UPDATE JUNE, 2008: Bizer's Garmin data will NOT work on the new chartplotters that accept BlueChart maps.  This includes the 42x, 43x, 44x, 52x, 53x, and 54x series.  We are working to correct this problem.  We do not have an estimate when this problem will be corrected.  To the best of Bizer's knowledge, Bizer's data will work on all other Garmin's less than five years old. 

We are now calling Bizer's 2nd version of Garmin/Winnipesaukee, W2 instead of G2. This is to avoid any confusion with Garmin's Blue Charts, which they call "G2"

UPDATE APRIL, 2008: Bizer announces the availability of the second version of Winnipesaukee for Garmin.  In additon to all the features of version G1 (listed below), Bizer announces the following enhancements with versions W2:

• Most shoals are now included.
• Roads are shown.
• Ponds, lakes, and marshes on Bizer's paper map are shown.  Version G1 did not show any land features. 
• Additional boating routes have been added.
• Items such as towns and points of interest are now named.
• A few hiking trails are annotated.
• Marinas and other boating services are shown.
• Aircraft avoidance lights on hills are shown.
• Bridge clearances are shown.
• Depth contours and spot depths have been taken from Bizer's paper chart
• Buoy colors are noted next to buoys (e.g. "RW" for red-and-white). This aids those with a monochrome Garmin.

• Lower Paugus Bay
• Greens Basin
• Long Island Bridge
• Alton Bay

These features (above) are in addition to the features of version G1, the first version, of Bizer's chart of Winnipesuakee:

• Winnipesaukee shoreline as depicted on Bizer's chart
• Islands
• All buoys depicted on Bizer's chart
• All rocks depicted on Bizer's chart
• Many boating routes

Version W2 is available in three different formats.  In all formats, version W2 is $35 more than version G1. 

• It is available for download to your Garmin.  Version W2 is $110.  Your Garmin must have memory or a Garmin DataCard, an SD card, or a MicroSD chip to receive the data. 
• If your Garmin uses a Garmin DataCard and you do not have a blank DataCard, we have version W2 pre-loaded onto a Garmin DataCards for $152. 
• If your Garmin uses an SD cards or MicroSD card and you do not have a blank SD/MicroSD card, we have version W2 pre-loaded onto a SD/MicroSD card with Version W2 for $124. 

Anyone who purchased version G1 of Winniesaukee after 30-SEP-07 (but before the W2 release date of 15-APR-08) may purchase version W2 by paying the price difference of $35.  Those who purchased version G1 before 01-OCT-07 may purchase version W2 by paying an upgrade price of $45.00. 

To purchase the download version, please download winni-W2.doc (for version W2). Complete and mail the form.  In about 10 days you will receive winnigW2.zip via email.  To see if your Garmin is compatible, please download Bizer's test file, 3islands.zip, below.  Memory needed: Both versions require less than two megabytes of storage.  The smallest Garmin DataCard (sixteen megabytes) should be adequate. 

To purchase Winnipesaukee pre-loaded onto a Garmin DataCard, or pre-loaded onto a SD/MicroSD card please download winni-d2.doc (for version W2). Complete and mail the form.  In about 10 days you will receive your Garmin DataCard in the mail.  (NB: Do not use this for NuVi.)

So far, Garmin users have been able to successfully download or load 3islands.zip into most Garmin GPS less than five years old.  Two users have reported problems with the 430S and 440X.  Bizer will be investgating in May/June 2008. 

• 15-FEB-07 - Many (but not all) buoys in the vicinity of Long/Bear/Cow Islands have been added to 3islands.zip.  Click on the link to download the new 3islands.zip to your own Garmin GPS.
• 15-Jun-07 - Bizer has Garmin DataCards, SD cards, and MicroSD cards pre-loaded with version G1.  Please download winni-d1.doc and complete the form. 
• 21-Jun-07 - Check the Garmin website for firmware updates.  Bizer received the following from a customer: "Everyone should always make sure their Garmin firmware is updated.  When I first loaded the maps, the buoy colors were off.  The blacks were black, but the reds were dark blue.  So it was very difficult to differentiate.  I spent a half hour digging through menu settings, and finally tried a firmware update which fixed it.  (I found references to 'buoy color' in several Garmin firmware release notes... so it sounds like they had a general problem.)"
• 20-Aug-07 - Some high-end Garmins (e.g. 378, 496) show the base map rather than the Bizer map.  On these devices, there is a map selection page in which the base map can be temporarily deactivated.  See the user's manual for your particular Garmin.
• 01-MAR-08 (list updated) - So far, Bizer's file has worked on every Garmin manufactured since 2002.  Users have reported success on the folowing Garmin GPS units: 60C, 60 CSx, 76S, 76CS, 76CSx, 168, 176, 176C, 178C, 276C, 296, 376C, 378, 478, 496, Street Pilot (C330, C340, C530, C550, & 660), Etrex Legend, iQue 3600, NuVi (200W, 250W, 260W, 350, & 750) Quest, Street Pilot, V, Zumo 500. 
• 15-May-08 - Two different users have been unable to load Bizer's file to a 430S or a 440X.  This may be a limitiation to the 400/500 series.  Bizer is investigating.  If you do not see your favorite Garmin listed here, it means that no one has tested Bizer's map on that device.  If Bizer's Garmin file does not operate on your Garmin GPS, Bizer will refund you money. 
• 24-MAR-08 - A NuVi user reported that Bizer's buoys are not colored.  In looking at a NuVi product review, "NuVi is designed expressly for automobile use ...", so this may be a limitation.  NuVi loads differently than most Garmin devices.  If you have a NuVi or StreetPilot, please read garmnuvi.doc.
• 16-APR-08 - Bizer announces availability of version W2 of Bizer's Winnipesaukee chart for Garmin GPS.