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The Best Marine GPS to Navigate the Water with Ease

Safe traveling requires proper and accurate navigation, and this particularly holds true when you are out on the water. Whether you're out on a fishing trip or just cruising in a schooner, boat, or yacht, a marine GPS keeps you on your intended route. To make sure you're always on the right track, we've gathered the best marine GPS models of 2024 for your next trip. The  Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS is our favorite pick for its easy navigation and advanced features. For more options, check out our recommendations below as well as our detailed buying guide to help you make the best decision.

Our Top Picks For Marine GPS Models

• Best Overall: Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS Shop Now ➔
• Most Accurate GPS: Garmin ECHOMAP Marine GPS Shop Now ➔
• Most Intuitive Interface: Simrad Cruise Marine Chartplotter Shop Now ➔
• Most Affordable: Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7x SplitShot Marine GPS Shop Now ➔
• 1 Marine GPS, Explained
• 2 Chart Plotter vs Fish Finder
• 3 Essential Factors in a Marine GPS
• 4 Device durability goes a long way
• 5 Choosing the right kind of GPS device
• 6 Screen dimensions and interface matter
• 7 Must-Have Marine GPS Features
• 8 Pre-loaded maps and charts
• 9 Sonar scanners and transducers
• 10 More advanced features

What is the purpose of CHIRP technology?

Do i need to get map upgrades and additional charts, is it difficult to understand the marine gps interface, related articles, the best marine gps models of 2024, best overall.

Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS

This highly efficient and affordable marine GPS from Humminbird functions as both a chart plotter and fish finder, so you can always be ready for your next marine voyage. Features like higher resolution displays, enhanced target separation, and controlled image noise make navigation via the Humminbird HELIX 5 GPS much more seamless. 

This particular fish finder, with CHIRP sonar technology, ensures an in-depth screening up to 1,000 feet at multiple frequencies. It comes with preloaded maps and data, marking all possible entryway points, buoys , marinas, shores, and hazards. Furthermore, the built-in cartography tool allows advanced chart plotting, and the WAAS technology provides accurate fixes of global positioning within 8.2 feet. With amazing features rivaling its counterparts on a low budget, this is the best marine GPS on our list.

• MicroSD card allows additional map upgrades
• 5-inch widescreen for easy navigation
• Suitable for small to large-sized vessels
• Two different display modes
• Lacks a screen cover

Most Accurate GPS

Garmin ECHOMAP Marine GPS

If you are looking for a fish finder and chart plotter combo, the Garmin ECHOMAP Marine GPS will be your ultimate navigation companion. This device offers exceptionally advanced and accurate GPS technology that instantly updates your coordinates. It’s an efficient navigation device that provides extensive coverage of US coastal areas.

The 7-inch wide sunlight-readable, tiltable screen and the heavy-duty mounting system make this device a perfect partner for venturing out into the ocean. Meanwhile, its high-tech sonar scanning Panoptix feature with GT24 transducers provides a clear vision of what’s underneath your vessel and around you. Additionally, the ECHOMAP GPS also allows you to create personalized maps.

• Features preloaded maps for US coasts
• Easy to access menu
• High-definition visual quality
• Enhanced target separation with CHIRP sonar technology
• Requires upgrade for areas outside the US coasts

Most Intuitive Interface

Simrad Cruise Marine Chartplotter

Are you on the lookout for an advanced chart plotter that offers sophisticated hardware and software features at an affordable price range? Then the Simrad Cruise Chartplotter is the answer to your navigation woes. This marine GPS will keep you on course with the preloaded US coastal maps and enhanced chart support from Navionics and C-Map when cruising through the water. Plus, the 83/200 transducer is preprogrammed to provide enhanced depth tracking automatically. 

This GPS makes navigation a breeze with its intuitive control menu, rotary dial, and keypad design. The menu allows you to create customized routes and access information such as speed, temperature, and depth reading. What’s more, this topographical navigation device is particularly great for use over rough seas to always stay on course. 

• Available in three different screen dimensions
• Works in high seas and coastal waters
• Split-screen for access to essential information
• Easy installation and mounting
• The depth finder needs improvement

Most Affordable

Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7x SplitShot Marine GPS

The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7x SplitShot Marine GPS functions as a fish finder, complete with a SplitShot transducer and GPS plotter. This multipurpose marine GPS transforms the traditionally confusing task of plotting fishing routes into a simple experience. Its detailed preloaded maps make navigation effortless and it even brings to life a comprehensive view of underwater topography. Its seamless interface learns from your interactions, making your navigational experience more personalized and intuitive with each use. It delivers on its promise of providing a hassle-free, superior navigational experience, and it’s also affordable to boot. 

• Detailed preloaded maps with GPS
• Easy to navigate user interface
• Good image quality on 7″ screen
• Fragile transducer susceptible to breaking

Marine GPS: The Ultimate Buying Guide

You can’t have an oceanic adventure without a sophisticated navigation system onboard. Whether heading into the lake for fishing or breaching the coastal territories to experience rough seas and waves, a marine GPS prioritizes your safety and keeps you on your intended course.

