10 Best Rated Marine GPS Chartplotters for The Money

O ne tech piece no sailor can go without is the chart plotter. It works by amalgamating GPS with ENC, while in some cases displaying ancillary details from radar or other sensors, granting a safe means to navigate the seas.

If you are the explorer type or you simply want to ensure you will always arrive back on shore safely when you go on a boat trip, a marine chartplotter is essential. As you peruse our product recommendation matrix, find out what are the top selections and what makes them indispensable to your boat gear collection.

Top 10 Marine GPS Chartplotters Compared

Photo	Product Name	Operating Frequency	Waypoint Storage	Routes	Display Info	Features	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Simrad GO7 XSE	455/ 800 kHz	1,000	N/A	7” WVGA Color TFT LCD	Customisable interface; TripIntel technology; Cruise Charting view; Built-in sonar ; CHIRP-enabled broadband sonar; Bluetooth audio integration; Built-in Wi-Fi	2 years	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	2. Humminbird HELIX 7	83/ 200/ 455 kHz	2,500	45	7” TFT LCD	Temperature alarm; LED backlit screen; Side imaging; Down imaging; Gimbal mounting bracket; Bonded glass display; UniMap cartography; ContourXD map	1 year	Check Price
	3. Lowrance HOOK2	200 kHz, 455/ 800 kHz	3,000	100	7” WVGA Color TFT LCD	Automated Sonar Settings; Depth and Water Temperature Readings; 1-touch access to key features; DownScan imaging; Front-dash or quick-release mounting installation; LED backlight	1 year	Check Price
Best Fishfinder	4. Garmin echoMAP Chirp 74Cv	160/ 455/ 800 kHz	5,000	100	7” WVGA	Bottom Lock; Water and temperature log graph; Sonar recording; Sonar history rewind; Built-in GPS; Auto guidance capable; Quickdraw contours function; LED backlight	1 year	Check Price
Best for the Money	5. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc	455/ 800 kHz	2,000	200	2.6” Transflective, 65-K Color TFT	Wireless sharing; HotFix satellite prediction; BlueChart g2 coastal charts; Worldwide basemap with imagery; Sun and moon information; Area calculation; Hunt/fish calendar	1 year	Check Price
	6. Simrad GO5 XSE	N/A	6,000	500	5” WVGA	LED backlight display; Tablet-style touchscreen controls; C-MAP chart support; Smartphone and tablet connectible; ForwardScan sonar support; CHIRP sonar support; StructureScan HD imaging support	2 years	Check Price
	7. Humminbird 410220-1 Helix 5	455/ 800 kHz	2,500	45	5” LED backlit	Down imaging; Dualbeam Plus sonar; CHIRP digital sonar; Built-in basemap; LakeMaster compatible; Navionics compatible	1 year	Check Price
	8. Garmin CHIRP 53cv	50/ 200 KHZ	5,000	100	5” WQVGA	ClearVü scanning sonar; Water temperature log and graph; Sonar history rewind; Sonar recording; Bottom lock; Built-in CHIRP sonar	1 year	Check Price
	9. Garmin CHIRP 52cv	50/ 200 kHz	5,000	100	5” WQVGA	ClearVü scanning sonar; Supports AIS; Supports DSC; Tide tables; CHIRP sonar technology; Bottom lock; Water temperature log and graph; Sonar recording; Sonar history rewind	1 year	Check Price
	10. Lowrance ELite-5	50/ 200 455/ 800 kHz	3,000	100	5” 256 color TFT	StructureScan HD ready; SmartSteer control; Integrated wireless and Bluetooth connectivity	1 year	Check Price

1. Simrad GO7 XSE

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Sailing won’t get easier or safer than with the GO7, a marine device you need if you want to get more from your days spend on the water. Ideal for all types of boats, it features a bright touchscreen that enhances ease of use and features a built-in GPS receiver that keeps track of your location while helping you find convenient routes easier. Furthermore, as it allows Wi-Fi access, you will be able to download all the maps you need and stay updated with the most recent software additions the manufacturing company has provided for it.

Navigation

As it provides support for a wide range of cartography options, you can navigate destinations regardless of their proximity without ever losing yourself. You have the possibility to select the charts that best suit your need at that moment, which is another undeniable plus.

It provides you with the shortest route to take if you want to be sure you will get there as fast as possible. You can even mark waypoints with a simple touch, assigning them meaningful names to remember your path.

