The days of sailors navigating by compass and sextant are long gone; contemporary maritime electronics supply us with a wealth of data that previous explorers could only dream of. Larger ships include networks that include GPS, charts, radar, sonar, wind sensors, communication, emergency alarms, and other features. Even handheld systems can now solve any navigational challenge, with the exception of planning a course to Margaritaville or the Fountain of Youth. All of this potential might be confusing, and the variety of alternatives available can be overwhelming. With this guide to the finest marine GPS chartplotters, we’ve narrowed down the options.
When you’re racing the tight confines of a wily inlet at o’dark thirty or looking for your favourite fishing place, a marine GPS, whether it’s a standalone navigator, chartplotter, or plotter fishfinder combo, will be your favourite piece of marine electronics. By combining a chartplotter and a fishfinder into a single instrument, this piece of marine electronics equipment becomes even more valuable. They incorporate a variety of functions onto a single screen.
Standalone marine GPS navigators or chartplotters start around $400 and increase in price as capabilities and screen size increase. Today, several forms of maritime electronics are being used in conjunction with GPS chartplotters.
Table of Contents
Garmin Echomap Chirp 74Cv with transducer
- Clearer scanning sonar - shows you more of what is in the water around your boat. This high-frequency...
- Chirp sonar - Chirp sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information....
- Preloaded BlueChart g2 charts for the coastal U.S.
A sailor’s best buddy is a GPS chart plotter, and this model is no exception. A high-frequency sonar is built into the Garmin Echomap, alerting you to threats and objects in your route. It can also be used to get a read on nearby fish and moving objects, as it updates its position 5 times each second.
There is a pre-loaded chart of US coastal areas, but other maps from beyond the US will need to be individually added. The device includes all necessary accessories, and the 7-inch LCD screen is simple to use. The transducer will keep up with the pace even if you drive your boat at faster speeds. With your purchase, you’ll get a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Garmin’s echoMAP series is a budget-friendly fishfinder and chart combo that won’t overwhelm casual boaters. The echMAP, like the Striker Plus, has Quickdraw Contours. As you navigate the seas, the chartplotter gathers data and changes the maps around you based on what it discovers.
While BlueChart G3 maps are preloaded, they are only for the coastal US. If you fish or travel inland, you’ll need to purchase and install the SD card for that region. US LakeVu HD maps and Canada LakeVu HD maps are among the other maps available for this chartplotter. Anglers looking for a fishfinder and a marine chartplotter in one unit will love this. This is the Best Marine GPS Chartplotter in 2022.
Garmin Striker 4 GPS
- Clear Vu scanning Sonar shows you more of what is in the water around your boat; This high frequency...
- The power of simple offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons; The device is easy to use and easy...
- Waypoint map: Use the way point map to easily view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles,...
The Garmin Striker 4 is the pinnacle of fish-finding technology. It’s a small, portable GPS with a 3.5-inch color display that lets you find fish, mark positions, and navigate when out on the open sea.
This boat GPS will appeal to anglers because it provides detailed information on what is happening beneath the waves. The Striker 4 gives precise information on fishing targets and possible fishing grounds thanks to a CHIRP sonar transducer that uses a continuous sweep of frequencies to map the depths and seek for fish.
You can use GPS systems to create a waypoint market on your favorite fishing areas so you can easily find your way back on your next trip. The powerful, high-sensitivity GPS technology displays your precise location, direction, and heading in relation to map points and markers, making marine navigation simple and straightforward.
The device also keeps track of your sonar activity, functions as a GPS boat speedometer, and measures distance, depth, travel times, and water temperatures. The Garmin Strike 4 has a simple keyless interface, a tilt and swivel mount, and a lot of other clever mounting features. It does, however, necessitate the use of a 12-volt battery or specific aquatic battery systems, so keep that in mind. This is the Best Marine GPS Chartplotters in 2022.
Simrad GO7 XSE Chartplotter/Fishfinder w/TotalScan Transom Mount Transducer
- Easy to use multi-touch interface
- Full-featured chartplotter with widest available cartography support (Insight, Navionics, CMAP)
- 7-inch flush or bracket mount display, widescreen with bright LED backlight
If you want to get more out of your days spent on the water, a marine device you need won’t be easier or safer to navigate than with Geo. Ideal for all types of boats, it has a bright touch screen with ease of use and an integrated GPS receiver that monitors your location while helping you find practical routes more easily. Also, while it allows Wi-Fi access, you’ll be able to download all the maps you need and keep up to date with the latest software additions provided by the manufacturer. Since it supports a wide range of mapping options, you can browse anywhere without being overwhelmed by destinations. You have the option to choose the graphics that best suit your needs. This gives you the shortest route if you want to make sure you get there as soon as possible.
