10 Best Marine GPS And Chartplotters For Sale/If you spend much of your time on the water just like me, you might just need the best marine GPS. I do spend much of my time on waters. If not fishing, I am either kayaking or simply cruising through the sea with my wife. I am a huge fan of the calm sea waters, and even when they get ugly, I like being part of it as well. Having been in the navy for a better part of my youthful days, I still get those memories whenever I step into the 2007 Sea Ray Sun Deck 220 I purchased for my leisure after retiring from the navy.
When growing up, I pictured myself being a writer and even started jolting down several articles for the local newspaper. That dream seemed to have gotten lost with my recruitment into the navy. However, true to the old adage “old habits die hard,” I still create time to write on almost every topic related to sea life. Today, I just woke up in my writing mood and decided to write down a review of the best Marine GPS and Chartplotter. In this review, I will give my own understanding and experience based on a practical approach on every available marine GPS and Chartplotter.
List Of Best Marine GPS And Chartplotter For Sale In 2020
- 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
- Includes TotalScan transducer for medium/high frequency CHIRP sonar and StructureScan HD imaging
- Built-in GoFree Wi-Fi
So, I happened to have come across this Simrad marine GPS and Chartplotter while looking for a replacement to my old Garmin model. It’s not like the Garmin had any issue, it’s just that I wanted a change after using a single brand for a long time. I was torn between this Simrad Marine GPS and the Raymarine a 78. However, after giving it a thought, I settled for the Simrad.
I must admit, ever since, I haven’t had any complaints whatsoever. This product blew my expectations, and I must admit, in my over 30 year’s experience, I haven’t seen many marine GPSs with such a performance. The ease with which I could operate it was simply flabbergasting.
On the very first day, I was able to capture more Tuna, Wahoos, and several schools of fish. I was using it on several locations including the Florida Keys Offshore, off Tampa bay, and also at the bayside. In a jiffy, it changed my experience forever!
- 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
- Includes HDI Skimmer transducer for medium/high frequency CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging views
- Built-in GoFree Wi-Fi
While still in the navy before even purchasing my boat, I remember using this marine GPS and Chartplotter on several occasions. This is an excellent piece of equipment that is designed to deliver the best results. The thing is, I found it just the other day while going through my thoughts.
I dusted off the old companion and decided to give him a shot. This day, I decided to go kayaking. It was meant to be a backup unit for my offshore fishing. Still, since I trusted it, I put it into a more useful task of ensuring that I get a grasp of the entire situation on the sea. One thing I loved about this product is a small size. I slide it into my pocket and off I went!
- 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
- Includes HDI Skimmer transducer for medium/high frequency CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging views
- Built-in GoFree Wi-Fi
Garmin has always been at the top of my list when it comes to marine GPS and Chartplotters. My son had been using one of those old Garmin models which have a black and white screen. Of course, a black and white screen is never bright enough for ultimate results. I decided to get him this excellent masterpiece. I decided to take this device for various reasons.
First, I loved the versatile design which makes it perfect for use on water and on a hike when the weather isn’t so friendly. In fact, my son has used it for hiking more than on the water. The other thing which is a front leap from the other brands is its incredible battery life. It features great functionality and my son never misses his frequent weekend fishing or hiking.
- High-resolution 4.3-inch monochrome display
- CHIRP Sonar plus DownScan Imaging
- DownScan Overlay technology
- Advanced Signal Processing
- 83/200 KHz transom mount transducer included
I have this fishing buddy who also used to be my partner in my days at the navy. He uses this Lowrance marine GPS and Chartplotter. I once had the chance to borrow it, and I must admit that I had a great experience. The high resolution offered a better and precise prediction of the right locations for me to attack.
The monochrome display is unlike most marine GPS and Chartplotters I had used before. I also loved the CHIRP Sonar plus DownScan imaging which offered ultimate reliability and added clarity.
- 12-parallel channel receiver
- Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) enabled
- Features Garmin's exclusive BlueChart marine cartography
- 3.8-inch backlit 16-color display
- Resolution of 320 x 240; accepts downloadable information from Garmin's MapSource line
Although this Garmin GPS is not designed for use in cold weather or on a snowmobile, it proved even better than several other products designed for that. I had one mounted behind my windshield the other time I went fishing. I wired it to sled power for improved performance, and everything else went even better than I had anticipated.
Whenever the weather became extremely cold, I had to make a bonnet that would go through this GPS then wired the bonnet to a heating element to protect it from freezing. That was my improvised way to improve performance since I live in an extremely cold area. For anyone who doesn’t have issues with cold weather, this is the best product for you.
- A leap into the future of sonar Dragonfly 7 Pro employs true wide Spectrum CHIRP Technology where sonar signals are transmitted into the water allowing Dragonfly to interpret more detail target more fish and image structure with unmatched clarity
- CHIRP DownVision will change your underwater view with incredibly clear photo like sonar images that surpass ordinary imaging sonars with superior deep water performance to 600ft (180M) and reliable high speed bottom tracking
- Dragonfly 7 Pro has GPS built in and comes with navioncs + by navionics for charts. Waterproofing Standard: IPX6 and IPX7
- Dragonfly 7 Pro features built in Wi-Fi so anglers can stream Dragonfly sonar data right to their smartphone or tablet with the Raymarine Wi-Fish mobile app
- Dragonfly is engineered with optical bonding LCD display Technology that are all weather and deliver Brighter colors sharper contrast and are guaranteed to never fog up
I was torn between Garmin and Raymarine during my first purchase, and I decided to go for Garmin. The Garmin model I went for worked impressively. However, I later decided to give this Raymarine GPS a shot as well to evaluate their performance and determine which among them was better.