TripIntel Technology

Its most important technology is TripIntel that tracks and displays important info that you need in order to plan ahead a safe journey on the water. A fuel range will be overlaid on the charts so that you know to be well prepared before heading on your trip, and you will even be provided with tide levels, whether they are current or future.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• Provides support for a wide range of cartography options including the likes of NV Digital Charts, Navionics, Insight, and C-MAP MAX-N.
• Screen features a useful LED backlight for display viewing even when the dark settles.
• IPX7 waterproof rating ensures it won’t be damaged even if you accidentally drop it in water.

Ease of Use

For beginners, these devices can seem quite complicated to use. However, this isn’t the case in this specific situation as the fully customizable home screen enables you to create the shortcuts you need depending on the activities you plan on taking up. It even allows split-screen viewing so that you may keep an eye on everything you need at once.

A feature that greatly enhances ease of use is the automatic routing it provides. All you have to do is select the destination you want to reach, and the shortest and safest route suggestion will appear on the screen in a matter of seconds. If you agree to the suggestion, you can obviously go with it instead of wasting time creating your own path.

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2. Humminbird HELIX 7

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The 7” TFT display of the Humminbird HELIX 7 boasts an 800 x 480 resolution so that you can clearly see the mapping shown on it, the ultra-wide aspect ratio providing you with more than enough room to view its imaging. With it, expect to enjoy underwater clarity like you never thought possible, the compact device being able to cover the area up to 125’ below your boat. The software it uses is upgradeable, so you won’t find it futile after a few years of use as it won’t be left behind features and technology-wise.

One of its more interesting features stands in the Bluetooth capability that lets you synchronize it to your phone. This way, whenever you receive a notification, the HELIX 7 will display it so that you won’t have to get your phone out and potentially drop it in water. Due to its Dual Spectrum feature, you can search the water underneath you in 2 different ways – the Wide mode that provides maximum coverage or the Narrow mode that maximizes details. There are even 2 display modes to pick between, so you can account for water turbulence, temperature, and depth, as well as add or remove detail to your will to make your sailing expedition as productive as possible.

You can save up to 50 tracks to have a better grasp on routes and positioning due to the track plotting function it comes with. The UniMap cartography feature covers the inland and coastline of the U.S. at approximately 30 meters per pixel. Moreover, you can expand its capabilities by installing other compatible mapping packs, including the likes of Humminbird Mapping, AutoChart, AutoChart Pro, and Lake Master. For high accuracy to make instances where you feel like you get lost even for a second impossible, the GPS receiver uses WAAS correction.

It lets you save upward to 2,500 waypoints with 45 routes, permitting you to save maps and tracks to have an easier time on the water. It is IP67 rated, so if water gets on it, you don’t have to worry that it might get damaged. It comes with a gimbal mounting bracket for quick mounting and disconnecting, making it very easy to install. Furthermore, it is backed by the manufacturer for 1 year from the moment of purchase.

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3. Lowrance HOOK2

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The asking price for the HOOK2 is not the cheapest out there, yet we feel confident that you will be inclined to acquire it once you better understand how it serves you. The TripleShot transducer it comes with gives you a complete experience as, in addition to the wide-angle sonar, you enjoy DownScan and SideScan imaging. This feature lets you identify the structure underneath the boat, scan vast areas in your proximity, track baits, and mark fish, basically providing everything you need for a successful angling trip.

The GPS plotter function it fulfills makes it all the more useful for anglers as it allows you to add waypoints, navigate, and follow trails more conveniently than ever before. It is preloaded with US inland mapping, featuring approximately 4000 lakes with 1’ contours that let you get better acquainted with the area you are navigating without any hassle.

On the clear 7” display you see in detail all the info it provides, the user-friendly interface and quick access to important functions adding to the appeal of the device. Backing for 1 year is provided by the manufacturing company for it, another aspect worth mentioning as you won’t have to worry about defects and costing you a cent to fix them as this won’t be the case while the warranty agreement is active.

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4. Garmin echoMAP Chirp 74Cv

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Reliability on provided images is what it most has to offer, the sonar scanning it employs providing near-photographic images of structures, fish, and objects in the water around you. It might be a tad expensive, sure, but seeing how the integrated GPS and the other features it comes with ensure you won’t ever get lost at sea, it’s safe to say that it is a necessary acquisition.

