They are used to plot the locations of underwater features, points of interest, your waypoints, your tracks (paths), and other locations.Įssentially, when you want to find a marine GPS unit, you’re probably looking for what’s commonly called a chartplotter. That just means any phone, computer, tablet, fish finder, chartplotter, or other devices that can hook into GPS satellites.Ĭhartplotters are marine GPS units that combine a map (chart) with location services ( GPS) to plot your location. Let’s just keep things as simple as we can.Ī GPS, in common lingo today, is any device that can access a set of geo-spatial satellites. There’s a bit of confusion around this topic and, frankly, it’s a bit of a silly nomenclature problem.
How to Choose the Best Marine GPS for You Marine GPS Chartplotter Comparison Table Marine GPS Of course you can still upload your own waypoints using Garmin’s software, too.īest for anglers looking for navigation in hidden waters that aren’t supported by downloadable maps. If you navigate small hidden waters, hard-to-reach lakes, or other areas that aren’t mapped by available software, you can make your own maps! This is ideal for boaters and anglers who navigate waters that otherwise aren’t supported by common marine charts. Instead, as you move around it collects data from below the boat using sonar and maps the areas in real time using the Quickdraw Contours feature.
The Garmin Striker Plus series does not come with built-in maps or charts. There you can access the Quickdraw Contours Community.Īnd that, of course, brings us to the next point. The Garmin Striker Plus series uses wifi to connect to the ActiveCaptain app by Garmin. Remember when we talked about connectivity options? They’re working to provide options for people with a wide range of needs and this fishfinder/chartplotter combo is aimed at a specific audience. Garmin has really made some strides with modern chartplotters. Upload waypoints, mark locations, and view your route all on a handheld chartplotter small enough to fit in a pocket.īest for those with lower budgets or those who travel often. While it is possible to upload and overlay satellite images and advanced mapping, given the small screen size I’d advise you to keep it simple. You’ll probably want to take advantage of the SD card slot to load in charts using Garmin’s BlueChart system.
You’ll have to navigate the interface using a simple keypad on this handheld unit.īeing small and handheld, however, means you can easily take it on trips, transfer it between boats, or just toss it in your luggage. However, it’s still plenty powerful enough to get you where you’re going on the water and get you home at the end of the day. Let’s be clear – this is a small and simple unit. Our reviews of the top rated marine GPS chartplotters with out comparison table and buying guide will help you choose a GPS for your boat.įeeling like the other chartplotters on our list are a bit too big? A little too expensive? Maybe you need something with minimal features and navigation only. Quick Answer: The 5 Best Marine GPS Chartplotters For 2021
I’ll also try to recommend some of the most popular marine GPS units so you can spend more time on the water and less time shopping! Best Marine GPS Chartplottersįor more of my marine gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Marine Battery, Marine Speakers, VHF Marine Radios. In our guide, we’ll try to keep it practical and answer the questions you need to know in order to make a good choice for yourself. That means it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming or intimidating trying to find the right electronics.ĭo you need a chartplotter or a fish finder? What specifications matter, and what do they mean? Today’s marine electronics are much more varied and advanced than ever before. Whether you decide to go out fishing, take a spin around the lake, or head offshore being able to see where you’re going and where you’ve been is critical for safety and performance.
When it’s time to hit the water you just can’t be running blind.