You can even mark the points with a simple touch, giving meaningful names to your way of remembering. Tripintel Technology The most important of these is Tripintel, which tracks and displays important information that you need to plan for safe travel on the water. The fuel range will be superimposed on the map so that you know how to be well prepared before you go on a trip, and you will also be informed about the current or future tidal level. Notable features and specifications provide support for a wide range of charting options, including NV, Navionics, Insights, and C-Map Max-N digital charts.
An LED backlight on the screen is useful for displaying the display even after dark. The IPX seal guarantees that it will not be damaged even if you accidentally drop it into the water. Ease of use For newcomers, using these devices seems quite complicated. However, this is not the case in this situation, as the fully customizable home screen allows you to create the shortcuts you need based on the activities you plan to undertake. It even allows split-screen viewing so you can keep track of what you need at once. One feature that greatly improves the ease of use is the automatic routing it provides. All you have to do is select the destination you want to reach, and the suggestion of the shortest and safest route will appear on the screen in a few seconds. If you take the advice, you can go with it instead of wasting time creating your path.
The user interface is intuitive, but it also provides a lot of customization, including shortcuts, and you can add your wallpaper. Navigation is another great feature of this GPS tracker, and it effectively communicates with the WayPoint Management System. You can set and save your desired destination, and this will allow you to navigate with confidence.
Overall, the Simrad Geo 7XS is one of the most popular Marine GPS plotters. This is mainly due to the device’s low cost and the impressive technology built into the device. The intuitive touch screen is by far the best feature and makes it easy to use a plotter.
Featured and easy to use, this is the best choice for you. It provides a wide range of activities like audio system control, navigation assistance, engine monitoring, etc. With you by your side, you will sail confidently with your boat without worrying about getting lost.
Simrad GO7 XSE Chartplotter/Fishfinder w/TotalScan Transom Mount Transducer is the Best Marine GPS Chartplotter in 2022. Marine GPS Chartplotters don’t get much better than this.
Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI/GPS G2 Combo
- POLYCARBONATE & TRIVEX ARE YOUR LIGHTEST AND MOST DURABLE LENS MATERIAL OPTIONS
- C-WALL IS A MOLECULAR BOND WHICH IS SCRATCH-RESISTANT
- LIGHTWEIGHT, IMPACT-RESISTANT
The Humminbird Helix 7’s TFT screen offers a resolution of 800 x 480, so you can see the mapping displayed there, the ultra-wide aspect ratio gives you more than enough room for it. With it, expect to enjoy the clarity of hydrocephalus like you ever thought possible, the compact device can cover the area up to 125 feet below your boat. The software it uses is scalable, so you won’t find it useless after a few years of use because it won’t lag by its functionality and technology.
Helix 7 displays notifications from your phone, so you don’t have to take your phone out and throw it in the water. Thanks to the dual spectrum function, you can find the water below you in 2 different ways – a wide mode which gives maximum coverage or narrow mode, which gives maximum detail. There are even two modes to choose from, so you can consider the turbulence, temperature, and depth of the water, as well as add or delete details as you wish to make your boat trip as productive as possible. You can record up to 50 tracks for a better understanding of the routes and locations given by the track tracking function.
The Unimap mapping feature covers the United States interior and coastline at about 30 meters per pixel. You can also expand its capabilities by installing other compatible mapping packs, including Humminbird Mapping, Autochart, Autochart Pro, and Lake Master. For accuracy that makes it impossible for you to feel lost even for a second, the GPS receiver uses WAAS correction. It allows you to save up to 2,500 points, including 45 routes, allowing you to save maps and tracks to spend more time on the water. It is rated IP67, so you don’t have to worry about getting damaged if water gets into it. It comes with a gimbal mounting bracket for quick mounting and disconnection, making it easy to install. In addition, it is supported by the manufacturer for one year from the date of purchase. Whether you live in salt or freshwater, an evolutionary model you can count on, the Helix 7 is rather affordable compared to the features it offers.