It comes with pre-loaded charts of the coastal U.S., and the internal global positioning system updates your current position and heading once every 5 seconds so that you will more accurately and easily mark and return to waypoints. You can even create personalized HD fishing maps onscreen and tailor them to fit your needs using 1-foot contours.

It size is 9.8 inches by 5.5 inches by 2 inches, while the display measures a hearty 6 inches by 3.6 inches, its diagonal measuring 7 inches. The resolution of the display is 800 x 480p to ensure utter clarity when you check it out. It is IPX7 rated when it comes to water resistance, so splashing won’t affect it. It allows up to 5000 waypoints and 100 routes. Furthermore, it is accompanied by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

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5. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc

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The most affordable option on our roster, the 78sc from Garmin, is a handheld device you will enjoy using as it boasts an intuitive operation and a plethora of features. One of its most important functions is the barometric altimeter that enables it to pinpoint your altitude. This feature also helps track weather condition changes.

One of the many aspects that make it highly desirable is the allowance of wireless sharing of waypoints, routes, and tracks with other compatible devices so that you can even share with friends your findings and preferred routes, a feature that really comes in handy for anglers as they can share info regarding fishing spots.

It comes preloaded with the BlueChart g2 for the entire U.S. and it allows you to add additional maps as well as it features the convenient microSD slot located in the battery compartment. Locating your position quickly as it features an accurate GPS and HotFix satellite prediction, it enables tracking even when conditions are normally incompatible, for example when you are in a deep canyon.

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6. Simrad GO5 XSE

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The touchscreen controls grant ease of use as they remind of smartphones and tablets. You can even customize the home screen and place there what you use most often, allowing you to even assign them customized names and symbols to move quicker when you plan trips.

The full-featured device is able to update your position up to 10 times per second thanks to the GPS receiver, which makes it suitable even for speed boats. It supports a wide range of cartography options so that you navigate in all directions easily. Moreover, as it provides easy waypoint management, you can even set and record the destinations so that your following trips go smoother.

Those who like to go prepared on their trips are sure to enjoy the GO5 as it uses TripIntel technology, tracking and displaying key information to plan safe and sunny days on the water. It also comes in handy as it helps you make informed decisions regarding fuel range, and provides info regarding tide levels.

The Cruice Charting page is one of its more unique features, combining navigation data and charts in a single easily readable display so that you receive relevant info regarding the water activities you want to take up and your personal cruising style. It uses StructureScan imaging, which means that it combines SideScan and DownScan sonar so that it provides a clear view of the water bottom.

The ForwardScan transducer grants a bi-dimensional water bottom imaging ahead of the boat, thus helping you navigate in complete safety even on shallow water. Moreover, the CHIRP technology even allows it to serve as a capable fishfinder, which makes it popular amongst anglers as well.

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7. Humminbird 410220-1 Helix 5

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With the Humminbird, you can now easily create your own richly detailed maps with routes to take in order to reach your favorite fishing spots faster. As opposed to other devices in the niche, it provides all the info you could ask for – depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation. The base map of the Helix 5 provides interesting info regarding over 10 thousand lakes so that you may have an easy time catching fish.

Its depth capability is of 600 feet, but you need not fret if you prefer more as with the measly purchase of a transducer, you will enjoy depth readings of up to 2500 feet. It features the effective CHIRP dual beam plus sonar tech. The micro SD card slot allows you to either save waypoints that interest you or to add more maps to this system.

The slim profile of the digital display gives it a smooth, cool look. Furthermore, it minimizes the usage of space without making it hard for you to read off of it, the 5-inch size ensuring you won’t’ squint your eyes to see where fish are located. Furthermore, its display is designed to ensure clarity even when direct sunlight hits it.

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8. Garmin CHIRP 53cv

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Perfect for navigating the water as well as fishing, this Garmin product features everything you could ask for as a recreational boater. With its simplistic interface, it manages to deliver important data regarding your location and the route you are supposed to follow, as well as other important info, all without requiring you to be a tech genius to control it. A successful product you will become addicted to using, what makes it even more appealing is the reasonable price it comes at.

Processing your location information once every 5 seconds, it always tracks your positioning to ensure you will have reliable data at your disposal and make no mistakes when navigating. A highlight we cannot overlook due to its importance when looking at the bigger picture performance-wise is the temperature sensor it integrates as this sensor allows it to boast a graph function and temperature log.

It features a microSD slot you can use for additional mapping as well as other numerous features that add to its appeal in use and performance quality. Overall, what you should take away from this review is that it is hard to find a better performing device out there, only the two aforementioned models slightly surpassing its performance.

