GPS Chartplotter Round-Up – Technical Selection

Within this article, which will have particular relevance for those wishing to retrofit or embark on upgrade projects, we’re going to divide the GPS and chartplotter market up into three categories: entry level, mid-price and what we might describe as ‘top tier’. But let me make it clear: the process isn’t exhaustive and hasn’t included a test and analysis of each product. Rather, the purpose of this article is to provide something of a ‘showcase’ in order to help you isolate those products that, potentially, might be best suited to your needs and your pocket.

Technological advancements mean systems are constantly improving, ever on the move, and certainly the introduction of apps, both purpose-made and compatible, is affording an incredible ability to upgrade and expand plotter and sonar systems like never before. Then again, what you and I may require in terms of functions, etc. will likely be quite different. However, modern technology does result in astonishing flexibility and customisation opportunities.

But before we kick off with our product highlights, let’s just review a few essential points associated with these products, known typically in the trade as ‘multifunctional devices’, or MFDs. 

The US manufacturer Humminbird produce a variety of marine electronic products within most price categories. The Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3 fish finder has features including MEGA Down Imaging, AutoChart Live, Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap built in. A bonus for anglers is the high-definition 5” display that helps the operator clearly see what’s happening beneath the surface of the water. Compatible with all Humminbird Lakemaster map chips, the Humminbird Helix 5 has the fisherman’s interests very much at heart but is equally suitable for general use.

• Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3
• Online £408.95 [cactusnav.com]
• RRP £446.65 [marathonleisure.co.uk]

Garmin’s ECHOMAP UHD 2 range, again, also tailored more towards the fishing market, but with it you also get chartplotter capabilities – and at a competitive price too. Indeed, the 7” ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter benefits from having very precise, clear mapping and sonar delivery.

The bright 5” keyed display is easy to see and operate, and you can get double the views with the Garmin CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonars (transducer sold separately). Crystal-clear imagery of the sea floor is afforded along with high-contrast, vivid colour palettes. Wi-Fi can connect the ECHOMAP to compatible chartplotters, and the system comes with preloaded charts that employ Garmin Navionics+ charts or optional Garmin Navionics Vision+.

• Garmin Echomap UHD2 55CV 5” – Online £389.95 RRP £449.99 [force4.co.uk]
• Garmin Echomap UHD2 75CV 5” – Online £499.95 RRP £599.99 [force4.co.uk]

Simrad, a company owned by the Brunswick Corporation, offer the G09 XSE, which features a 9” display screen. The system provides GPS navigation, sonar support, radar capability and more. The GO9 is ideally suited to sport boats, RIBs, centre consoles and smaller cruisers. Users get intuitive touch screen control over optional accessories that include autopilot and sound system command and control. The GO9 can also be linked to your smartphone with wireless mirroring, allowing you to see the unit’s display wherever you are on board. Customisation of the home screen allows split-screen viewing too.

Every GO series display is a full-featured chartplotter with a built-in GPS receiver. GO displays offer compatibility with a wide range of optional charts from C-MAP, Navionics and more.

• Simrad GO9 XSE – Online £789.95 – RRP £899.99 [force4.co.uk]

There are two Element series from leading British company Raymarine. The Element S are a range of chartplotters with single channel sonar in 7, 9, and 12 inch displays, whereas the Element HV range provides HyperVision 1.2MHz sonar technology designed to provide ultra-sharp underwater viewing and a high-definition plotter screen display, again available in 7, 9 and 12 inch displays. It’s rugged, well suited to offshore punishment and has exceptional daylight screen visibility even when the latter is water splashed. RealVision 3D built-in technology identifies the location of ledges, channel beds and contour changes. You get a fast quad-core processor too, giving instantaneous chart redraw and sharp 3D imaging.

Raymarine have installed intuitive controls with an oversized waypoint key for marking favourite locations, plus three user-programmable keys. These are excellent additions to have in the live environment. As for cartography, the unit is enabled by Amart Mapping supported by Raymarine LightHouse charts with Fishing Hot Spots, Navionics and C-MAP charts. If you want to customise your navigation methods and displays, the Element’s technology will allow you to create maps supported by Raymarine RealBathy. This allows the user to access the benefits of Navionics’ SonarCharts Live support.

