Tech Specs
In The Box
Mounting hardware
Power cable
NMEA 2000® 2 meter drop cable
NMEA 2000 T-connectors
Documentation
Manual & Warranty
Do you have an old GPS unit lying around? The GPS Nation Trade In and Up program is a great way to trade in your old and used GPS for credit towards a new GPS. The choice is entirely yours! We’ve made the process simple and streamlined. Follow these simple steps, and you will be on your way to receiving credit towards your brand new GPS!
1. Get a quote
To get your free quote, provide your GPS type, manufacturer, model, and condition. Within 24 hours, you will receive a quote for the trade-in value of your current product. The GPS trade-in/trade-up form is at the bottom of this page.
2. Ship your product(s) for trade
After accepting our offer, pack your product(s) safely and ship them to us using the pre-paid shipping label provided to you. We will provide a confirmation email when your trade-in arrives at our warehouse. You have 30 days from the date you complete your on-line trade to ship the product to GPS Nation.
3. Make your purchase
Once we receive your product at our warehouse and we validate the stated condition, we will send you a confirmation email. If you elect to receive credit towards a new GPS at gpsnation.com, your store credit will be issued, and you are free to make your purchase.
Reviews
Ask a Question
Tech Specs
In The Box
Mounting hardware
Power cable
NMEA 2000® 2 meter drop cable
NMEA 2000 T-connectors
Documentation
Manual & Warranty
Trade-In
Do you have an old GPS unit lying around? The GPS Nation Trade In and Up program is a great way to trade in your old and used GPS for credit towards a new GPS. The choice is entirely yours! We’ve made the process simple and streamlined. Follow these simple steps, and you will be on your way to receiving credit towards your brand new GPS!
1. Get a quote
To get your free quote, provide your GPS type, manufacturer, model, and condition. Within 24 hours, you will receive a quote for the trade-in value of your current product. The GPS trade-in/trade-up form is at the bottom of this page.
2. Ship your product(s) for trade
After accepting our offer, pack your product(s) safely and ship them to us using the pre-paid shipping label provided to you. We will provide a confirmation email when your trade-in arrives at our warehouse. You have 30 days from the date you complete your on-line trade to ship the product to GPS Nation.
3. Make your purchase
Once we receive your product at our warehouse and we validate the stated condition, we will send you a confirmation email. If you elect to receive credit towards a new GPS at gpsnation.com, your store credit will be issued, and you are free to make your purchase.
Overview
Garmin GPSMAP 8700 Black Box Marine Electronics Control Unit
Introduction
The Garmin GPSMAP 8700 Black Box (Model 010-02094-00) is a headless marine electronics processor designed to centralize navigation, sonar, and connectivity without requiring a dedicated display. This black box architecture allows boaters to integrate existing monitors and systems while gaining advanced positioning accuracy, sonar compatibility, and NMEA 2000 networking capabilities that transform a vessel's overall operational efficiency and situational awareness on the water.
Key Features
- Real-time positioning updates at 10 Hz (10 times per second) for precise, lag-free navigation
- Support for up to 5,000 waypoints and routes to enable comprehensive trip planning and marine exploration
- NMEA 2000 networking compatibility to integrate multiple devices and sensors into a unified marine electronics suite
- Full sonar system compatibility with ClearVü and SideVü imaging technologies for advanced fish finding and bottom structure analysis
- Preloaded worldwide basemap offering global chart coverage immediately upon installation
- SD card reader and water-resistant magnetic door for secure storage and easy mapping updates
- GPS 19x receiver compatibility delivering 10 Hz update rates when paired with external positioning modules
Data Insights
The GPSMAP 8700 delivers positioning data 10 times per second, which provides significantly faster tracking than standard 1 Hz systems, resulting in smoother autopilot operation and more responsive navigation in dynamic marine conditions. The waypoint capacity of 5,000 stored locations enables complex multi-leg voyages and detailed exploration mapping without system limitations, distinguishing this processor from entry-level chartplotters that often restrict waypoint counts to 1,000 or fewer. When integrated with Garmin's ecosystem of compatible monitors and sonar transducers, the system operates as a centralized hub reducing hardware redundancy across your vessel's electronics.
Usage Instructions
Install the GPSMAP 8700 in a protected helm location using the supplied mounting brackets, then connect your existing Garmin or compatible third-party monitors via NMEA 2000 cabling. Attach sonar transducers to their respective ports, power the unit with the included connector, and load your preferred SD card with updated charts and mapping data. Configure your GPS positioning module and verify all device connections through the system menu on your connected display to ensure full operational integration.
Design & Material
The GPSMAP 8700 employs a compact black metal enclosure engineered for marine environments, featuring multiple industry-standard connector types and a low-profile design that fits discretely behind helm panels or under console areas. The rugged construction balances durability with thermal management for reliable operation in extreme temperature and humidity conditions typical of saltwater and freshwater boating.
- Rigid die-cast aluminum and polycarbonate housing rated for marine weather exposure and salt spray conditions
- Water-resistant magnetic SD card access door preventing accidental moisture intrusion during normal operation
- Recessed connector ports and control buttons reducing accidental damage during installation and maintenance
- Integrated cable management clips and strain relief ports for secure, organized wiring configurations
- Color-coded connector inputs (red power, blue network, black standard) for intuitive installation and troubleshooting
- Compact 1.4-inch form factor enabling flexible placement in confined helm spaces or electronics bays
Final Verdict
The Garmin GPSMAP 8700 Black Box is the processing core your multi-display marine electronics system needs to achieve true integration and performance. Its 10 Hz positioning accuracy, 5,000-waypoint capacity, and NMEA 2000 backbone make it an indispensable upgrade for boaters who demand professional-grade navigation reliability without replacing existing displays or sensors. Add this processor to your helm today and unify your vessel's navigation, sonar, and autopilot systems into a seamlessly coordinated solution.


Garmin Warranty