The Humminbird unit comes with a great combination of features to help with your phishing projects. You will see that the side and bottom chirp image with dual-beam plus gold will give you an incredibly detailed picture of what is underneath your boat to find your great fishing spot. Additionally, there is a switch firing function that comes in 2 display modes to help you define fishing conditions during the cruise. Another important advantage is the transducer, which gives you information up to 1500 feet deep with the product. In addition to the great functions of this plotter, the same unit must be designed to withstand all conditions and end up permanently. The materials used for the lenses are polycarbonate and trivex, and so, for marine navigation, these devices can withstand scratches or any kind of initial impact.
Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI/GPS G2 Combo is one of the Best Budget Marine GPS Chartplotter in 2022
Lowrance HOOK2 5 – 5-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer and US Inland Lake Maps
- HOOK2 5 - 5-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer and US Inland Lake Maps Installed
- EASIEST TO USE: The Lowrance HOOK2 5 Fish Finder features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus giving...
- WIDER SONAR COVERAGE: The HOOK2 5 offers a wide-angle CHIRP sonar cone giving you double the coverage of...
It could be the largest screen unit on our list today. Lawrence HOOK2 comes with a choice between 5, 7, or 9 inch screens. The best part is that it also has a map of the inner lakes of the United States. 4000 lakes that are not included in the coastal map. If you want to add more cards, you need to buy a micro SD card separately.
You can add different waypoints, trails and see the location of the boat on the map page. If you want to use a device that is not powered by your kayak or any other boat, you must take a 12V battery. The set includes a power cord and a transducer. The product can be installed in a 24-foot boat without any problems, although many use it mainly for small boats. In our opinion, the most important advantage is the presence of a side search function. It is only in the triple shot model. If you get the split shot, the function will not be there.
The asking price for HOOK2 isn’t the cheapest on the market, but we’re sure you’ll be inclined to achieve it if you better understand how it’s served. The accompanying triple shot transducer gives you a complete experience because, in addition to the wide-angle gold, you also benefit from downscan and sidescan imaging. This feature provides everything you need to locate the structure at the bottom of the boat, scan nearby large areas, track bait and tag fish, and make the necessary successful fishing trips.
This GPS tracker makes it even more effective for fishermen as it enables you to easily add, navigate, and follow points more than ever. Some lakes allow you to get to know the area better without the hassle of navigating. On the clear 7-inch screen, you’ll see the details of quick access to important tasks, including all the information it provides, user-friendly interface, and the attractiveness of the device. The manufacturing company provides support for this for one year. The other side is worth mentioning because you don’t have to worry about defects and won’t have to spend a single penny to fix them while this warranty agreement is active.
Providing a complete golden experience to make angling trips more successful than ever, is certainly a fairly expensive acquisition, but if you want to use the right chart plotting, phishing and navigation options never like before.
Lowrance HOOK2 5 – 5-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer and US Inland Lake Maps is one of the Best Marine GPS Chartplotters in 2022
Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
- CHIRP Dual Beam PLUS Sonar. Power Output RMS : 500 Watts. Power Draw : 615 mA
- Precision Internal GPS Chart plotting with built-in Anima cartography
Humminbird is one of the most popular chartplotter and fishfinder brands on the market today. Their Helix 5 is inexpensive, effective, and precise. These are some of the reasons why it’s currently one of the most popular chartplotters on the market.
The Helix 5 from Humminbird combines a simple base map with a fantastic down-imaging fishfinder. As a result, it’s a cost-effective alternative for both navigating and fishing. You’ll need to use the inbuilt micro SD card slot to upgrade to higher comprehensive maps (which is highly recommended for heavy navigation). Be aware, though, that upgrading maps might be costly.
The base maps do include “buoys, day markers, dangers, marinas, and many other navigation aids,” according to the company. The greatest marine GPS, fishfinder, and chartplotter combo for those on a tight budget.
Garmin GPSMAP 78s 2.6-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter
- Marine-friendly handheld with high-sensitivity GPS receiver and 2.6-inch color TFT display
- Perfect for boating/watersports--waterproof to IPX7 standards; floats in water
- Built-in BlueChart g2 U.S./Bahamas coastal charts with shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors,...
Another excellent chartplotter from Garmin earns a spot in our rankings. This handheld sailing navigator features a color TFT display and a 2.6-inch screen, making it ideal for boating, kayaking, and other water sports activities. The device has a 3-axis electronic compass, a barometric altimeter for heading, and weather information.
If your favorite fishing site isn’t visible on the preloaded maps, you can manually enter coordinates and mark your waypoints. There are plenty of different charts available to be simply downloaded on your device with this unit, but you will have to purchase them separately.