• Raymarine Element HV with HV-100 Transducer
• 7” RRP 645.00 Online £564.95
• 9” RRP £845.00 Online £739.95
• 12” RRP £1345.00 Online £1179.95 [force4.co.uk]

Garmin’s mid-range touch screen chartplotter is the ECHOMAP Ultra 2, a 12” crisp display that remains readable in strong sunlight. A versatile chartplotter supported by Garmin Navionics+ and Garmin Navionics Vision+ mapping, a transducer bundle can be added to provide ultra-high-definition scanning sonars and CHIRP traditional sonar. (The ECHOMAP Ultra 2 series supports the full line-up of LiveScope live-scanning sonar products, with transducers sold separately. However, specific models within the Ultra range are packaged with a GT56 transducer, which provides Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and ultra-high-definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars for photo-like underwater images.)

If you have another compatible ECHOMAP Ultra 2 or ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter on your boat, you can wirelessly share information, such as Sonar3, waypoints and routes, etc. The ActiveCaptain app is a free all-in-one app that creates a powerful connection between your compatible mobile device and chartplotter, charts, maps and the community. This can be used to activate your Garmin Navionics+ or Garmin Navionics Vision+ subscription, and to download daily updates and premium content. Heightened position accuracy is achieved with multi-band GPS, which also means you can connect your Ultra 2 to heading sensors, autopilots, Fusion-Link audio systems and more. The unit has a quick-disconnect bail mount that lets you quickly install and remove it. The latter is certainly a plus from a security point of view.

• Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with GT56UHD-TM Transducer – RRP £3079.99 Online £2699.95 [force4.co.uk]

This 12” unit from Simrad, the NSX 3012, is at the upper end of the mid-priced systems on the market, but it comes packed with multifunction capability. Featuring powerful navigation abilities empowered by C-MAP support, everything is portrayed in spectacular detail on the NSX 3012’s IPS touch screen. 

The NSX employs C-MAP DISCOVER X charts. These charts have been engineered to bring a superior level of detail at all zoom levels. The chart system’s 1’ contour lines and enhanced day and night modes offer a commendable quality of screen visibility. Plus, rapid loading times and zero distortion when using the zoom function mean there’s no lapse in either accuracy or performance underway. The NSX has integrated sonar, radar and autopilot support, and by using the Setup Wizard tool, the process of setting up the system becomes a very simple one indeed.

The NSX aims to provide a clean, straightforward interface with high-definition visuals. The accessing and use of the NSX’s features are simple and fast, including its enhanced day and night modes, editable instruments bar and smart drag-and-drop screen customisation. Crystal-clear chart details, as well as structural and seabed contours, are all presented in high definition via a SolarMAX IPS touch screen. Plus, the HD display can be viewed at any angle, through polarised lenses, as well as in direct sunlight.

Auto-routing is a very useful function afforded by C-MAP’s cartography technology and includes the means to route plot/plan in conjunction with tide and current projections. A one-touch ‘Map Inspection’ feature allows access to information on points of interest, tides, locations, channels and more. The Simrad Companion app extends the NSX system even further, by providing the user with chart experiences and data on and off the vessel. This app lets you plan trips, review tracks, plot waypoints and sync directly with the NSX. The NSX likewise allows for augmenting with Simrad sonar, autopilot and radar technologies too. High-resolution images below and to the sides of your vessel are achievable with Active Imaging using CHIRP sonar, SideScan/DownScan Imaging and FishReveal. 

The Simrad app also offers a host of added extras, including hassle-free software updates, on- and off-the-water trip planning, a streamlined chart display that looks the same across all platforms and effortless transfer of all data, including all routes and waypoints.

• Simrad NSX 3012 plotter and sonar system – RRP £3079.99 Online £2369.95 [force4.co.uk]

The Axiom+9 is part of the new generation of Axiom chartplotters upgraded with all-weather higher-resolution displays. These, state Raymarine, have been rated as being 25% brighter than their previous equivalents. The displays have a powerful quad-core processor for industry-leading speed and response, and they allow the user to redraw charts if so wished, expand upon Axiom+ with solid-state radar and FLIR thermal cameras, and add a marine camera and navigate with ClearCruise Augmented Reality. Impressive! This manufacturer’s renowned LightHouse multi-display operating system is installed on the Axiom+9, so ease of navigation and the ability to expand your system represent two more benefits.

Raymarine have employed HydroTough technology in the Axiom series – a nano-coated, impact-resistant screen that dispels water, oil and smudges. Even when wet, the all-weather HydroTough technology delivers improved colour, contrast and accurate touch controls. AIS can be added, as can ClearCruise Augmented Reality. The latter then allows those aboard to visualise AIS targets, navigation aids and waypoints in high-definition video. Optional Quantum and Cyclone radars and Doppler target tracking are all offerings made by this manufacturer too.

