This review has been updated 23 times since it was first published in October of 2016. For avid boaters, a marine chartplotter is a critical navigation tool for unfamiliar territories. Available for different budgets and useful for those in a wide variety of vessels, these devices can be used to chart a complex course across a lake at night, identify underwater structures for scuba diving, find shoals of fish, map out intricate coastline details, and help you avoid running aground. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the review.
10. Lowrance Hook-7
The Lowrance Hook-7 comes with detailed maps of more than 3,000 U.S. lakes and rivers, covering depths of down to 1,000 feet. With advanced signal processing, it adjusts the settings automatically to help you see fish better with fewer manual tweaks.
- Includes transducer and power cables
- Optional high-def chart upgrades
- Does not come with a cover
9. Lifetime 10 Foot Manta
The Lifetime 10 Foot Manta is a hard-body tandem model that performs admirably in a range of environments, from tranquil lakes to saltwater bays. Its super-stable tunnel hull makes it perfect for beginners and occasional users who are still getting their sea legs and arms.
- Sd card slot for saving waypoints
- Convenient gimbal mounting system
- Setup can be a bit confusing
8. Lowrance Elite-5 Ti
Thanks to integrated wireless connectivity, you can search for and download maps directly on the Lowrance Elite-5 Ti. It has a straightforward quick-release bracket for installation, and offers precise temperature readings.
- Can record your sonar history
- Helpful shallow water alarm
- No side imaging capabilities
7. Garmin 44cv
Once you’re equipped with the Garmin 44cv, you won’t feel nearly as nervous navigating shallow, narrow rivers or trying to find your way home after dark. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized vessels, and its controls are simple and intuitive.
- Bright enough to see in full sun
- Compact and highly portable design
- Utilizes chirp sonar technology
6. Garmin Striker 7sv
Advanced sonar capabilities allow the Garmin Striker 7sv to provide a clear, highly detailed image that is easy to see, even on a summer afternoon. Its GPS system enables you to create your own maps and draw your own routes.
- Measures boat speed
- Setup is quick and simple
- Useful smartphone app
5. Simrad Go7 XSE
With a customizable interface and a ton of maps available, the information and functionality at your fingertips with the Simrad Go7 XSE is mind-blowing. Its fish finder is highly effective, as well, so get ready to land the big one.
- Can be flush or bracket mounted
- Intuitive touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
4. Garmin 53cv
Fishermen, power boaters and most other watersports enthusiasts will all love the Garmin 53cv. This easy to use model features powerful CHIRP sonar, covers 17,000 lakes, and is equipped with software that lets you create your own maps.
- Rapid gps position updates
- Crisp object representations
- Comes with a protective cover
3. Raymarine Dragonfly Pro
If you’re accustomed to managing your life on a mobile device, the Raymarine Dragonfly Pro will fit right in with your mode of operation. You can stream data from the unit directly to a phone or tablet, which is great for sharing images, waypoints and more.
- Will not fog up in the rain
- Tracks depths to 600 feet
- Menus are fast and responsive
2. Garmin 1040xs
The Garmin 1040xs is a full-featured model that offers both GPS and sonar. Its large, high-contrast 10-inch display is easy to see, even in bright conditions, and it is wide enough to comfortably view two different charts simultaneously using its split-screen mode.
- Compatible with auto-pilot systems
- Measures wind angle
- Displays bottom contours accurately
1. Lowrance HDS-9 Live
It’s hard to imagine route planning could be any easier than it is with the Lowrance HDS-9 Live, which will automatically suggest the course of least resistance based on the obstacles it detects and the information in its system.
- Impressive image clarity
- Available in 4 screen sizes
- Powerful dual-core processor
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