These supplementary maps, on the other hand, are accurate and cover places all around the world. However, there is one drawback: the package does not include a GPS mount or a clip, so you’ll have to rely on the lanyard that comes with the unit to keep it tight on your boat.
How to Choose the Best Marine GPS Chartplotter?
Screen size
The screen size is important because it shows how easily you can read the maps and coordinates displayed on the screen. The larger the screen size, the better, so we hired the larger screen model for this aspect of the rating.
Portability
A portable marine GPS allows you to transport it more easily, so we gave the model presented at our top extra points that benefit from a portable design.
Waterproof Rating
We have made sure that by evaluating these devices based on your water resistance rating, you are spending your money on a durable product since these systems are likely to get wet regularly, so these mustn’t be adversely affected.
Sonar Capability
The gold function lets you identify whether there are fishing structures in the area and helps you identify these structures. We gave the models with extra gold points because they are practical for fishermen and sailors.
Bluetooth
A little entertainment doesn’t hurt because it tends to be quite tiring when you’re loose. So, we evaluated the model that comes with this feature above because it helps you have more fun while in the water with your boat.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi integration is most important because it not only allows wireless data sharing but also allows you to download important software updates and maps. We had to create one of our aspects to score this feature because it greatly increases the usability of these devices.
Warranty
A long warranty is important because it ensures that you do not have to spend money to repair or replace the device after any defect or damage has occurred. Keeping in mind your best interests, we have better evaluated the models with a longer warranty.
Marine Charts
Nautical charts are just nautical charts. Instead of highways, petrol stations, and fast food, they have important ocean information and details. The nautical chart must have a depth chart. Depth maps are topographic representations of the underwater part. Points of interest can be preloaded or programmed. Good graphics sometimes stay with the POI for the respective region. Shipworks, hazards, anchorages, harbors, or other beacons can be preloaded on a good map.
The coastline is an integral part of any nautical chart. Travel texts, paths, and channels can sometimes appear as part of a graph or as a plotter. They may display routes and other relevant information in some cases.
Storage
Storage is important for loading graphics, maps, location, routes, and other data. Without adequate storage, you will not be able to save new locations or even load more maps. Each plotter will have unique features on how much memory it has on the board or how much you can add.
This raises the second point. Extra memory is a great feature, especially if you frequent new water. SD cards are used for additional storage and are available in all sizes. Check if the plotter you bought has external storage, and if so, what is the maximum capacity.
Navigation data access
The most important thing when buying your marine GPS device is the kind of navigation data it can provide. Many devices are now able to connect to a large database to display location data.
They will connect to sensors placed elsewhere on the boat to provide a variety of other measurements. Many devices now even provide an autopilot function, which is very useful for drawing graphics quickly. However, it is important to keep the software up to date for the device to work properly.
Racing
If you want to use your tracker for racing, it is effective to create a device with this in mind. Many GPS devices come with running-specific features to track your time and speed while on the water.
They have wind computing tools to help you make more intelligent decisions and navigate the water faster. Alternatively, if you are not interested in racing, you will not need a plotter with all these bells and whistles and, instead, look for something easier to suit your needs.
Fishing
If you are interested in fishing, you will want to look for a plotter that has practical features to help you successfully fish. Many chart plotters now come up with gold and other fish tracking tools, which are highly effective, especially for professional fishermen.
Some choices even allow you to draw custom ocean maps to help you identify and move your favorite fishing spots. Many popular brands of marine GPS equipment now offer at least one option designed for fishing. It is important to note that installing gold features can be expensive and complicated, so they are not for the sensitive soul.
Transducer
Transducers act as antennas for your boat’s gold system. The electrical signal from gold is converted to a high-frequency sound, which is then transmitted to the surface of the water. When it reaches the bottom or any other object like rocks, for example, the signal returns. At this point, the transducer receives the incoming signal and turns into a frequency that can be read.
Transducers supplied with chart plotters will be effective because you will not waste time and money searching for additional devices. Also, this electric signal conversion tool will help you go fishing or traveling in unknown waters.
Mounting
While this is not a feature of the chart plotters’ electronic features, it is important to locate your device accurately and securely. We suggest you check your boat’s dashboard and learn how to mount the plotter because some ship’s panels with controls are not common. Also, be sure to look for mounted bracket material. If the plastic is used initially, you will need to purchase a new product to protect your plotter because it is not durable.