Imagine you’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and you’re ready for an adventure. But then, a question pops into your head: “Where exactly am I going?” Or maybe you’re trying to find that perfect fishing spot you heard about, but the directions are a little fuzzy. This is where a GPS plotter becomes your best friend.
Choosing the right GPS plotter can feel like navigating through a maze. There are so many brands and features, and it’s tough to know which one will actually help you. You want something that’s easy to use, reliable, and fits your needs, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out. The wrong choice can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a great GPS plotter. We’ll break down the important things to look for, so you can feel confident picking the one that’s perfect for your next trip. Get ready to explore with more certainty and less stress.
Top Gps Plotter Recommendations
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar: Delivers views of fish arches and fish-holding structure with two ways to search — Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for detailed scanning; Precise 2D target separation powered by Low-Q transducer
- Enhanced GPS Navigation: Equipped with Humminbird Basemap, this chartplotter includes coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines; Compatible with premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics charts
- Enhanced GPS Navigation: Equipped with Humminbird Basemap, this chartplotter includes coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines; Compatible with premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics charts
- Real-Time Mapping: AutoChart Live creates maps of depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation while boating with eight hours of built-in recording time; Compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards for expanded mapping capacity
- Reliable Keypad Control: User-friendly menu system operated by softkey controls allows reliable operation in any weather conditions; Access pre-loaded views and settings through intuitive button interface
- ECHOMAP UHD2 74CV WITH GT20-TM TRANSDUCER AND NAVIONICSAND U.S. COASTAL AND GREAT LAKES MAPPING
- MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY: With GO9, add GPS navigation, sonar support, radar capability, and much more to your boat: perfect for sportboats, center-consoles, and smaller cruisers.
- C-MAP DISCOVER: Included C-MAP DISCOVER card with full-featured Vector Charts, Custom Depth Shading, Tides & Currents, C-MAP high-resolution Bathymetric contours, and ultra-wide coverage in the US and Canada.
- ACTIVE IMAGING 3-IN-1 TRANSDUCER: See structure and cover with a new level of refined detail with Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan imaging with FishReveal.
- RADAR READY: GO9 offers safer cruising and more productive fishing with plug-and-play connectivity to Simrad radar solutions for powerboats of all sizes.
- BUILT-IN CONNECTIVITY: Mirror your display to a smartphone or tablet and get access to charts, radar and other functionality from anywhere on board. NMEA 2000 connectivity offers more integration options.
- Garmin ECHOMAP 53cv UHD2 is a chartplotter that comes with 5” color display
- Get double the views with Garmin CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonars
- Wi-Fi connectivity between compatible chartplotters makes it easy to share info.
- Preloaded with Garmin Navionics + U.S. Inland Mapping
- CHIRP UHD Traditional/ClearVü Scanning Sonar
- The 2.2” high-resolution display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight
- Get long battery life of up to 168 hours in standard mode and up to 1,800 hours in expedition mode with 2 field-replaceable AA batteries (not included)
- Pair with the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone for wireless software updates, trip planning, Active Weather, smart notifications and additional mapping
- Get automatic cache updates from Geocaching Live, including descriptions, logs and hints when paired to the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone
- Multi-GNSS support gives access to multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- Professional Marine GPS Chartplotter at an Unbeatable Value: This pre-configured tablet offers a high-performance Boat GPS Navigation system at a fraction of the cost of traditional hardware. At just $299 USD, it delivers the power of a Multifunction Display (MFD) without the premium price tag.
- A tablet that was engineered for the helm: anti-glare finish that eliminates reflections and hits 500 nits of peak brightness for crystal-clear navigation in direct sun. The massive 8000mAh battery provides up to 13 hours of use.
- Ready for Immediate Marine Chartplotter Use: Start navigating right out of the box with pre-installed OpenCPN software and Free US Maps. It provides a reliable and flexible solution for cruising, fishing, or offshore sailing with zero setup required.
- Offline Offshore Reliability: As charts are locally installed, this Portable Marine GPS works completely offline. It is the ideal choice for offshore navigation and deep-sea expeditions where internet access is unavailable.
- Versatile, Navionics Compatible & Built for Every Vessel: Use it as your primary system or a high-end backup. This open platform is Navionics compatible and designed to suit everyone from recreational boaters and yacht owners to professional expedition vessels.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: With a high-definition12-inch SolarMax IPS display, NSS12 evo3S features the new iMX 8 high-performance processor. With faster response times and seamless screen transitions, this compact package delivers extensive functionality.
- BUILT-IN GPS NAVIGATION: NSS12 evo3S is a full-featured chartplotter navigation display with a built-in GPS receiver, preloaded with C-MAP US Enhanced inland and coastal charts.
- BETTER FISH FINDING: Better-than-ever processing power provides exceptional fish-finding performance and easily powers Active Imaging sonar, StructureScan 3D, HALO radar, and more.
- VESSEL-WIDE INTEGRATION: Extensive system expansion with real-time monitoring delivered through the new iMX 8 high-performance processor. Monitor engines and fuel efficiency, control your on-board sound system, and so much more.