• Axiom+9 RRP £1445.00 Online £1249.95 [force4.co.uk]

The Humminbird Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N is a veritable powerhouse of marine technology and has been designed particularly for those with a love of fishing. Offering a 10.1” display, this product is also equipped with MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+. This advanced ability grants the user an exceptionally clear view of the world beneath their hull. The Helix 10 Mega SI+ GPS G4N has a dual-spectrum CHIRP sonar and an internal GPS that features Humminbird Basemap technology and in turn comes with a number of attractive standard features, including AutoChart Live and NMEA 2000, Bluetooth and Ethernet networking for seamless integration with the One-Boat Network family of products.

As we said, for anyone whose first passion is fishing but who also desires a high-quality GPS plotter, this unit will likely be a strong contender. As is the case with all Humminbird products, the Helix 10 CHIRP Mega SI+ GPS G4N hails from a long line of products aimed fairly and squarely at this ever-popular sector of the market and, as a result of this heritage, scores well in the areas of reliability and functionality. 

• Humminbird Helix 10 CHIRP Mega SI+ GPS G4N – RRP 1804.46 Online £1699.95 [force4.co.uk]

Raymarine’s Axiom 2 Pro combines chartplotter, sonar, radar, autopilot and video into a powerful all-in-one navigation system. Using the Axiom 2 Pro, the operator can navigate increasingly smartly and continue to expand their world, thanks to the super-intuitive attributes of its LightHouse operating system. The latter allows a voyage to be undertaken with increased confidence thanks to the application of Raymarine’s HybridTouch combined touch screen and keypad technology. Axiom 2 Pro S chartplotters feature built-in single-channel High CHIRP sonar, designed to provide detailed, high-definition depth sounding visualisation and underwater exploration capability.

LightHouse charts are created from official hydrographic chart sources, auto-update and enable the user to ‘customise’ their methods and preferences. Likewise, the Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro six-core processor allows the navigator to ‘build’ their own system. For example, connecting to a camera (CAM300) and AR200 sensor will give Augmented Reality AR, which detects waypoints, AIS and chart objects in high-definition video. Further connections can be made to a vessel’s NMEA 2000-compatible engines, which then affords advanced integration with Mercury SmartCraft and Yamaha Command Link. The Raymarine mobile app with its YachtSense Link router also enables you to monitor the craft’s on-board systems from your phone or tablet. The Axiom 2 Pro’s HDMI and audio output allows for remote displays as well as the streaming of apps and marine entertainment systems.

The application of HydroTough nano-coating to this unit helps to repel water for reliable touch screen control and superior sunlight visibility.

• Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro S – RRP £2695.00 Online £2349.95 [force4.co.uk]

Garmin recently launched the 16” GPSMAP 1623, which provides what Garmin class as an even sharper view for the helmsman to navigate by. The GPSMAP product range comes with powerful processing, and in terms of screen size, you have the flexibility and choice of either a 7”, 9”, 12” or 16” specification to choose from. Of course, all these model options will integrate with any other Garmin marine device or system you have on your vessel. Building your own bespoke marine system is possible thanks to Garmin’s advanced network connectivity, and in terms of cartography, this is provided courtesy of Garmin Navionics+ and premium Garmin Navionics Vision+ cartography.

The Garmin GPSMAP 1623 is slimline in its construction and, importantly, features edge-to-edge glass, making it easier to fit this chartplotter into a broader range of dash configurations. The clear, bright optics are due to its high-resolution IPS displays, which provide improved sunlight visibility and readability from all angles. You can also purchase Garmin Navionics+ or premium Garmin Navionics Vision+ cartography that benefits from integrated coastal/inland content, access to daily updates and Auto Guidance+. Easy integration enables connection to a GarminGMR 18 HD+ dome radar – an almost indispensable item to have in the case of poor visibility. Garmin sell a product ‘bundle’ that includes a radar, sonar and GPSMAP chartplotter.

The GPSMAP chartplotter is compatible with a variety of engines and, as a result, full engine monitoring data can be relayed directly to your navigation screen. In addition, Garmin’s ‘OneHelm’ feature combines select third-party devices such as EmpirBus digital switching and enables such to be displayed on the MFD too.

• GPSMAP 723 – 7” – RRP £789.99
• GPSMAP 923 – 9” – RRP £1039.99
• GPSMAP 1223 – 12” – RRP £1629.99
• GPSMAP 1623 – 16” – RRP £4739.99

Simrad say they have brought ultrawide technology into the chartplotter market with their NSX ULTRAWIDE and describe it as a ‘first of its kind’. The system has all the benefits of dual screens in a single display for an immersive experience and allows apps to be viewed as they were intended to be seen. C-MAP’s X-Gen charts offer super-rich detail too at every level of the navigation process.