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9. Garmin CHIRP 52cv

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Easy to use and filled with features that aid sailors more easily navigate, the 52cv helps you avoid getting lost, create new and exciting routes to take with your boat and share your experiences when you are at sea with others. Capable of saving up to 100 routes and 5000 waypoints, it puts everything you could ask for at your disposal.

The trail recording function it features is another highlight worth mentioning as it allows you to save as many as 50000 track points, thus retaining important info you will need during other expeditions on it. Another highlight worth mentioning is the Quickdraw Contours feature you can use to effortlessly create custom HD maps.

Highly effective in its tracking capabilities, it features an internal GPS that updates your position 5 times per second, so there is no need to worry you might lose track of your exact location or get lost during the expedition. If it were to pinpoint a flaw, the only downside we could find is the rather expensive price tag. Other than that, we can only praise it for its accuracy and performance, strongly recommending it to those who can afford it.

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10. Lowrance ELite-5

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The fourth entry in our top is this amazing Lowrance device you will adore using as it boasts a powerful fish-finder functionality and precise GPS chartplotting features, thus proving to be an indispensable tool for recreational boaters. With its user-friendly interface, it ensures you will never lose sight of the route you must follow when you are with your vessel on water.

The reason why we praise this product so much is that it comes with a highly accurate GPS antenna that will never fail you as it ensures quality aid while navigating the water. Another important highlight we must mention is the TrackBack feature you can use to review the history of the sonar whenever you need to do so.

Backed by a 1-year warranty and manufactured by one of the most respectable manufacturers, it is an investment worth making. Additionally, it is well-priced, being one of the most affordable high-end devices you will encounter when searching the market for this type of marine tech pieces. Unfortunately, it is poor in the features department when compared to the models we previously reviewed, so we had to rank it a bit lower.

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Rating Our Picks

Screen Size

Screen size is important as it shows how easily you will be able to read the maps and coordinates that appear on the display. The bigger the screen size is the better, so we awarded the model that boasted the widest screen when it came down to this rating aspect.

Portability

A portable marine GPS allows you to carry it around more easily, so we gave extra points to the model featured in our top that boasts a handheld design.

Waterproof Rating

We made sure you would spend your cash on a long-lasting product by rating these devices according to their waterproof rating as well. As these systems will most likely get wet on a regular basis, it is important for them to not get affected by the unfavorable conditions.

Sonar Capability

The sonar feature allows you to detect if there are fish-holding structures in the area and it helps you locate these structures as well. We gave extra points to the models that feature sonar as they come in handy for fishermen as well as recreational boaters.

Bluetooth Audio Integration

A little entertainment does not hurt at all as it tends to get quite tiring when you are at large. Thus, we rated the model that comes with this feature higher as it helps you have more fun when you are on the water with your vessel.

Wi-Fi Interface

Wi-Fi integration is of maximum importance as it not only allows wireless data sharing, but because it enables you to perform crucial updates on the software and even download maps. We had to make this feature one of our rating aspects as it considerably boosts the usability of these devices.

Warranty Length

A lengthy warranty is crucial as it ensures you will not be put in the situation of having to spend money on the repair or replacement of the device in case it malfunctions or gets damaged. Keeping your best interest in mind, we rated the models that are accompanied by long warranties better.

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Proper Use Instructions

The complete lack of signals and light when night comes makes it impossible to safely sail the seas without getting lost, especially in the case of beginner boaters or those who do this activity in their free time with a recreational purpose. To get from one point to another safely and as fast as possible when you are on the water, you must use a marine GPS chartplotter. Fortunately, the device is not hard to use or understand, so you will not encounter difficulties when it comes to operating it. To find out more about the process of installing and using the device, read the following lines.

• Step #1: First, you must properly install it. If you are dealing with a model featuring an internal antenna, use it in a boat that does not have a top or cover as the receiver the device features requires a direct line of sight to satellites. If you have an external antenna device, install the antenna on the top of the vessel’s cover for it to communicate trouble-free with the satellites.
• Step #2: Each GPS has its own operational style, so it is important for you to carefully read and get familiarized with the instructions manual of the device. The basic principles of operating these devices are quite similar, but there are still more than enough differences between the gadgets to make reading the accompanying manual mandatory.
• Step #3: To see where your boat is located, you need the map to be already loaded on the device. Pick the type of map or chart you like and is compatible with the device you own, and select the region you are navigating in to receive an accurate visualization of your location.
• Step #4: Now that you have installed and connected everything, it is time to use the device. On the screen, you will notice a triangle or boat symbol – this is where your vessel is situated in relation to the map. Press the zoom in/out button to get a better view of the map, your current location, and the rest of the areas you want to reach. As you zoom in, the details start to be more specific, and you are able to analyze the route better. To mark the destination you want to go to and receive instructions on how to get there, simply move the triangle or boat symbol to that specific destination.

