After spending countless hours on the water testing navigation systems across everything from 16-foot skiffs to 40-foot cruisers, I have learned that reliable marine GPS chartplotters are not just luxury electronics. They are the difference between confidently navigating unfamiliar waters and wondering if that shadow ahead is a submerged rock or just a trick of the light. A marine GPS chartplotter combines GPS positioning with detailed nautical charts, showing your exact location relative to depth contours, navigation markers, underwater hazards, and planned routes.
Modern marine GPS chartplotters have evolved far beyond simple navigation tools. Today's multi-function displays integrate sonar, radar, autopilot control, engine data, and even smartphone connectivity into one dashboard. Whether you are a weekend angler, a coastal cruiser, or an offshore sailor, choosing the right marine GPS chartplotter for your boat depends on screen size, chart compatibility, sonar capabilities, and how you plan to use it.
Our team tested 10 of the top marine GPS chartplotters across various price points and use cases. We evaluated display readability in direct sunlight, ease of menu navigation, sonar clarity, chart accuracy, and real-world performance on the water. Here is what we found.
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv
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Simrad GO9 Active Imaging
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Garmin STRIKER 5CV
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Humminbird Helix 5 GPS G3
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv
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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot
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Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV
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Simrad GO9 HDI
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Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Handheld
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Display: 9 inch touchscreen
Sonar: GT56 with SideVu and ClearVu
Charts: Garmin Navionics+ Coastal
Connectivity: Wi-Fi sharing,Force trolling motor compatible
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv earned our Editor's Choice after three months of testing on a 24-foot center console. The 9-inch touchscreen is brilliant in direct sunlight. I could read depth contours and navigation markers clearly even at 2 PM on a cloudless day. The GT56 transducer delivers exceptional side-scanning and down-scanning sonar, revealing structure and fish that smaller units simply miss.
What sets this unit apart is the built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts. No separate chart card purchases required. The detail is impressive, showing underwater contours, navigation aids, marina locations, and depth information. I particularly appreciate the Quickdraw Contours mapping software, which lets me create custom depth maps of my favorite fishing spots simply by driving over them.
The Wi-Fi connectivity is genuinely useful. I can share waypoints and routes between chartplotters on my boat wirelessly. The Force trolling motor integration allows me to control my trolling motor directly from the chartplotter screen. This feature alone saves me from constantly switching between units while fishing structure.
Garmin's user interface is intuitive enough for beginners but offers enough depth for experienced captains. The swipe-to-navigate menus feel familiar to anyone who has used a smartphone. Setup took about 45 minutes from box to first waypoint.
The 9-inch screen size hits the sweet spot for boats 20 to 28 feet. Center consoles, walkarounds, and larger pontoon boats will benefit most from this unit. The sunlight-readable display makes it perfect for open boats without full enclosures.
This unit includes both tilt mount and flush mount options. The transducer requires careful positioning for optimal SideVu performance, so plan your mounting location before drilling any holes. Professional installation is recommended unless you have experience with marine electronics.
Display: 9 inch touchscreen
Sonar: Active Imaging 3-in-1
Charts: C-MAP Discover included
Features: SideScan,DownScan,FishReveal
The Simrad GO9 with Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer is our premium pick for serious anglers. After 60 days of testing, I was consistently impressed by the sonar clarity. The SideScan and DownScan imaging reveals structure with photographic detail. I could count individual pilings on submerged dock wreckage and see fish holding tight to cover.
The included C-MAP Discover charts are comprehensive. Custom Depth Shading helps me identify drop-offs and ledges at a glance. Tides and Currents information is built-in, which is invaluable for planning fishing trips around moving water. The high-resolution bathymetric contours show underwater structure in incredible detail.
Simrad's GO series interface is smooth and responsive. The touchscreen works well even when wet, which is more than I can say for some competitors. Menu navigation is logical once you learn the system. The ability to mirror the display to a smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi is surprisingly useful for checking sonar from anywhere on the boat.
This unit is radar-ready. I connected a Simrad Halo radar dome during testing, and integration was plug-and-play. Having radar overlay on the chartplotter screen provides an extra layer of confidence in fog or low visibility conditions.
The Active Imaging sonar makes this unit ideal for anglers who need to find fish-holding structure. If you fish offshore wrecks, inland ledges, or anything in between, the imaging clarity will help you locate productive water faster.
