DownTime wrote:
We recently installed a Garmin 3006 chartplotter/sonar/.etc
multi-function unit in our boat. Since day one we had what appeared to
be condensation in the screen. The dealer replaced the unit once, and
now with the second one, same problem. It was sent back to Garmin where
they have offered to change out to the new polycarbonate lens that is on
the newer units. Rumor from the dealer is the new units also have this
issue, altho not to the degree as the 3006 series.

Anyone else see or experience this? Is the general quality of Garmin
going downhill? If this unit comes back and has the same problem, I am
going to fight for a refund and go with a different manufacturer.

My experience with Garmin customer service has been very good.
I once had to return a handheld GPS that failed after just a few hours
of use.

I would have been satisfied if Garmin had repaired the instrument I
purchased and returned it to me. Instead, they not only sent me a brand
new GPS but they took the time to
transfer all of the waypoints I had entered into the defective unit
(prior to its demise) into the replacement they provided.

Seems to me that you're agonizing over a problem that hasn't happened
yet. You had a problem with your screen and Garmin is offering to
replace your plotter screen with a newer version. (A new and improved
screen that the company probably began using in response to complaints
like yours about the old one- that's a responsive company and that's a
good thing).

I would take whatever the dealer tells you with at least a grain of
salt until you see what Garmin does for you. If the dealer is such an
expert on the relative performance characteristics of various materials
used in screens then you need to remember that he or she is the party
that sold you a screen that they now claim to have known had some
serious problems with condensation.

My bet is that if you have a legitimate reason to remain dissatisfied
after the upgrade you won't be reduced to "fighting" for a refund. If
you were my customer I'd want you happy or out of my life ASAP and a
refund is a lot cheaper than the damage you're doing to the reputation
of a good company- over an incident that you only guess *might* happen
(the failure of the offered solution).

By rights, you should keep us posted as this progesses. Your "Has
Garmin Gone to Hell?" post should be followed up with "They Sure Have!"
or "I Got Great Service from Garmin!" as the situation warrants.