I wouldn’t make a distinction since these two devices seemed to exhibit excellent capabilities. I bought this Raymarine GPS from Amazon and decided to give it a shot. First, I think its price was something worth commending. The ease with which I could operate it was simply unsurpassed.
- 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, marinas, and more
- Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter for heading/altitude/weather
- Share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible device user
Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS And Chartplotter
Although I have several Garmin devices, I also opted to purchase this device because it makes use of AA batteries. Also, the price was reasonably low, given its superior construction. The design and functionality are the things that struck me with their excellent performance.
The control buttons are strategically placed while its unique size makes it ideal for my daily adventures in the sea. The screen resolution is something else you’ll love. And yes, I also find its revolutionary construction worth every last coin.
Garmin 010-01798-01 Garmin EchoMAP CHIRP 53cv With Transducer
Finally, I came across this product and had added it to my list of must-have products this year. I haven’t had the chance to use it, but online illustrations and the opinions of a few of my friends who have used it are enough evidence that this is a unique product. I have given it a thought and will be getting it this year. There are several things I love about it. First, it offers an easy installation process as displayed in the video I watched.
I got a chance, and I’m confident that this is the accurate marine GPS I need even to catch more schools of fish than I have ever had before.
- CLEARVU SCANNING SONAR - Shows you more of what is in the water around your boat. This high-frequency sonar gives near-photographic images with detailed representations of objects, structure and fish.
- CHIRP SONAR - CHIRP sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information. CHIRP sonar is able to create crisper fish arches with better target separation.
- BUILT-IN LAKE Vu HD MAPS - cover 17,000 total lakes, of which 13,000 are HD lakes with 1-foot contours shore to shore
- CLEAR SCANNING SONAR - The cv series comes with built-in 500 W CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar. The sv series offers all of the same features plus CHIRP SideVu scanning sonar.
- BEST-IN-CLASS INTERNAL 5 Hz GPS - Internal 5 Hz GPS updates position and heading 5 times per second to make marking and returning accurately to waypoints easier.
Marine GPS And Chartplotter Buying Guide
Marine GPS and Chartplotter is a very delicate device and therefore, you need to follow a buying guide in order to buy the best one for your requirements.
Access to Navigation Data
When you decide to buy a marine GPS and Chartplotter, the first thing that you need to keep in mind on the type of navigation data that you are going to receive. The modern-day devices are capable of getting connected to a larger database for displaying the location data. You can also lookout for the function of autopilot, which will help in quickly plotting the charts. It is extremely important that your software remains updated which will allow your device to function without any lapse. Also, look out for a device that will connect to sensors and will let you have different other metrics.
User Functionality
If your GPS Chartplotter has the feature of the touchscreen, then it will be spontaneous to use. You can also go for buttons where touchscreen devices may be difficult to work in salty or damp situations. Buttons are reliable but take a longer time to use. It will be your own personal choice to opt between the two as touchscreen devices usually have large screens.
Ease of Use
When choosing your device, make sure that it does not require anything extra for you to conveniently install the GPS module. Look out for the accessories and any other sensors which will enable you to use the device efficiently. Go for the one which is easy to learn and offers simplicity. If you are a casual sailor, then a handheld unit may be the best option. Even if you are an advanced sailor, then it is highly recommended to go for an easy to manage device.
Chartplotter for Racing
A Chartplotter for racing must have racing-specific features. It will enable you to monitor your time as well as speed when you are on the water. Some may even be equipped with the tool of wind calculation, which will let you move faster and make a smarter decision. Look out for something simple which will let you use the device safely when you are out in the water.
Chartplotter for Fishing
If you want to fish successfully, then the fishing feature will provide you with better results. Look out for chart plotters that have sonar as well as other tools for finding fish. These tools are very useful and are highly recommended if you are a professional fisherman. You can also look out for other options that will let you make customized seabed maps. In doing so, it will allow you to easily get to your favorite fishing zone. However, keep that in mind that the feature of sonar will make you shell out more from your pocket.
Display
Since different chartplotters come in different sizes, it becomes difficult from which to choose. A chart plotter with a large display size will be very convenient as it will let you see the navigational details from a close motion. It will also let you have better functionality allowing you to make the most out of it. A high-resolution device will let you move easily in large vessels. Also, look out for the brightness offered by the screen. A colorful and bright screen is ideal for navigation as it will let you use it at night.
Smart Feature
If your gadget lets you connect it to other devices, then it will be very useful. You can easily connect it to your smartphone or smartwatch and track it from anywhere you want. Chartplotters these days will let you access data from a custom app. Some may even come up with a mobile phone which will let you operate it even when you are moving. You can also look out for the one which has WiFi which lets you have access to various online services. In doing so, you can easily know about the weather updates and location from other sources.
Other Features
You must always look out for marine GPS chart plotters that will suit your needs. You can look out for the demos which will meet your requirements and make the best buy. To have a safe course, ensure simplicity. A device with a micro SD card slot will let you add optional maps and save waypoints. Check if it has a good GPU and if there is the function of auto-guidance.
Final Words
I have used several marine GPS and Chartplotters. Throughout my experience, I have learned that the price is a significant aspect that has to be taken into account. If you want to have the best results, don’t go for the cheap ones.
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