Imagine sailing on the open ocean, the wind in your hair, and the vast blue stretching before you. But what if you’re not sure exactly where you are or where you’re going? That’s where a marine GPS plotter comes in. These amazing devices are like a super-smart map and compass all rolled into one, helping boaters navigate safely and confidently.
Choosing the right marine GPS plotter can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and they all have different features. It can be confusing to know which one will work best for your boat and your adventures. You might worry about spending too much money on something you don’t need, or worse, picking one that doesn’t have the right tools for the job. We understand these worries!
In this blog post, we’re going to break down what makes a great marine GPS plotter. We’ll explain the important things to look for, so you can choose a device that makes your time on the water even better. Get ready to learn how to find the perfect navigation partner for all your boating trips!
Our Top 5 Marine Gps Plotter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Marine Gps Plotter Detailed Reviews
1. Raymarine Element 7 HV – 7” Chart Plotter with Chirp Sonar
Rating: 8.9/10
The Raymarine Element 7 HV is a powerful 7-inch chart plotter and sonar system that brings incredible detail to your time on the water. It uses special technology to show you exactly what’s beneath your boat, helping you find fish and navigate with confidence. Whether you’re exploring new fishing spots or charting a familiar course, this device makes it easier than ever.
What We Like:
- Super Clear Sonar: The 1.2 megahertz HyperVision CHIRP technology gives you amazing, high-resolution sonar images. You can see things underwater with incredible detail.
- See in 3D: Built-in RealVision 3D sonar lets you easily spot ledges, channels, and changes in the bottom shape. It helps you understand the underwater world like never before.
- Fast and Smooth: A speedy quad-core processor means charts redraw instantly and 3D views are always smooth. You won’t experience any lag.
- Great Maps Included: The LightHouse Charts cover many coastal and inland waters in the US and Canada, so you’re ready to explore right away.
- All-in-One Transducer: The included HV-100 transducer provides super-high resolution CHIRP down, side, and RealVision 3D views. It also has a special channel for targeting fish with high CHIRP sonar.
What Could Be Improved:
- Steeper Learning Curve: While powerful, some of the advanced sonar features might take a little time for new users to fully understand and master.
- Price Point: This is a premium device with advanced features, and its price reflects that, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious boaters.
The Raymarine Element 7 HV offers an exceptional combination of advanced sonar and user-friendly navigation. It’s a fantastic tool for any boater looking to gain a deeper understanding of the underwater environment.
2. Element 9 HV – 9″ Chart Plotter with Chirp Sonar
Rating: 8.9/10
The Element 9 HV is a fantastic 9-inch chart plotter that brings powerful sonar technology right to your boat. It’s designed to help you see more of what’s below the water, making fishing and navigating easier and more successful. With its super-sharp images and fast processor, you’ll get a clear picture of the underwater world.
What We Like:
- The 1.2 megahertz HyperVision CHIRP technology gives you incredibly clear sonar pictures. You can see details like never before.
- RealVision 3D sonar helps you find fishing spots and understand the bottom shape. It shows you where ledges and channel beds are.
- A super-fast quad-core processor makes everything run smoothly. Charts redraw instantly, and 3D views stay clear.
- The included LightHouse Charts cover the coasts and lakes of the US and Canada, so you have reliable maps.
- The all-in-one HV-100 transducer is included. It provides high-resolution CHIRP sonar for down, side, and 3D views, plus a special channel for finding fish.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the transducer is great, some users might want more advanced sonar features for very specific deep-water fishing.
- The interface is generally easy to learn, but as with any new tech, there’s a small learning curve for all its advanced functions.
The Element 9 HV is a powerful tool for any boater who wants to improve their understanding of the underwater environment. Its advanced sonar and user-friendly design make it a standout choice for finding fish and navigating with confidence.
3. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv with GT54 Transducer
Rating: 9.3/10
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv with GT54 Transducer is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to explore the water. This 7-inch chartplotter makes finding your way easy with its bright touchscreen that you can see even in the sun. It comes with a powerful GT54 transducer that shows you what’s below and to the sides of your boat with amazing detail. Plus, it has built-in maps of over 18,000 lakes in the U.S., so you’ll always know where you’re going.
What We Like:
- The 7-inch touchscreen is super bright and easy to read, even on sunny days.
- The included GT54 transducer gives you clear pictures of what’s underwater with traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar.
- The Garmin Navionics+ inland maps are already loaded and show incredibly detailed lake information, like up to 1-foot contours.
- You can easily share your fishing spots and routes wirelessly with other ECHOMAP UHD2 units.
- It connects wirelessly to your Force trolling motor, letting you control everything from navigation to speed.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the built-in maps are great, some users might want more advanced or worldwide map options.
- The price point might be a bit high for very casual boaters.
This chartplotter truly enhances your time on the water, making fishing and exploring more enjoyable and efficient. It’s a smart investment for serious anglers and boaters.
4. Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv 7″ Fishfinder GPS Track Plotter No Transducer
Rating: 8.8/10
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is a fantastic tool for any angler looking to find more fish and explore new waters. This 7-inch fishfinder and GPS combo makes it simple to see what’s below your boat and plot your course. It’s designed for ease of use, so you can spend less time fiddling with settings and more time fishing.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use: The menus are clear and simple. You can quickly find what you need.
- Value for Money: It offers a lot of great features for its price. You get a lot of bang for your buck.
- Durable Design: This fishfinder is built tough. It can handle the bumps and splashes that come with being on a boat.
- Bright Display: The screen is easy to see, even in bright sunlight.
- GPS Tracking: You can mark spots and navigate back to them easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Transducer Included: You’ll need to buy a compatible transducer separately, which adds to the total cost.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic functions are simple, mastering all the advanced settings might take a little time.
Overall, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is a solid choice for anglers seeking a reliable and user-friendly fishfinder. Its robust design and excellent value make it a worthwhile investment for improving your fishing trips.
5. Klanata 10.4 Inch Marine GPS Chart Plotter with LCD Display Navigation System for Boats
Rating: 9.1/10
Navigating the open water just got a whole lot easier with the Klanata 10.4 Inch Marine GPS Chart Plotter. This advanced navigation system is built for boaters who demand reliability and clarity. Its large, bright screen shows you exactly where you are and where you’re going, making your trips safer and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- It works on almost any boat because it can use power from 10V to 36V.
- The 10.4-inch screen is super clear, even in bright sunlight, and you can see it from many angles.
- You get to choose between two popular map systems, C-MAP and XINUO-MAP, and they can be updated.
- It’s easy to use with simple buttons and helpful voice alerts that tell you important things.
- You can set it up on your dashboard or mount it inside your boat, and the screen brightness can be adjusted for nighttime.
What Could Be Improved:
- The power input range is wide, but you still need to confirm your boat’s power system is compatible.
- While it supports two chart systems, users might prefer a single, integrated system.
This Klanata GPS chart plotter is a solid choice for any boater looking for a dependable and user-friendly navigation tool. It brings advanced features to your fingertips, making every voyage smoother.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Marine GPS Plotter
Navigating the water is much easier and safer with a marine GPS plotter. This handy device shows you where you are on a map, helps you plan routes, and can even help you find your way back. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a marine GPS plotter, keep these important features in mind:
- Screen Size and Brightness: A bigger screen makes it easier to see details. Brightness is crucial, especially when the sun is shining directly on your boat. You want to see your map clearly.
- Chart Compatibility: Your plotter needs to work with the maps (charts) you want to use. Some plotters come with built-in charts, while others let you choose. Make sure the charts cover your boating areas.
- GPS Accuracy: This is the core function! Look for plotters that use advanced GPS technology for precise location tracking.