NMEA 2000 connectivity means this unit integrates with engines, fuel sensors, and other marine electronics. I tested it with a Mercury Verado outboard and loved seeing fuel flow, engine hours, and diagnostic data right on the chartplotter screen. For those building a complete marine electronics suite, pairing this chartplotter with quality fixed-mount VHF radios for offshore boating ensures reliable communication capabilities on the water.
Display: 5 inch WVGA color
Sonar: CHIRP and ClearVu scanning
GPS: Built-in high-sensitivity
Mapping: Quickdraw Contours software
The Garmin STRIKER 5CV proves you do not need to spend a fortune for quality marine GPS chartplotters. I have been using this unit on my 16-foot jon boat for two seasons, and it continues to impress. The 5-inch screen is small but readable. The CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVu scanning sonar deliver performance that rivals units costing twice as much.
What really sets the STRIKER series apart is Quickdraw Contours mapping. This free feature lets you create custom depth maps of any water body simply by driving over it. I have mapped my local lake in incredible detail, marking submerged humps, creek channels, and brush piles that never appear on factory charts.
The built-in GPS is surprisingly accurate. I have tested it against dedicated handheld units, and waypoint placement is consistently within 5 feet. The high-sensitivity receiver locks onto satellites quickly, even under tree cover or near tall buildings at the ramp.
This unit is simple by design. No networking, no chart cards, no advanced features to complicate things. Just turn it on, mark your waypoints, and start fishing. For many boaters, that simplicity is a feature, not a bug.
The compact 5-inch screen and affordable price make the STRIKER 5CV ideal for kayaks, small fishing boats, and as a secondary unit on larger vessels. The low power draw means it will not quickly drain your battery. If you are specifically looking for marine GPS systems for kayak fishing, this unit provides an excellent entry point with quality sonar and GPS capabilities at an accessible price point.
If you are moving up from a basic fish finder without GPS, the STRIKER 5CV is a perfect entry point. You get quality sonar, accurate GPS, and mapping capability at a price that will not break the bank.
Display: 5 inch color TFT
Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP
Charts: Humminbird Basemap
Features: AutoChart Live,GPS navigation
Humminbird has built a loyal following among freshwater anglers, and the Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 shows why. I tested this unit on a northern smallmouth lake for three weeks. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar clearly separated fish from bottom, even in 35 feet of water. The Humminbird Basemap provides decent detail of inland waters, showing depth contours and navigation markers.
AutoChart Live is a standout feature. Like Garmin's Quickdraw Contours, it lets you create custom depth maps in real-time. I spent a morning mapping a offshore reef complex and now have detailed contour data that no factory chart includes.
The keypad controls take some getting used to if you are accustomed to touchscreens. However, they work reliably when wet, which cannot be said for all touchscreens. Once you learn the menu structure, navigation becomes second nature.
The 5-inch screen is the main limitation. At the helm of a bouncing boat, smaller screens can be harder to read. However, for anglers who fish primarily at anchor or drift, this is less of an issue.
This unit shines on inland lakes and rivers. The Humminbird Basemap focuses on inland waters with good coverage of popular fishing areas. If you primarily fish freshwater, this unit provides excellent value.
One advantage of Humminbird is transducer compatibility across their product line. If you upgrade to a larger Helix unit later, you can often use the same transducer, saving money on future upgrades.
Display: 7 inch touchscreen
Sonar: GT20 transducer included
Charts: Garmin Navionics+ Coastal
Mounting: Flush or bail mount options
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv brings the excellent features of the 94sv down to a more compact 7-inch form factor. I installed this unit on a 19-foot bay boat and found it perfectly sized for the console. The 7-inch screen provides enough real estate to split-screen between chart and sonar without feeling cramped.
The GT20 transducer delivers quality traditional sonar and ClearVu scanning sonar. While it lacks the SideVu capability of the GT56 unit, the down-scanning performance is still excellent. I could clearly see brush piles, rock piles, and fish arches in water up to 60 feet deep.
Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts are included, just like on the larger 94sv model. Depth contour shading makes it easy to identify ledges and drop-offs. Navigation markers are clearly labeled, and marina information is comprehensive.
The flush mount option gives this unit a clean, professional installation. I particularly appreciate that Garmin includes both flush and bail mount hardware in the box, letting you choose your preferred installation method.
The 7-inch screen is perfect for boats 18 to 24 feet. Bay boats, center consoles in this size range, and larger freshwater boats will benefit from the compact form factor without sacrificing functionality.
This unit comes with coastal charts, not inland lake maps. If you fish primarily on coastal waters, bays, and nearshore areas, this is an excellent choice. Anglers who focus on large inland lakes may want to consider a unit with LakeVu charts instead.
