a year, it slowly progressed until it's unusable now.

If they aren't touch screens can you get those small covers?

I learned and now it rides in the dry storage bin wrapped in a towel.

I'll get another when I figure out what I want, they aren't the easiest things to use without the manual.

[MN Fisher]

7 minutes ago, newbiedmv said:

I had a little Garmin e trex. Something hit the display and I had a black spot for a year, it slowly progressed until it's unusable now.

Ya - LCD display...once it starts to 'leak' it just spreads

8 minutes ago, newbiedmv said:

If they aren't touch screens can you get those small covers?

You should be able to find a screen protector for any unit - really a finder (no matter the brand or model) is just a computer with a dedicated function. No different than your smart-phone or tablet...just different software really.

[toni63]

On 10/8/2021 at 10:52 PM, slonezp said:

Could a cell phone fixit store replace the glass?

Ill give them a shot too, never know, maybe they can spec out the glass to something common. I just can't believe "Garmin glass" is some kind of special glass they have made just for that unit (regardless of the Garmin customer service person telling me it was "proprietary" there is nothing special about that touch screen glass). Most of that stuff, even when they decide on specs, they source common materials in common readily available sizes to avoid additional cost.

[Smalls]

On 10/7/2021 at 9:11 PM, toni63 said:

I contacted Garmin asking if this was something they could repair (my fault, I busted it, happy to pay for it to get fixed) and got told no, they don't fix that kind of stuff, just buy a new one, you're out of luck.

.

I'm not 100% about Bird, but I know Lowrance doesn't fix screens, either.

 

There's a few 3rd party companies like ClearCast that offer repair services, but unless your unit is brand new, and the latest/greatest on the market, it's often cheaper to replace the unit. 

 

If I'm reading their site correctly, ClearCast wants $545 to fix your screen. You can find a lightly used unit for that. Or drop down to the 7" for that price, new.

[BayouSlide]

Humminbird will replace screens. Same thing, errant crankbait, broke a buddy's and Hummingbird replaced it for a fee.