What Is An Electronic Chartplotter?
It’s a whole new world out there on the water today. Technology, especially in marine navigation, has vastly improved the boater experience. Electronic chartplotters have revolutionized the way boaters find their way around the water. These sophisticated devices have replaced traditional paper charts with interactive digital displays, providing boaters with a wealth of information at their fingertips.
Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a novice boater, understanding electronic chartplotters and their capabilities is essential for safe and enjoyable navigation. Electronic chartplotters are used on traditional boats, inflatable boats, and even inflatable fishing boats.
An electronic chartplotter is a navigation device that combines a computer, GPS receiver, and electronic charts to display a boat’s position, speed, and course. These devices provide a real-time view of the surrounding waters, including navigational hazards, waterways, and points of interest. Electronic chartplotters are available in both fixed units and mobile apps.
Electronic chartplotters offer a variety of features to include:
- Interactive charts: Electronic charts can be zoomed in and out, allowing boaters to see their surroundings in detail.
- Route planning: Chartplotters can be used to plan routes, taking into account factors such as tides, currents, and weather conditions.
- Waypoint marking: Boaters can mark waypoints on their charts, which can be used to navigate back to a specific location.
- Depth soundings: Many chartplotters include depth sounders, which provide real-time information about the depth of the water below the boat.
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The 11 Best Electronic Chartplotters For 2024 Reviewed
Below is a review of the 11 Best Electronic Chartplotters for 2024. There is the perfect electronic chartplotter for every budget and experience level!
1. Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 43cv Chartplotter
The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 43cv is a 4.3-inch sunlight-readable combo fish finder/chartplotter that is designed for inland and coastal boaters. It features a variety of built-in sonar capabilities, including traditional CHIRP sonar, ClearVü scanning sonar, and SideVü scanning sonar.
The ECHOMAP Plus 43cv also comes preloaded with LakeVü g3 maps with integrated Navionics data, covering over 17,000 lakes. Overall, the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 43cv Chartplotter is a good option for inland and coastal boaters who are looking for an easy-to-use and affordable fish finder/chartplotter with a variety of features
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2. Simrad Cruise 7: 7-inch GPS Chartplotter
The Simrad Cruise 7-inch GPS Chartplotter is an easy-to-use and affordable navigation solution for coastal boaters. It features a sunlight-viewable 7-inch display, pre-loaded C-MAP US Coastal charts, and an 83/200 transducer for depth soundings. The Cruise 7 also supports a wide range of enhanced charts from C-MAP and Navionics.
Overall, the Simrad Cruise 7-inch GPS Chartplotter is a good option for coastal boaters who are looking for an easy-to-use and affordable navigation solution.
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3. Garmin GPSMAP 1042xsv, 10-inch Chartplotter /Sonar Combo
The Garmin GPSMAP 1042xsv, 10-inch Chartplotter/Sonar Combo is an advanced all-in-one solution for demanding boaters. It features a large, bright 10-inch touchscreen display, built-in support for Garmin CHIRP sonar, CHIRP ClearVü, and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars, as well as Panoptix all-seeing sonar. It also includes preloaded Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts for the U.S. and Canada.
Overall, the Garmin GPSMAP 1042xsv, 10-inch Chartplotter/Sonar Combo is an excellent choice for demanding boaters who need a high-performance chartplotter/sonar combo. It is packed with features and offers excellent performance in a variety of conditions.
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4. Garmin 010-02366-61 GPSMAP 943xsv
The Garmin 010-02366-61 GPSMAP 943xsv is a 9-inch chartplotter/sonar combo designed for coastal and offshore boaters. It features a high-resolution touchscreen display, built-in support for Garmin CHIRP sonar, ClearVü scanning sonar, and SideVü scanning sonar, as well as preloaded Garmin Navionics+ charts for the U.S. and Canada.
Overall, the Garmin 010-02366-61 GPSMAP 943xsv is an excellent choice for coastal and offshore boaters who need a high-performance chartplotter/sonar combo. It is packed with features and offers excellent performance in a variety of conditions.
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5. Simrad Cruise 5-inch US Coastal GPS Chartplotter
The Simrad Cruise 5-inch US Coastal GPS Chartplotter is an easy-to-use and affordable navigation solution for coastal boaters. It features a sunlight-viewable 5-inch display, pre-loaded C-MAP US Coastal charts, and an 83/200 transducer for depth soundings. The Cruise 5 also supports a wide range of enhanced charts from C-MAP and Navionics.
Overall, the Simrad Cruise 5-inch US Coastal GPS Chartplotter is a good option for coastal boaters who are looking for an easy-to-use and affordable navigation solution
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6. RAYMARINE Axiom+ 9-9" MFD Chartplotter With Navionics
The RAYMARINE Axiom+ 9-9″ MFD Chartplotter is a high-performance chartplotter that is designed for both coastal and offshore use. It features a 9-inch all-glass touchscreen display, a powerful quad-core processor, and a variety of advanced features.