- BETTER CONTROL: Switch seamlessly between intuitive all-weather touchscreen with multi-touch gestures, and a full-featured keypad with rotary control dial.
- FISHREVEAL: Fish are easier to find and easier to identify. FishReveal combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to makes fish light up on your display.
- HIGH-DETAIL INLAND MAPS: Get high-detail maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes. Create custom contour maps with even greater detail over any map or GPS plotter with Genesis Live, so you can get onto the fish faster.
- SPLITSHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want the best views below the boat, SplitShot features the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging.
- AUTOTUNING SONAR: Spend more time fishing and less time reworking your sonar settings with HOOK Reveal autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.
- 5-INCH DISPLAY: Enjoy crisp and clear views of your display no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best GPS Plotter
A GPS plotter is a fantastic tool for anyone who spends time on the water. It helps you navigate, find your way, and even remember where you caught that big fish! Think of it like a super-smart map on your boat or kayak. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a GPS plotter, keep these important things in mind:
- Screen Size and Brightness: You need a screen that’s easy to see, even in bright sunlight. Bigger is often better, but make sure it fits your boat. Look for screens that are bright and clear.
- Map Detail: The plotter needs good maps! These maps show you water depths, shorelines, and other important details. Some plotters come with pre-loaded maps, while others let you buy them separately. More detailed maps mean safer and easier navigation.
- GPS Accuracy: All GPS plotters use satellites to figure out where you are. Look for plotters that are known for being accurate. This means they’ll show you your exact position.
- Sonar/Fishfinder Capabilities: Many plotters can also act as fishfinders. This is a big bonus if you like fishing! They can show you what’s under the water, like fish and the bottom.
- Connectivity: Some plotters can connect to other devices on your boat, like your radio or autopilot. This lets them work together.
- Ease of Use: You want a plotter that’s simple to operate. Buttons and menus should be easy to understand. Don’t pick one that’s too complicated.
2. Important Materials and Build Quality
GPS plotters need to be tough. They sit on a boat, so they face water, sun, and bumps.
- Waterproofing: This is a must! Your plotter should be waterproof so rain or splashes don’t damage it. Look for ratings like “IPX7.” This means it can handle being underwater for a short time.
- Durable Casing: The outside of the plotter should be strong. It protects the electronics inside. Good plastic or metal will last longer.
- Screen Protection: The screen is important. Some plotters have tougher glass or coatings to prevent scratches.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a GPS plotter better or worse:
- Processor Speed: A faster processor means the plotter will be quick. Menus will load faster, and maps will scroll smoothly. A slow processor can be frustrating.
- Software Updates: Good companies release updates for their software. These updates can add new features or fix problems. This keeps your plotter up-to-date.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable marine electronics. Doing a little research on the brand can help you choose a quality product.
- Sunlight Readability: As mentioned before, a screen that’s hard to see in the sun is a big problem. This is a major quality factor.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you’ll use your GPS plotter matters a lot.
- For Casual Boaters: If you just go out for fun cruises, a simple plotter with basic maps might be all you need. Easy navigation is key.
- For Anglers (Fishermen): If you love fishing, a plotter with excellent sonar capabilities is a must. It helps you find good fishing spots. You’ll want detailed charts of fishing areas.
- For Cruisers and Long-Distance Boaters: If you plan long trips, you’ll want a plotter with detailed coastal and offshore maps. Connectivity features like autopilot integration are important.
- For Kayakers and Small Boat Owners: Smaller, more compact plotters are great for kayaks and smaller boats. Battery life and ease of mounting are important here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About GPS Plotters
Q: What is a GPS plotter?
A: A GPS plotter is an electronic device that shows your location on a map using GPS signals. It helps you navigate on the water.
Q: Do I need a GPS plotter if I have a smartphone?
A: While smartphone apps can help, dedicated GPS plotters are usually more durable, have brighter screens for sunlight, and offer more advanced marine features.
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 be submerged in water for a limited time without damage.
Q: Can I use a GPS plotter for fishing?
A: Yes! Many GPS plotters have built-in fishfinder or sonar functions that help you locate fish and see the underwater world.
Q: How do I update the maps on my GPS plotter?
A: Map updates are usually done by downloading them from the manufacturer’s website to an SD card, or sometimes directly over Wi-Fi.
Q: Are GPS plotters hard to install?
A: Installation can vary. Some are simple plug-and-play, while others might require wiring for power and transducer connections.
Q: What is the difference between a GPS plotter and a fishfinder?
A: A GPS plotter focuses on navigation and showing your position on a map. A fishfinder focuses on finding fish and showing underwater structures. Many modern plotters combine both functions.
Q: How important is screen brightness?
A: Very important! You need to see your screen clearly even when the sun is shining brightly on the water.
Q: Can I connect my GPS plotter to my phone?
A: Some newer GPS plotters can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to share data or control certain functions.
Q: How long do GPS plotter batteries last?
A: Battery life varies a lot. For portable units, check the manufacturer’s specs. For fixed installations, they run off your boat’s power.