- Sonar and Transducer Options: Many plotters can also show you what’s beneath your boat. This is called sonar. If you fish or want to know water depth, look for models that support sonar. You might need to buy a separate transducer, which is the part that sends and receives sound waves.
- Connectivity: How does your plotter talk to other devices? Look for options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000. These let you connect to things like smartphones, tablets, and other marine electronics.
- Weather Features: Some plotters can show you weather forecasts and radar. This helps you stay safe by avoiding storms.
- Ease of Use: The buttons and menus should be simple to understand. You don’t want to spend a lot of time figuring things out when you’re out on the water.
Important Materials
Marine electronics face tough conditions. They need to be built to last.
- Waterproof and Durable Casing: Most good plotters have a tough, waterproof casing. Look for ratings like IPX7, which means they can handle being splashed or even submerged for a short time. The plastic should feel solid and not flimsy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a GPS plotter better or worse.
- Screen Resolution: A higher resolution screen shows sharper images and clearer text. This makes maps look much better and easier to read.
- Processor Speed: A faster processor means the plotter will respond quickly when you touch the screen or zoom in on maps. Slow plotters can be frustrating.
- User Interface Design: A well-designed menu system makes it easy to find what you need. If the menus are confusing, it reduces the quality of your experience.
- Sunlight Viewability: Screens that are designed to be seen easily in bright sunlight are a big plus. If you can’t see your screen, it’s not very useful.
- Software Updates: Companies that regularly update their software keep the plotter running smoothly and add new features. Plotters that don’t get updates can become outdated quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your boat will help you choose the right plotter.
- For Cruising and Day Trips: If you mainly enjoy leisurely trips, a plotter with a clear map display and simple navigation is perfect. You’ll want easy route planning and the ability to mark favorite spots.
- For Fishing: Anglers will want plotters with excellent sonar capabilities. The ability to see fish finders, depth sounders, and even down-view sonar is very helpful. Compatibility with specialized fishing charts is also a bonus.
- For Serious Navigation and Offshore Passages: If you’re planning long journeys or navigating in challenging waters, look for plotters with advanced features. This includes detailed charts, weather routing, and robust connectivity to other navigation tools.
- For Smaller Boats and Kayaks: For smaller vessels, compact and power-efficient plotters are ideal. Touchscreen controls and simple interfaces are often preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a marine GPS plotter?
A: A marine GPS plotter is an electronic device that shows your boat’s position on a digital map. It helps you navigate, plan routes, and find your way.
Q: Do I need a separate GPS antenna?
A: Most modern GPS plotters have built-in GPS antennas. You usually don’t need a separate one unless you’re installing the plotter in a location where it can’t get a good signal.
Q: What are charts or maps for a GPS plotter?
A: Charts are digital maps that show waterways, coastlines, depths, navigation aids, and other important information for boating.
Q: Can I use my tablet or smartphone with a GPS plotter?
A: Yes, many plotters can connect to tablets and smartphones via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This lets you view your position or plan routes on a larger screen.
Q: What does “waterproof rating” mean?
A: A waterproof rating, like IPX7, tells you how well the device can resist water. IPX7 means it can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
Q: Is a touchscreen better than buttons?
A: Touchscreens offer a modern and intuitive way to interact with your plotter. However, buttons can be easier to use in rough seas or when wearing gloves.
Q: How often do I need to update my charts?
A: It’s a good idea to update your charts at least once a year, or before any major trip, to ensure you have the latest information on depths and navigation aids.
Q: What is NMEA 2000?
A: NMEA 2000 is a standard communication network for marine electronics. It allows different devices on your boat to share data, like speed, depth, and GPS information.
Q: Do I need a transducer for my GPS plotter?
A: You only need a transducer if your GPS plotter has sonar capabilities and you want to see water depth or fish finders. The transducer is the part that sends and receives sound waves.
Q: How much does a marine GPS plotter cost?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic models can start around a few hundred dollars, while advanced units with many features can cost over a thousand dollars.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!