Choosing the right Chartplotter
Whether you’re a weekend fisherman, coastal cruiser, or bluewater adventurer, a chartplotter is one of the most important pieces of marine electronics on board. It acts as your digital navigation hub, combining GPS positioning, chart data, sonar (in many cases), and often radar and AIS. Choosing the right chartplotter ensures safer navigation and better on-water experiences.
Here’s a guide to help you make the right decision.
Choosing the right chartplotter depends on how and where you use your boat, and what features matter most to you. Here’s a simple technical breakdown to help you decide:
⚓ 1. Boat Type and Size
- Small boats (<20 ft): Compact plotters (4”–7”) with built-in GPS are usually enough.
- Mid-size boats (20–35 ft): Go for a 7”–12” unit with better sonar, charts, and networking.
- Large vessels or yachts: Multi-display setups (12”+), radar integration, AIS, and NMEA2000 networking.
🧭 2. Navigation Area
- Inshore or lakes: Basic GPS + preloaded maps are fine.
- Offshore / Bluewater: Look for satellite chart support, radar overlay, and weather integration.
- Global cruising: Get global chart availability (Navionics, C-Map) and international support.
📡 3. Features to Consider
| Feature | Use |
|---|---|
| Built-in sonar | Fishing or bottom tracking |
| CHIRP / DownScan / SideScan | Advanced sonar for detailed structure & fish finding |
| Radar support | Offshore use or night navigation |
| AIS integration | Collision avoidance in busy waters |
| Touchscreen vs buttons | Touch is intuitive, buttons better in wet or rough conditions |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | For mobile app control, updates, or syncing routes |
| NMEA 2000/0183 | For connecting autopilots, engines, wind instruments, etc. |
🗺️ 4. Chart Compatibility
- Navionics+ / Platinum+: Popular for recreational and fishing users.
- C-MAP: Excellent for global cruisers.
- Garmin BlueChart: Proprietary to Garmin devices.
- Always check if updates are free and how detailed the coverage is in your area.
🔌 5. Expandability
- Need future upgrades? Choose a plotter with:
- Multiple NMEA2000 ports
- Ethernet for radar/sonar modules
- Video input (for cameras or FLIR)
- SD slots for charts and logging
🏷️ 6. Budget Guide
| Budget | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Under $500 | 5”–7” basic Garmin or Lowrance units |
| $500–$1,500 | 7”–9” mid-range plotters with sonar (Simrad GO, Raymarine Element) |
| $1,500+ | 10”–16” networkable MFDs with radar, sonar, and chart options (Garmin GPSMAP, Raymarine Axiom, Simrad NSS) |
✅ Recommended Brands
- Garmin – User-friendly, great for all-around use.
- Simrad – Advanced features for fishing and offshore.
- Raymarine – Smooth interface, ideal for sailing and cruising.
- Lowrance – Great for anglers and freshwater use.
🔍
| Feature | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | All navigation |
| Sonar/CHIRP | Fishing or depth monitoring |
| DownScan/SideScan | Advanced fish finding and structure scanning |
| Radar support | Night navigation, offshore safety |
| AIS | Collision avoidance and vessel tracking |
| Touchscreen or keypad | Touch is faster; buttons work better in rough seas |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Syncing charts, updates, and app integration |
| NMEA 2000 compatibility | Networking with autopilot, engine, wind instruments, and more |
🧭 4. Chart Compatibility
Make sure the unit supports the charts you prefer:
- Navionics+ / Platinum+ – Great for recreational use and fish finders.
- C-MAP Reveal – Excellent for detailed coverage worldwide.
- Garmin BlueChart g3 / g3 Vision – Exclusive to Garmin chartplotters.
Consider the chart update process, subscriptions, and regional availability.
🧩 5. Expandability & Networking
Thinking long-term? Choose a plotter that can grow with your system:
- Radar, AIS, and sonar module compatibility
- Video input for engine or rearview cameras
- Networking with NMEA 2000 or Ethernet
- Multiple display support for flybridge or cabin
💰 6. Match Your Budget
| Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Under $500 | Basic 5–7” plotter with built-in GPS and charts |
| $500–$1,500 | 7–9” touchscreens with sonar, Wi-Fi, and networking |
| $1,500+ | Full-featured MFDs with radar, AIS, and integration options |
🛠️ Recommended Brands
- Garmin – Best for ease of use and all-purpose boating.
- Simrad – Ideal for sportfishing and offshore cruising.
- Raymarine – Great for sailors and cruising yachts.
- Lowrance – Favored by freshwater and nearshore anglers.
Final considerations, When selecting the right chartplotter, your boat type and size are crucial factors to consider. Additionally, the navigation area and desired features should align with your needs. Ensure compatibility with the charts you prefer, including considerations for updates, subscriptions, and regional availability. Think about long-term expandability and networking capabilities, and match the device to your budget carefully. Lastly, explore recommendations from reputable brands to guide your decision effectively.
Need help choosing? Contact us for expert recommendations based on your boat and budget.