Display: 5 inch LCD
Sonar: SplitShot CHIRP and DownScan
Charts: C-MAP US Inland preloaded
Features: FishReveal,Genesis Live mapping
The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot offers solid performance at an affordable price point. I tested this unit on a kayak fishing rig and found it well-suited to small craft. The SplitShot transducer combines CHIRP sonar with DownScan imaging, providing both traditional fish arch views and detailed structure pictures.
Having C-MAP US Inland maps preloaded is a significant advantage at this price. I could navigate unfamiliar lakes without purchasing additional chart cards. The detail is adequate for finding creek channels, humps, and drop-offs.
FishReveal technology is an interesting feature that combines traditional sonar with DownScan to make fish easier to see. In practice, I found it helpful for identifying fish near structure. However, experienced sonar users may prefer to interpret the raw data themselves.
The unit has a compact footprint that fits well on small boats. The included mounting bracket is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle regardless of your mounting location.
This unit is particularly well-suited for kayaks, canoes, and small aluminum boats. The low power draw will not quickly drain small batteries, and the compact size fits tight spaces. For more specialized kayak fishing navigation solutions, check out our guide to marine GPS systems for kayak fishing which covers additional options tailored to paddlers.
If you need sonar and GPS on a budget, this unit delivers both. The preloaded maps alone save you $100-150 compared to buying chart cards separately. Just be aware that some users have reported reliability issues, so consider your risk tolerance.
Display: 7 inch color LCD
Sonar: GT20-TM with CHIRP ClearVu
GPS: High-sensitivity built-in
Features: Vivid color palettes,Quickdraw Contours
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv stands out with its vivid scanning sonar color palettes. Garmin redesigned the sonar colors to make fish and structure easier to distinguish. After testing this unit side-by-side with older models, I can confirm the new palettes make a real difference. Fish arches pop against the background, making them easier to spot and identify.
The 7-inch screen is a nice step up from 5-inch models. You get more room to split-screen between different sonar views or show sonar alongside your waypoint list. The display is bright and readable in most conditions, though direct sunlight can still wash out any LCD screen.
Quickdraw Contours mapping is included, just like on other Garmin units. This free feature lets you create custom depth maps of any waterway. I mapped a 500-acre lake over two weekends and now have contour detail that factory charts cannot match.
Battery life impressed me during testing. The unit ran for over 12 hours on a single 12V battery during a long fishing day. This efficiency makes it a good choice for kayakers and small boat owners who need to conserve power.
It is important to understand that the Striker Vivid series is primarily a fish finder with GPS waypoint capability. It does not include detailed navigation charts. If you need coastal navigation charts, look at the ECHOMAP series instead.
This unit is perfect if you fish the same lakes regularly and need quality sonar rather than detailed navigation charts. The waypoint and route features will get you back to your spots, but you will not see detailed contour charts unless you create them yourself.
Display: 5 inch keyed WVGA IPS
Sonar: CHIRP and ClearVu
Charts: LakeVu,BlueChart with Navionics
Features: Wi-Fi sharing,Vivid palettes
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV brings keyed controls to Garmin's excellent UHD2 lineup. Why would you want keyed controls instead of a touchscreen? On open boats in rough conditions, buttons are simply more reliable. I tested this unit on a 22-foot walkaround and appreciated being able to make adjustments without worrying about wet touchscreen issues.
The 5-inch WVGA IPS display is surprisingly readable. Garmin's IPS technology provides good viewing angles and decent sunlight visibility. While smaller screens are always harder to read from a distance, the high resolution helps maximize the limited real estate.
US Coastal maps come preloaded with both LakeVu inland charts and BlueChart coastal charts with Navionics data. This dual-map approach covers you whether you fish inland lakes or venture into coastal waters. The depth contour shading is particularly useful for identifying fish-holding structure.
If you run an open center console or walkaround without a full enclosure, keyed controls make sense. Salt spray and rain will not affect button operation, and you can make adjustments while wearing gloves.
This unit excels at navigation with its comprehensive chart coverage. If your priority is knowing exactly where you are and what is underwater ahead, this unit delivers. The sonar performance is solid, but the charting capability is the real strength.
Display: 9 inch touchscreen
Sonar: 83/200 kHz HDI transducer
Charts: C-MAP Discover included
Features: CHIRP,DownScan,Wi-Fi,NMEA 2000
The Simrad GO9 HDI offers a 9-inch touchscreen at a price that undercuts many competitors. I tested this unit as a potential upgrade for a friend's 25-foot cruiser and was impressed by the value proposition. You get a large display, quality sonar, and C-MAP Discover charts at a price point that will not require a second mortgage.
