Best Chartplotters for Clearer Marine Navigation
What's inside
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The best chartplotters for most boats are the Garmin GPSMAP 723 for compact helm stations, the Garmin GPSMAP 923 for a balanced all-round installation, and the Lowrance HDS PRO 9 or Simrad NSS evo3S 9 for anglers who need stronger sonar and networking.
A chartplotter is more than a digital map: screen brightness, chart licensing, GPS performance, network compatibility, mounting depth, and installation effort all affect whether it remains useful in changing weather. The right choice depends as much on your boat and electronics already installed as on the display size.
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Our Top Picks
Simrad GO9 XSE Chartplotter and Fishfinder with 83/2009"10.35 x 3.54 x 7.24 Inches3 poundsCheck on Amazon
Best chartplotters by boat and use
| Boat or priority | Recommended type | Useful screen size | Why it fits | Typical market range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small center-console or open runabout | Garmin GPSMAP 723 or similar 7-inch unit | 7 inches | Fits limited dash space while providing clear split-screen navigation | $600–$1,100 |
| Trailered fishing boat | Lowrance HDS PRO 9 or Simrad GO9 XSE | 9 inches | Good balance of mapping, sonar integration, and manageable installation | $900–$1,700 |
| Cabin cruiser or offshore console | Garmin GPSMAP 923 or Raymarine Axiom 9/12+ | 9–12 inches | Better visibility for radar, AIS, weather, and multiple data panels | $1,100–$2,500 |
| Large helm with several networked devices | 12-inch multifunction display | 12 inches | Leaves room for charts, radar, engine data, and sonar at the same time | $2,000–$4,000+ |
| Occasional day boating on a tight budget | Entry-level 7-inch chartplotter or tablet-compatible system | 7 inches | Lower purchase cost, though waterproofing and offline charts must be checked carefully | $400–$900 |
Our picks for the best chartplotters
Garmin GPSMAP 723: best for restricted mounting space
The 7-inch GPSMAP 723 is a sensible choice when a larger display would block engine controls, gauges, or a windshield view. Its touchscreen layout is relatively easy to learn, and Garmin’s GPSMAP range supports marine charts, depth shading, waypoints, routes, and networking with compatible Garmin equipment.
The main compromise is screen area. A 7-inch display is adequate for a single chart view, but split-screen chart-and-sonar pages become crowded. It is most suitable for a small boat where the helmsman sits close to the display. Expect to spend roughly $600–$1,100 depending on chart bundle and transducer options.
Garmin GPSMAP 923: best all-round choice
The GPSMAP 923 gives many recreational boaters the most useful middle ground: a 9-inch screen, strong chart presentation, GPS and sonar networking, and enough resolution to show more detail without requiring the dash space of a 12-inch unit. It is a good fit for a 20–30-foot boat with a conventional helm.
Garmin’s charts and menu structure are particularly attractive if you already own Garmin radar, sonar, autopilot, VHF, or engine gateways. A chartplotter from another brand can still be excellent, but mixing ecosystems may require additional adapters or may prevent certain devices from sharing data.
Lowrance HDS PRO 9: best for fishing-focused installations
The HDS PRO 9 is aimed at owners who want navigation and advanced sonar in the same system. It can integrate with compatible Lowrance transducers, radar, autopilot, and networking accessories. Its 9-inch screen is large enough for practical chart-and-sonar use while remaining manageable on a bass boat, bay boat, or trailerable center-console.
Before buying, confirm the exact transducer and sonar features included in the package. A chartplotter display alone does not automatically provide every imaging mode. Installation can also become more involved when adding a through-hull transducer, radar, or multiple network modules.
Simrad GO9 XSE: best for a simpler multifunction helm
The Simrad GO9 XSE is a useful choice for boaters who want navigation, sonar, wireless functions, and a clean touchscreen interface without moving to a large commercial-style display. It works well on smaller cruising boats and fishing boats where the owner wants a multifunction display but has limited panel space.
Simrad and Lowrance equipment share some technology, but compatibility is not universal. Check connector types, software support, transducer requirements, and network standards before assuming that an existing accessory will plug in and work.
Raymarine Axiom 9 or Axiom 12+: best for cruising and system expansion
Raymarine’s Axiom range is appealing for cruisers who may later add radar, AIS, autopilot, instruments, or engine data. The 9-inch model suits a compact helm, while the 12-inch version makes route planning and multi-panel viewing easier from farther away.