One of the benefits of Simrad’s NSX ULTRAWIDE technology is its functionality. This is aided by an intuitive activities bar to allow the user to pin their favourite apps and switch between them with a single touch. The instrument panel can likewise be customised to allow the navigator to have just the essential data displayed if so required. Additionally, Simrad have simplified their interface, which means spending less time navigating menus and more time navigating waters! The latter is made quicker as well thanks to the fastest auto-routing capability Simrad have yet devised.

The NSX technology also makes connectivity a breeze, with the result that more information can be fed to the helm than ever, giving superior control over the full suite of on-board technology. Engine control is at the heart of this product, and being part of the Brunswick empire, it’s not surprising that Mercury compatibility is ultimate. But additionally, the system also integrates with other well-known propulsion brands such as Honda and Suzuki. The control of one’s vessel extends across the entire craft, with support for CZone digital switching, RGBW lighting, IP cameras, audio and an intuitive Setup Wizard to help the operator connect trouble-free.

• Simrad NSX 3015UW  – 12” – RRP £3319.99
• Simrad NSX 3015UW  – 15” – RRP £3949.99

The Humminbird Apex 13 Mega SI+ chartplotter includes industry-leading MEGA Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, giving you the clearest picture of what is happening beneath the surface. An ultra-clear 13.3” full-HD touch screen provides a customised display of information from advanced network options like NMEA 2000, HDMI In/Out, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Designed for both Humminbird’s Lakemaster and Coastmaster cartography, along with the power of the One-Boat network, the Apex 13 Mega SI+ chartplotter is highly suited to the fishing sector. With a full-HD display with Cross Touch interface, the Apex delivers super-quality detail by means of its 1920H x 1080V display. An intuitive user interface and sidebar menu allow customisable settings and view combinations, while a dual-core processor aids processing speed and ultra-responsive interfacing.

The Apex’s sonar comes equipped with MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar to keep the user directly on the fish. MEGA Imaging+ provides views up to 250’ deep as well as out to either side of the boat. Its Dual Spectrum CHIRP displays in 2D sonar and features superior target separation and fish clarity. Its Basemap technology also grants an exceptionally clear view of the underwater terrain, which is great when identifying wrecks as well as underwater hazards.

Dual-channel CHIRP sonar ports offer connection with any Humminbird sonar options, as well as a dedicated port for 2D CHIRP transducers up to 2kW. Likewise, integrated transducer ID provides fast and simple installation of Airmar transducers.

Humminbird say they provide the most complete offering of premium chart options to anglers anywhere, and besides their own chart products, the technology is compatible with all Navionics electronic charts.

• Humminbird Apex 13 Mega SI+ chartplotter – RRP / Online £3939.95 – 13”

The Simrad NSOevo3S benefits from an iMX 8 high-performance processor, designed to ensure a rapid response to each command given. A full-HD display gives stunning clarity, while other benefits relate to its connectivity and interfacing between the GPS, keypad controller and key add-ons and accessories. All displays, of course, are fully customisable according to the requirements of the helmsman or navigator.

The iMX 8 integrated six-core processor also delivers ultra-smooth screen transitions, and its superior CPU performance gives instant access to information in all conditions. The unit’s low-profile glass helm styling protects and conceals the NSOevo3’s powerful core and has been engineered to complement any helm design from ultra-modern to period classic.

Simrad’s NSOevo3S provides the user with an ultra-bright display in 16”, 19” or 24” widescreen sizes. Wide viewing angles keep the screen in view from anywhere in sight, even if you’re wearing polarised sunglasses. Users get stunning clarity with full-HD resolution and the option to combine up to six panels in a split-screen layout. Waypoints and other key chart information can intuitively be defined, and the control of connected systems such as autopilot, radar and sonar can be done at a touch.

Connecting to a mobile device via the NSOevo3S’s built-in wireless connectivity option means online software upgrades can be made via any wireless Internet hotspot. Wired Ethernet, NMEA 2000 and J1939 networking provide almost limitless integration options, from vessel-wide display systems to radar, sonar and integration with an extensive range of third-party technologies.

• Simrad NSOevo3S 16”  – RRP £6649.99 (display only)
• Simrad NSOevo3S 19”  – RRP £7214.99 (display only)
• Simrad NSOevo3S 24” – RRP £10,072.99 (display only)