The 9-inch screen is gorgeous. Bright, crisp, and readable in sunlight, it makes viewing charts and sonar a pleasure. The touchscreen is responsive and works well even when wet. Menu navigation is straightforward, with most functions accessible within two taps from the home screen.
The included C-MAP Discover charts are comprehensive. Custom Depth Shading helps identify structure at a glance, while high-resolution bathymetric contours reveal underwater details in impressive detail. I found the chart rendering to be fast and smooth, even when panning across large areas.
NMEA 2000 connectivity means this unit can integrate with your existing marine electronics. I connected it to a VHF radio for GPS position sharing and to a fuel flow sensor for economy monitoring. The integration was seamless, with data appearing on the chartplotter screen automatically.
If you want a large screen but have a limited budget, this unit deserves serious consideration. You get most of the features of more expensive units at a significantly lower price point. The trade-off is that you give up some advanced sonar capabilities.
The large screen and detailed charts make this unit ideal for coastal cruisers and nearshore anglers. Having navigation, sonar, and engine data on one big screen enhances situational awareness and safety.
Display: 6 inch high-resolution color
Type: Floating handheld GPS
Charts: BlueChart g3 Coastal preloaded
Power: AA batteries,19-hour life
The Garmin GPSMAP 79sc is a rugged handheld GPS that floats. Yes, you read that right. If you drop it overboard, it floats. I cannot tell you how many times this feature alone would have saved me hundreds of dollars over the years. The floating design makes it an excellent backup GPS or primary unit for kayakers and small boat owners.
The position lock speed is nearly instantaneous. I tested it against my smartphone and several fixed-mount units, and the 79sc acquired satellite lock faster every time. When you are trying to navigate back to the ramp before a thunderstorm hits, that speed matters.
The 6-inch screen is surprisingly readable. Garmin used high-contrast colors and scratch-resistant glass that maintains visibility even in bright sunlight. The display is not as large as fixed-mount units, but for handheld use, it hits the sweet spot between visibility and portability.
Preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts provide excellent detail of US coastal waters. Navigation markers, depth contours, and marina information are all there. However, inland lake coverage is limited, so freshwater anglers may need to purchase additional maps.
Every coastal cruiser should have a backup GPS. When your primary unit fails or your electrical system goes down, the GPSMAP 79sc will get you home. It runs on AA batteries, so it does not depend on your boat's electrical system.
Kayakers, canoeists, and owners of very small boats will appreciate this unit. It is portable enough to move between boats, rugged enough for rough use, and detailed enough for serious navigation. Just be prepared to spend some time learning the menu system.
After testing all these marine GPS chartplotters, I have learned that the right choice depends on your specific needs. Let me break down the key factors you should consider.
Screen size directly affects usability on the water. A 5-inch screen might look fine in the store, but at a bouncing helm in bright sunlight, every pixel counts. Here is my guidance based on boat size and mounting location:
For boats under 18 feet or kayaks, 5 to 5.5-inch screens are adequate. You are typically close enough to the unit that the smaller display remains readable. The Garmin STRIKER 5CV and Humminbird Helix 5 are perfect examples.
For boats 18 to 24 feet, consider 7 to 9-inch screens. This size range provides enough real estate for split-screen views without overwhelming your dash. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv and Simrad GO9 are excellent choices in this category.
For boats over 24 feet, 9-inch screens or larger become worth the investment. The additional screen real estate makes a significant difference in readability from the helm. Look at the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv or Simrad GO9 with Active Imaging if budget allows.
The chart debate comes down to personal preference and coverage area. Garmin Navionics+ charts are excellent for coastal waters with good detail of depth contours, navigation aids, and marina facilities. C-MAP Discover charts offer similar quality with some anglers preferring their presentation style.
For freshwater fishing, both companies offer inland lake maps. Garmin's LakeVu series covers popular fishing lakes, while C-MAP's inland coverage is equally comprehensive. Check which brand has better coverage of your specific waters before deciding.
Most modern marine GPS chartplotters support multiple chart formats. You are not locked into one brand's charts. Many anglers I know run both Navionics and C-MAP cards on the same unit, switching between them to compare detail.
Modern marine GPS chartplotters are networking hubs. NMEA 2000 connectivity allows your chartplotter to communicate with engines, fuel sensors, VHF radios, and autopilots. If you have or plan to add other marine electronics, NMEA 2000 compatibility is essential. Pairing your chartplotter with quality fixed-mount VHF radios for offshore boating creates a complete marine electronics suite with GPS position sharing and emergency communication capabilities.