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Why It Is an Asset Sailor Require

Regardless of your experience on the water, you have to consider investing in a marine chartplotter as it can benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. Sure, the device might cost a pretty penny, but it is worth every cent as it positively influences your entire experience when you are out with your vessel on the water, no matter the objective of your small trip – taking a little time to relax in your favorite environment or fishing. Learn everything there is to know about the advantages provided by the GPS for sailors from the following lines:

• Never get lost: One thing is for sure, more precisely that you will never be in danger of getting lost. If you are one of the many recreational boaters out there, you will surely find this to be an amazing advantage as your skills when it comes to finding directions on water are probably not the best. After all, it is not easy to sail as there are no routes or literal signs anywhere that you can use as guidance, so it can prove to be a lifesaver as it prevents you from accidentally deviating from your course and getting lost.
• Viewing underwater details: If you are interested in fishing, you will enjoy this benefit the most as the device allows you to view important underwater details like the location of reefs and fish-holding structures. Basically, GPS enables you to view any underwater rises and drop-offs, an advantage that will surely come in handy in various situations.
• Low visibility conditions navigation: If you consider navigating during the day to be tough, you will be shocked by how difficult it is to do it when the sunsets. The few details that you could use as guidance before will be completely out of your sight, so you will be left stranded, trying to guess what your next move should be. With it in your reach, it will not matter how the visibility is as you will receive the needed guidance to arrive safely back to the shore.
• Direction instructions: Want to reach a certain destination, but you are not confident you can get there without proper directions? Why take your chances and possibly end up without fuel mid-way when you can steer the boat safely to your destination by allowing the GPS to guide you there. Just keep your eye on the device when you are behind the wheel and follow the direction instructions closely, and you will arrive at the desired destination fast by taking the shortest route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

An asset which is ill-advised to sail the seas without, the maritime chart plotter offers you a clearer overview of your current position, the GPS addition enhancing its accuracy so that you not only never get lost but always take the right track to your next destination. Obviously, there are other functions and applications that make it crucial in the bag of a sailor, and as long as you go for a reliable device, you will fully benefit from all of them.

Best Marine GPS Chartplotter for Sale: Simrad GO7 XSE

The GO7 XSE made it to our top position as it not only provides a clear and large display to view the stats and maps on but because it is the most feature-rich entry on this market as well. Some of its greatest highlights include the TotalScan sonar transducer, the ForwardScan, the DownScan, and the StructureScan built-in features which ensure a complete mapping of the aquatic territory.

Editor’s Choice: Humminbird HELIX 7

Going as deep as covering the area beneath the boat as much as 125’, the HELIX 7 is an actually quite intuitive device for use by anglers and sailors who prefer cautiousness when they are on the water. It can store up to 50 plotting tracks you save, as well as 45 routes and 2,500 waypoints. As it is IP67 rated, you can rest assured knowing that neither dust nor water doesn’t affect its functioning in the slightest, surviving the tough conditions you are likely to encounter on your adventures.

Best Marine GPS Chartplotter Fishfinder: Garmin echoMAP Chirp 74Cv

The near photo-quality images the Garmin Chirp 74Cv provides of fish makes it appropriate for use by anglers who desire a professional means for their expeditions. The GPS technology evidently does not allow you to get lost, and through its profile and uses, it lets you mark your route so that you stay on course and not get lost, which is especially desirable when you are exploring new territories. Another aspect that enhances its desirability for anglers is evidently the HD fishing maps that you can open onscreen to get a better glimpse of where you must spin the reel, even allowing customization as you can use 1’ contours to delimit areas of interest.

Best Marine GPS Chartplotter for the Money: Garmin GPSMAP 78sc

If you want to make a smart deal, the Garmin 78sc is the one we recommend as it not only comes at a cheap, accessible price, but it comes with unique and useful features that add to its reliability, like the impressive barometric altimeter that accurately observes shifting weather conditions as it constantly tracks pressure changes.