Garmin acquires ActiveCaptain, now what?

I don't think Garmin will start charging for AC. The thing that has made AC a success is huge number of contributors to the site. If Garmin starts to charge to use AC that will discourage users from joining and contributing then the success of the site will start to drop off. Sort of like what's happening to a lot of big box clothing stores right now.
 
My guess is that they are going to somehow integrate it with their Bluechart G2 Vision card so that user input from integrated depthfinders,etc., and updates entered about local facilities is uploaded somehow so it can be compiled in to updates for the G2 Vision that consumers will have to pay for.
Whatever they do with it, you can be sure that it won't be free.
The silver lining is that Garmin is a good company with user friendly products and great customer service so whatever they do it will probably be pretty good.
I had all Garmin stuff on my old boat and loved it. My new boat has Raymarine, and the learning curve seems to be much steeper.
 
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I know this was developed by someone, but I always looked at it like a collective....Without the input of every boater the data is worthless....I'm disappointed in this move because I think it's not right that only one manufacturer has access to it...

We will see how it develops....
 
RollerCoastr said:
Interesting. Wow.

Well clearly, the first thing that will happen is that Jeff & Karen will shop for a much larger boat.
Click to expand...

Well looking at their blog several months ago they already have it! They have a really interesting steel hulled craft. I suppose this acquisition was a key financial driver in the decision for the purchase.

Good for them! I hope Garmin keeps it alive and does not ruin it.

I agree that keeping it open sourced made it a great source of information. I guess that navionics felt the pressure and integrated user feedback. But the data and user base is not the same...
 
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Wow - good for them. They have a mixed reputation in the community, but my brief interactions with them were very positive. I had asked them to include ratings for water-accessible bars and restaurants. They declined because they thought their audience cared more about the Walmart ratings. I still disagree - I hope Garmin changes that.
 
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