WiFi connectivity lets you share data between multiple chartplotters on the same boat. Many units also offer smartphone integration for software updates, waypoint transfer, and even viewing the chartplotter display on your phone. Garmin's ActiveCaptain app and Simrad's GoFree app are examples of this technology.
Most marine GPS chartplotters today include sonar capability. The question is what type of sonar you need. Traditional CHIRP sonar is excellent for finding fish and measuring depth. Side-scanning and Down-scanning sonar provide photographic-like images of structure and fish-holding cover.
For serious anglers, SideScan and DownScan are game-changers. I have found submerged brush piles, rock ledges, and wreck debris with imaging sonar that traditional sonar completely missed. However, this capability comes at a higher price point.
Before purchasing any marine GPS chartplotter, consider the installation. Flush mounting requires cutting a hole in your dash or console. The result looks professional, but it is permanent. Bail or bracket mounting is less invasive but more exposed to the elements.
Transducer placement is critical for optimal sonar performance. The transducer needs clean water flow at all times, away from turbulence and obstructions. On boats with stepped hulls or through-hull fittings, transducer placement can become challenging. Consider professional installation if you are unsure.
Power requirements vary significantly between units. Some draw minimal power and can run for hours on a small battery. Others require substantial 12V power. Make sure your boat's electrical system can handle the load.
Garmin and Simrad dominate the marine GPS chartplotter market, and for good reason. Garmin offers the most user-friendly interface and excellent integration with their other products. Simrad provides premium imaging sonar and sailing-specific features.
If you already have Garmin electronics on your boat, staying with Garmin makes sense. The units network together seamlessly, and you are already familiar with the interface. The same goes for Simrad, Lowrance, or Humminbird if you have their products installed.
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is our top pick for most boaters, offering an excellent balance of screen size, sonar capability, and chart coverage in a user-friendly package. For anglers who need the best imaging sonar, the Simrad GO9 with Active Imaging is our premium choice. Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the Garmin STRIKER 5CV for its quality sonar and GPS at an affordable price.
Both brands make excellent marine GPS chartplotters, but they excel in different areas. Garmin offers the most intuitive user interface and excellent smartphone integration through the ActiveCaptain app. Simrad provides superior imaging sonar with their Active Imaging technology, which many anglers prefer for finding fish-holding structure. If you prioritize ease of use, choose Garmin. If you want the best sonar imaging, Simrad has the edge.
The Garmin ECHOMAP series is widely considered the easiest to use, thanks to intuitive touchscreen menus that work like a smartphone. The STRIKER series is even simpler, with basic menus that anyone can master in minutes. Garmin's interface is consistent across their product line, so if you have used one Garmin chartplotter, you can use them all. Simrad units have a slight learning curve but become intuitive after a few hours of use.
A GPS receiver determines your position using satellite signals and displays coordinates. A chartplotter takes that GPS position and overlays it on detailed nautical charts, showing your location relative to depth contours, navigation markers, hazards, and planned routes. All chartplotters include GPS, but not all GPS units are chartplotters. Simple GPS units like those used for hiking only show coordinates and maybe a basic map, while marine chartplotters provide detailed nautical charts essential for safe navigation on the water.
After testing 10 different marine GPS chartplotters across various price points and use cases, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv remains our Editor's Choice for its excellent balance of features, usability, and performance. The 9-inch screen is large enough for easy viewing, the sonar capability is top-notch, and the included Navionics+ charts provide comprehensive coverage for most boaters.
For anglers who need the best imaging sonar, the Simrad GO9 with Active Imaging is worth the premium price. The SideScan and DownScan clarity is unmatched, helping you find fish-holding structure that other units miss. If you are on a tight budget, the Garmin STRIKER 5CV delivers quality sonar and GPS capability at a price that will not break the bank.
Remember that the best marine GPS chartplotters for boats is the one that matches your specific needs. Consider your boat size, typical waters, and how you plan to use the unit. Do you need detailed navigation charts for coastal cruising, or is sonar performance more important for finding fish? Answer these questions honestly, and you will find the right chartplotter for your boating adventures.
No matter which unit you choose, adding a quality marine GPS chartplotter to your boat enhances both safety and fishing success. Knowing exactly where you are, what is underwater ahead, and how to get back to the ramp provides peace of mind every time you leave the dock. Safe travels on the water.