Unfortunately, the newer features, cutting-edge technology upgrades, and different types can be overwhelming. Should you opt for a mounting device or a handheld, portable variant? Do you need a fish finder -chart plotter combo, or is just a GPS tracker enough for your voyage? 

All of your questions are valid, and this buying guide addresses everything you need to know before getting yourself a marine navigation device.

Marine GPS, Explained

Marine GPS is an umbrella term for navigation devices that track a vessel’s location in coastal bodies. The primary function of a global positioning system (GPS) device is to pinpoint the location of any boat over a body of water and provide information about the surroundings. Marine GPS tools include different variants such as GPS radio, chart plotters, and fish finders.

Chart Plotter vs Fish Finder

The two major categories of marine GPS are chart plotters and fish finders, each serving specific functions. Mariners often opt for hybrid GPSes, which offer a combination of both variants in a single device. While getting a marine GPS that functions as both a chart plotter and fish finder enhances the device’s effectiveness, it also costs you a few extra bucks. 

So, it’s important to explore the difference between both marine GPS variants. That way, you can determine whether you need a chart plotter , a fish finder, or a hybrid.

A chart plotter is a navigation tool that utilizes GPS satellites to pinpoint your location when you are in a coastal area or surrounded by water. The chart plotting device utilizes map coordinates in relation to your speed and directional data to ensure that you are on your intended course. Thus, it minimizes the risk of getting lost or losing track when you are in the ocean.

Fish finders are specifically for mariners who venture out into the water for fishing purposes. This device utilizes sonar scanning technology and transducers to pinpoint areas with a shoal of fish. If you are a dedicated angler, you’ll appreciate the chart plotter/fish finder combo.

Essential Factors in a Marine GPS

Device durability goes a long way.

Marine GPS devices are mostly a one-time investment that may cost you some serious money. Therefore, you want a device that runs its natural course and provides optimal performance with perfect durability. 

Most importantly, a premium-quality marine navigation device should be waterproof or water-resistant since wave splashes are expected in a vessel. Additionally, you can use protective covers over the GPS to keep it safe from water exposure and enhance its durability. A marine GPS with a waterproof rating ranging from IPX 0 to IPX8 ensures functionality, even when faced with moisture, humidity, or water exposure.

Choosing the right kind of GPS device

Besides chart plotters and fish finders, there are other types of marine GPS based on their mounting style and portability. The different kinds of marine GPS you can opt for can be a hand-held device, dash-mounted GPS, or a portable option, depending on your vessel size and usage.

Portable GPS devices make a great navigation companion for smaller boats like kayaks. Meanwhile, dashboard-mounted GPS devices work better for larger vessels with better features and sophisticated navigation measures.

Screen dimensions and interface matter

When you are aboard a vessel, the device’s screen dimension and interface matter a lot for ease of accessing data and information. Larger screen dimensions are more user-friendly and convenient for mariners.

Must-Have Marine GPS Features

Pre-loaded maps and charts.

Your marine GPS can cost you much more if it has pre-installed maps and charts, but they’re very useful. Preloaded maps make navigation more accurate, providing all the essential information regarding the area, hazards, and entry points. Also, users have to opt for map upgrades if they wish to utilize the device on international coasts, so most GPS devices come with an additional SD card for that purpose.

Sonar scanners and transducers

Suppose you are going for a fish finder GPS. In that case, you need a high-quality transducer system and sonar scanning technology to provide accurate data on what’s beneath the water’s surface. One of the most recent technologies, CHIRP sonar, ensures proper depth range and is quite a popular feature in marine GPSes.

More advanced features

When your marine GPS has the best features, you can expect enhanced navigation and optimal performance. Wi-fi connectivity, distress signals, and a VHS transmitter further elevate the navigation experience. However, the choice of additional features depends on what you require from your marine GPS device.    

People Also Asked

Abbreviated for compressed high-intensity radar pulse (CHIRP), this sonar tech utilizes multiple frequency levels, providing detailed imaging and clarity of what’s beneath the surface. CHIRP technology is most effective for fishfinders.

Most marine GPS manufacturers offer preloaded maps of the US and surrounding coastal areas. Map upgrades aren’t required if you are in the US and adjoining territories. But, if you are exploring international coasts, you might need some additional map and chart upgrades.

If you are a nautical newbie, a marine GPS interface can have a bit of a learning curve. With the complex functions navigational GPS devices serve, it’s understandable for mariners to take their time to understand the device’s interface. That said, reputed brands and manufacturers always ensure an easy-to-decipher interface, high-definition visuals, and intuitive menu controls to get the most out of navigation devices.

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Sail magazine review team.

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Best navigation apps: 6 top options tested

• November 16, 2021

There are many app options on the market for sailors wishing to navigate from a smartphone of tablet. Bruce Jacobs looks at some of the best navigation apps on the market.

