Humminbird CoastMaster Quick Start Guide

Introduction

Humminbird CoastMaster Premium chart cards are compatible with APEX™, SOLIX®, and XPLORE™ fish finders. For the latest compatibility information and a detailed user guide, visit humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com.

This guide covers instructions for the following Humminbird fish finder series:

• APEX Series
• SOLIX G3 Series
• XPLORE Series

Humminbird CoastMaster Chart Cards

Your fish finder supports either an SD card or a microSD card. Key guidelines:

• Confirm the chart card is locked (see illustrations).
• Keep the card slot cover closed to prevent water damage.

CAUTION: Do NOT delete or change chart card contents, as this will permanently damage it.

Diagram: Two cards are shown. The left is an SD CARD labeled "HUMMINBIRD COASTMASTER PREMIUM FLORIDA BAHAMAS v2.0 VX", with a note "switch in locked position". The right is a MICROSD CARD in a microSD card adapter, labeled "HUMMINBIRD COASTMASTER PREMIUM FLORIDA BAHAMAS v2.0 VX", with notes "microSD card adapter" and "microSD card".

Getting Started

Power On

Press the ? [power-symbol] key.

Check Current Software Version

Ensure your fish finder has the latest software update for CoastMaster compatibility.

1. Press the ? [home-symbol] key.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select System Info.
5. Review the software version.

CoastMaster requires software version 5.0 or later. Download the latest software from humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com (Support > Software updates).

Insert the Chart Card

1. Insert the VX chart card into the SD or microSD card slot.
2. Do not force the card; it should click into place.

The fish finder will automatically select the CoastMaster VX card as the chart source.

Open Chart View

1. Press the ? [home-symbol] key.
2. Select Chart View from the Favorites menu.

Alternatively, select Chart from the Views menu, then select a Chart type.

CoastMaster in Chart View

The CoastMaster Chart Card displays multiple colors and icons to identify depth, contours, and fish attractions.

Chart elements shown:

• boat lane
• shallow water highlight
• drying areas
• depth label (depth of contour)
• chart object (wreck)
• depth palette colors
• contour lines
• spot sounding label
• depth highlight 1

Using the Top Bar

The Top Bar at the top of the screen changes based on the view. Icons allow menu access or selection.

Top Bar Icons: [mark waypoint], [view options], [chart preset], [layers], [depth highlights], [my data], [X-Press menu]

Select Chart Preset

Chart Presets allow quick switching between settings (e.g., Fishing, Navigation, User). Presets are customizable and can be restored to default.

1. In Chart view, tap the Chart Preset icon in the Top Bar.
2. Alternatively, from the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings > Chart Preset.
3. Select a preset (Fishing, Navigation, User).

Set Depth Highlights

Highlight deep and shallow waters using CoastMaster features. Highlight colors are customizable.

• Depth Highlights allow selection of up to four depth ranges.
• Shallow Water Highlight identifies waters at or below a set depth.

1. In Chart view, tap the Depth Highlight icon in the Top Bar.
2. Alternatively, from the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings > Depth Highlight.
3. Edit each depth highlight.

Diagrams: Two views are shown. "DEPTH HIGHLIGHTS (OFF)" displays a chart with standard coloring. "DEPTH HIGHLIGHTS (ON)" displays the same chart with areas highlighted in red and blue based on depth.

Set Safe Depth Level

Use the Safe Depth feature to set a minimum depth level and highlight shallower hazards.

From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings > VX Settings > Safe Depth.

Show/Hide Spot Soundings

Spot Soundings show depth measurements on the chart.

From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings > Chart Objects > Navigation > Spot Soundings.

Tips for Using the Map

Move Across the Chart

• APEX/SOLIX: Move the Joystick.
• XPLORE: Press any arrow on the CURSOR pad.

See More on the Chart

Use zoom ➕ and zoom ➖ to view more detail (contour lines, depth colors).

View Map Information

Move the cursor to an icon, contour line, or position. Press the ℹ️ [Info icon] in the Cursor Top Bar, or the CHECK/INFO key, to open the Info Menu.

Search Your Map

Search for ports, services, tide stations, current stations, waypoints, routes, and tracks.

1. From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Info.
2. Select Find Nearest.
3. Select an item from the list.

Display or Hide Contour Lines

Hide Contour Lines for more chart detail.

1. From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings.
2. Select Depth/Contours.
3. Toggle Contour Lines on/off or adjust density/color.

Change the Chart Orientation

Select display preference: North-Up, Head-Up, Course-Up.

1. From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Orientation.

Advanced CoastMaster Features

Change Layers

CoastMaster Premium chart cards can display Aerial Imagery or Shaded Relief. Layer transparency is customizable.

• Aerial Imagery: Applies to land only, or both land and water.
• Shaded Relief: Uses shadows to show seafloor features.

1. In Chart view, tap the Layers icon in the Top Bar.
2. Alternatively, from the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings > Layers.

Diagrams: "AERIAL IMAGERY (LAND AND WATER)" shows a satellite-like view. "SHADED RELIEF" shows a topographical map with shadows.

Change Contour Source

Customize contour sources with Fishing and Nautical Bathymetry.

From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings > Depth/Contours > Depth/Contour Source.