The larger Axiom requires substantially more mounting area and a deeper cable service loop. Measure behind the dashboard, not just the visible front panel. A display that fits the cutout may still interfere with steering components, wiring, ventilation, or a fuse panel.
Screen size: measure viewing distance, not boat length
A 7-inch screen can work well when the helm is within about 2–3 feet of the display and the chart is normally viewed alone. A 9-inch unit is more comfortable at approximately 3–5 feet and is better for a chart plus one data panel. A 12-inch display becomes worthwhile when the operator stands farther away or needs radar, sonar, AIS, and engine information visible together.
Screen diagonal is not the whole story. A wide, high-resolution display may show more usable chart detail than a similarly sized display with a lower-resolution panel. Look for a sunlight-readable marine panel, physical access to brightness controls, and a viewing angle that suits both seated and standing operation.
Chart coverage and GPS accuracy
Chartplotters are sold with different chart regions and levels of detail. Confirm whether the package covers your local coast, inland lakes, tidal rivers, and the waters you actually visit. Some systems rely on downloadable chart subscriptions, while others include a preloaded regional chart and offer optional upgrades.
GPS accuracy is usually sufficient for recreational navigation, but antenna placement matters. A built-in receiver needs a reasonably open view of the sky and should not be buried behind metal or surrounded by heavy electrical interference. For a tall cabin, hardtop, or professional installation, an external antenna can improve reception consistency and simplify future equipment upgrades.
Do not use a chartplotter as a substitute for official navigation information. Electronic charts can contain omissions, and depth changes, temporary hazards, and buoy positions should be checked against current local notices and prudent seamanship.
Networking and installation complexity
Replacing a standalone display is relatively simple: provide fused power, connect the GPS/chartplotter, install the transducer if required, and secure the mounting bracket or flush-mount hardware. Adding radar, AIS, an autopilot, engine data, a second display, or a digital switching system changes the project considerably.
- Standalone display: usually the lowest-cost installation, with one power run and optional transducer wiring.
- Ethernet or proprietary network: useful for sharing radar, sonar, charts, and waypoints, but requires compatible cables, terminators, and network power.
- NMEA 2000 network: useful for GPS, heading, AIS, engine, and instrument data; budget for a powered backbone rather than simply joining wires together.
- Radar installation: adds mast or arch work, cable routing, a dedicated breaker, and careful attention to the scanner’s mounting height and clear view.
For a first installation, surface mounting is usually less invasive and easier to service. Flush mounting looks cleaner but requires an accurate template, a suitable rear cavity, sealing around the cutout, and enough access to remove the display later.
A practical decision matrix
| Your situation | Best direction | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Under $900 and occasional use | 7-inch unit with regional charts | Reduces installation and hardware costs without sacrificing basic route planning |
| Frequent fishing and sonar use | 9-inch Lowrance or Simrad system | More useful split-screen space and broad transducer options |
| Existing Garmin electronics | Garmin GPSMAP 723 or 923 | Usually minimizes compatibility issues and duplicate accessories |
| Long-range cruising or radar plans | 9- or 12-inch Raymarine, Garmin, or Simrad system | Leaves more room for radar, AIS, autopilot, and engine pages |
| Very limited dash depth | Surface-mounted 7-inch display | Avoids cutting a large opening and simplifies cable access |
Ownership details that affect long-term value
Salt spray, UV exposure, and poor cable sealing generally cause more trouble than the display electronics themselves. Rinse the unit with fresh water after saltwater use, use a soft damp cloth rather than abrasive cleaners, and keep protective caps fitted when connectors are unused. Do not pressure-wash the screen or connectors.
Touchscreens can become difficult to operate when wet, so physical controls or a nearby remote keypad may be valuable in rough conditions. Screen covers, mounting brackets, network cables, transducers, and chart subscriptions are common ongoing costs. Keep a backup of routes and waypoints before performing a software update.
One frequent mistake is buying the biggest display that physically fits without checking its power draw, rear clearance, and viewing position. A slightly smaller chartplotter installed where it is easy to see and service is usually more useful than a large unit hidden behind a wheel or exposed to constant glare.
Final recommendation
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 723 when space and simplicity matter most, the GPSMAP 923 for the strongest general-purpose balance, the Lowrance HDS PRO 9 for fishing and sonar integration, the Simrad GO9 XSE for a compact multifunction helm, and a Raymarine Axiom 9 or 12+ when cruising expansion and system networking are priorities. Whichever model you select, verify chart region, cutout dimensions, rear clearance, connector compatibility, and the cost of the transducer and installation before ordering.