Overall, the RAYMARINE Axiom+ 9-9″ MFD Chartplotter is an excellent choice for boaters who need a high-performance and versatile chartplotter. It is packed with features and offers excellent performance in a variety of conditions.
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7. Raymarine E70371 Axiom Pro 9 Rvx
The Axiom Pro 9 RVX is the new standard for “all-in-one” display. With RealVision 3D, conventional 1kW CHIRP sonar, and Raymarine HybridTouch control, Axiom Pro delivers a fluid and intuitive navigation experience. Combine this powerhouse with a blazing fast quad core processor, a super bright high-definition IPS display, and the smart LightHouse OS, and Axiom Pro is the ultimate navigation technology.
Overall, the Raymarine E70371 Axiom Pro 9 RVX is an excellent choice for boaters who need a high-performance and versatile chartplotter. It is packed with features and offers excellent performance in a variety of conditions.
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8. Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv
Imagine this: crystal-clear views of underwater terrain and fish, pulsing on your 12-inch, sunlight-readable touchscreen. The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv isn’t just a fishfinder; it’s a portal to a hidden world beneath the surface, teeming with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv combines CHIRP traditional sonar for broad depth coverage with high-resolution Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars. See fish, structure, and even the bottom in breathtaking clarity, no matter the conditions.
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9. Humminbird SOLIX CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3
The SOLIX CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 is an advanced fish finder and chartplotter from Humminbird that is packed with features for anglers and boaters. It features a bright 10.1-inch Cross Touch display, MEGA Imaging+ technology for side and down imaging, and dual-channel CHIRP sonar for exceptional target separation and bottom detail.
MEGA Imaging+ Technology
Humminbird’s MEGA Imaging+ technology provides users with crystal-clear side and down imaging of the underwater world. With MEGA Side Imaging+, you can see up to 250 feet to the side of your boat, while MEGA Down Imaging+ lets you see up to 200 feet below your boat.
Dual-Channel CHIRP Sonar
The SOLIX CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 also features dual-channel CHIRP sonar, which provides users with exceptional target separation and bottom detail. With CHIRP sonar, you can see fish and other underwater structures in stunning detail, even in deep water.
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What To Consider When Buying An Electronic Chartplotter
With today’s advanced technology and communications, Electronic chartplotters have become an essential piece of equipment for boaters of all levels of experience. They provide a wealth of information that can help you navigate safely and efficiently, including charts, depth soundings, weather forecasts, and more.
There are so many options on the market to choose, it can be a little overwhelming choosing the best optioin for you. Let’s take a look at several key factors to consider when buying an electronic chartplotter.
1. Screen Size and Type
The first thing you need to consider is the screen size and type. Chartplotters come in a variety of sizes, from small 5-inch displays to large 12-inch displays. The size of the screen you need will depend on the size of your boat and the type of boating you do. If you have a small boat, you may not need a large screen.
Bigger isn’t always better as one of the primary considerations when choosing a screen size rather the available mounting space at the desired mounting location. Bigger screens are easier to see, but check the fit at your mounting location first. However, if you do a lot of offshore boating, you will want a larger screen so that you can easily see the charts and other information.
The type of screen is also important. Chartplotters come with LCD, LED, and IPS screens. LCD screens are the most common type, but they are not as bright or readable as LED or IPS screens. LED screens are brighter and more readable, but they are also more expensive. IPS screens are the best of both worlds, as they are bright, readable, and affordable.
2. Chart Compatability
Another important factor to consider is chart compatibility. Chartplotters come with a variety of different chart options, including C-Map, Navionics, and LightHouse. Make sure that the chartplotter you choose is compatible with the charts that you want to use.
You should also consider the features of the charts. Some charts include features such as tide tables, currents, and underwater hazards. The features you need will depend on the type of boating you do.
3. Networking Capabilities
Many chartplotters have networking capabilities, which allow you to connect them to other devices on your boat, such as your radar, sonar, and autopilot. Networking capabilities can be a valuable asset, as they allow you to share information between all of your devices.
4. Budget
Chartplotters can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of a chartplotter will depend on the features that you need. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping for a chartplotter.
5. Ease of Use
It is also important to choose a chartplotter that is easy to use. You will be using your chartplotter in all sorts of conditions, so it is important that it is easy to navigate and use.
Additonal Suggestions and Tips
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when buying an electronic chartplotter. Here are some additional suggestions to help you in making the best selection.
- Read reviews of different chartplotters before you buy one.
- Ask other boaters for recommendations.
- Go to a marine electronics store and try out different chartplotters in person.
By following these tips, you can be sure to choose an electronic chartplotter that is right for you.
So, this article has talked about the different factors to consider when buying an electronic chartplotter. However, just as important are the following
- The type of boat you have
- The type of boating you do
- Your budget
- Your level of experience
- The features that are important to you
By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you can be sure to choose an electronic chartplotter that will meet your needs and help you navigate safely and efficiently.
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