Diagrams: "FISHING BATHYMETRY" and "NAUTICAL BATHYMETRY" show different representations of underwater topography.

Boat Lanes

Show/Hide Boat Lanes

Boat Lanes are suggested navigation routes. They may be on or off by default.

WARNING: Boat Lanes are an aid, not a replacement for official charts. Mariners are responsible for prudent use. Operate at slow speeds.

NOTE: Boat Lanes can be affected by weather, climate, and tidal factors.

1. From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings.
2. Select Chart Objects.
3. Select Navigation.
4. Select Boat Lanes.
5. Tap the checkbox or press ENTER to show/hide boat lanes.

Diagrams: "BOAT LANES (OFF)" shows a chart without lane lines. "BOAT LANES (ON)" shows the chart with red lane lines.

Understanding Boat Lanes

Different lane types are displayed:

• Standard Boat Lanes: Solid yellow line outlined in black. At a depth equal to or deeper than the safe depth setting.

NOTE: Determine safe depth based on boat and conditions.

• Connector Lanes: Yellow line outlined in white. Connect Humminbird Boat Lanes.

To enable Connector Lanes:

1. From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings.
2. Select Chart Objects.
3. Select Navigation.
4. Select Boat Lanes.
5. Select Boat Lane Settings.
6. Tap the checkbox or press ENTER to show/hide connector lanes.

Diagrams: "CONNECTOR LANES (OFF)" and "CONNECTOR LANES (ON)" show the effect of enabling connector lanes.

• Shallow Depth and Unknown Depth Boat Lanes: Red dashed line outlined in black. Shallower than safe depth, or at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) or unknown depth. Exercise extra caution.

NOTE: MLLW is an average lowest tide. Depths can be lower due to weather/astronomical effects. Use caution.

Diagram: "SHALLOW DEPTH BOAT LANE" shows areas highlighted in red.

Display or Hide Boat Lane Depth Labels

Boat Lane Depth Labels show approximate water depth, adjusted to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).

• Positive Depth Labels (e.g., (3)) indicate drying areas, underlined. A depth label of (3) means an area estimated to be three feet above water at MLLW.
• Boat Lanes at positive or unknown depths are indicated by a red dashed line outlined in black.

To turn labels on/off:

1. From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Settings.
2. Select Chart Objects.
3. Select Navigation.
4. Select Boat Lanes.
5. Select Boat Lanes Settings.
6. Under Depth Labels, tap the checkbox or press ENTER.

Diagram: Shows "positive depth label" and "depth label" on a chart.

Troubleshooting

Map Not Displayed

1. Confirm GPS reception.
2. Confirm fish finder software is up to date.
3. Confirm compatibility at humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com.

View Maps in Simulation Mode

1. Press the ? [home-symbol] key.
2. Select Settings > Simulation.
3. Tap the On/Off toggle or press ENTER to start Simulation.
4. System restarts; select Simulation Mode.
5. Open Chart view, move cursor.
6. Tap More [...] button, select Set Simulation Position ➡️ button.

View CoastMaster Card on Computer

No, the card is only compatible with Humminbird fish finders. Using it on a computer may corrupt map files.

Slow Map Redraw

1. Press ZOOM ➖ to zoom out.
2. Confirm fish finder software is up to date.

For additional questions, see the FAQ page at humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us.

Warranty

Product Warranty & Return Policy

Johnson Outdoors warrants the product for 1 year from purchase against defects in material and workmanship. Repair or replacement is at Johnson Outdoors' discretion. This is the exclusive remedy. Johnson Outdoors is not liable for special, consequential, or indirect damages.

Warranty does not apply if the product is altered, adjusted, or misused.

Return of Defective Product

Do not return to retailers. Return directly to Johnson Outdoors. Returned products must have a Return Authorization (RA) number. Contact Humminbird Technical Support (https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us) for an RA within 1 year of purchase. Include sales receipt, UPC, return address, and contact info. RA is valid for 30 days.

Return Address: Humminbird Service Department, 678 Humminbird Lane, Eufaula, AL 36027 USA.

Johnson Outdoors may examine returned products. Repaired/replaced products will have original data duplicated. Products defective due to other causes will not be repaired/replaced. Damaged or out-of-warranty products may be repaired for a fee.

WARNING: Never format a CoastMaster SD card; it will permanently erase map data. Never use a Humminbird SD card for data storage/transfer, as it may damage the card.

Warnings

WARNING: The electronic chart is an aid to navigation, not a replacement for official government charts. Mariners are responsible for prudent use.

CAUTION: Do NOT save data files (waypoints, routes, tracks, etc.) to your chart card; it will permanently damage it. Save data to the fish finder and export to a blank card. Download the CoastMaster Chart Cards User Guide from humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com for details.

Do NOT delete or change chart card contents; it will permanently damage it.

NOTE: To purchase accessories, visit humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us.

Trademarks: APEX™, CoastMaster®, Humminbird®, SOLIX®, XPLORE™™ are trademarks of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. Adobe, Acrobat, Adobe PDF, and Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. microSD is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.

© 2024 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact Humminbird

Contact Humminbird Technical Support via their Help Center at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us or by mail:

Humminbird Service Department
678 Humminbird Lane
Eufaula AL 36027 USA

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