It’s increasingly rare these days to see any sailor without at least one navigation application on their phone, while tablets are even preferred to fixed multifunction displays (MFDs) on an increasing number of yachts. It’s great to have this navigation information so easily to hand and so mobile, but which are the best navigation apps for sailors and how do they compare.

Sailors need slightly different information to motorboaters. It’s nice to know if it’s going to be sunny, but we care more about whether the tide will be foul or fair. We need to know what the wind direction will be and whether it’s going to be an angle we can use, over and above nearby places of interest.

We looked at the most popular navigation apps, particularly from a sailor’s perspective, and highlighted what we think works well for yachting and what is best left to the motorboaters.

The absolute number one benefit of an app is the ability to instantly see where you are, on up-to-date charts, without the cost and immobility of an MFD. Every app we tested has that core functionality and, ultimately, you will get good basic use out of any of them.

Thereafter, to my mind, most of these apps have been developed with the leisure powerboater in mind. They are focused on short day trips under engine or maybe going fishing to fairly well known areas. Wind, tide and current have little impact in these scenarios beyond whether it is sunny or the anchorage is accessible.

Fast and reliable

Having spoken to a range of sailors, it’s clear that the universal requirement is for an app that delivers fast, reliable data within an intuitive interface. We want charts that show sensible levels of detail as we zoom in and out and, critically, will warn us when we need to zoom in more to see dangers that might have been hidden by vector charts.

We then want all the other essential information such as wind and current instantly accessible and able to be overlaid on the chart, and we want to be able to quickly measure distance and bearing to a relevant point.

But despite some decent contenders, the truth is that not one app delivers it all. Adding in extras such as AIS, boat data, autorouting and more is great, but that foundation level functionality should come first.

Savvy Navvy, the newcomer to the world of navigation apps, shows what the modern app could be. It is possibly the only app built with yacht sailors at the forefront and gives easily accessible wind, current and tide overlays to sensibly detailed charts. Its routing algorithm was the only app we tested that accounted for current, and its passage plans mapped out beautifully informative courses to steer.

It also recognises hazards such as tidal races and Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS). But its algorithm is too ambitious in the level of detail it tries to extrapolate from GRIB files and the app took us into dangerous shallows and routed us metres off hazards and lee shores in strong winds.

The app is nearly the absolute game changer it should be – but its programming sophistication has outstripped its seamanship and that’s an issue.

The other apps proved a mix in how suitable they are for sailors. Basic features such as wind and current were not universally available. Also often lacking were tools such as those measuring distance and bearing.

Frustrating menus

I found some of the routing software frustrating as I was made to go through multiple menus to load and select waypoints, rather than just touch two points on the screen. And some of the apps appear to have had data sources and functionality added over time, without the redesign they might then need to bring it all into one easy-to-use interface.

AIS data is a nice new feature, but some apps rely on an internet signal for it – others can link by wifi to your AIS device. Knowing how often internet signal drops on a yacht even close to land, I’m not sure I’d trust the type that doesn’t connect to the onboard AIS.

Crowd sourced data is also an increasingly common addition to the charts. Some love it for adding real time accuracy, but others claim it can be dangerously inaccurate. I suspect both are true so, as with everything, the prudent skipper should treat all information with a healthy dose of caution.

For the best mix of functionality, breadth of data and reliable information, Navionics + remains my app of choice. But if ( and it’s a big if) Savvy Navvy becomes more savvy with its seamanship – it will have everything it needs to revolutionise the sector and become the sailor’s app of choice.

Best Navigation apps for sailors:

C-Map on an iPhone

C-MAP produces my favourite charts, with just the right amount of detail for spot depths, enlarged navigational marks on land and sea and clever colouring. Wind data via GRIB files is easily overlaid and the colour shading system both makes it easy to see predicted wind speeds and discourages the user from trying to extrapolate unrealistic detail.

However, there is no tide and current overlay, which is a frustration for sailors, and it is also a disappointment that there is no satellite imagery overlay. C-MAP’s automatic routing system is fairly easy and intuitive to use but having allowed me to set a minimum depth of 3m, it would then suggest routes that contravened this limit, albeit giving a second option that didn’t. Some caution is therefore required.

Get C-Map app from the Apple App Store Get C-Map app from the Google Play Store

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Read our full C-Map navigation app review

Navionics app on a phone

Navionics Boating app

This app is intuitive and easy to use. Charts are quick to render and auto zooming of detail is probably best in class. Text is used to good effect and tells you when you need to zoom in to get more information about hazards (one of the dangers of vector charts). Arrows showing current are animated to show strength, direction and whether the tide is on the ebb or flood. Frustratingly, you have to access a different window to get GRIB/wind data, when it should surely just be an option on screen.

The Navionics Sonar option allows charts to be adapted to show depths based on real time user data from thousands of vessels, but the company sensibly warns that many other factors (such as barometric pressure) will have a considerable affect on depths.

Get Navionics+ app from the Apple App Store Get Navionics+ app from the Google Play Store

Read our full Navionics + navigation app review

Savvy Navvy app on desktop or tablet

Savvy Navvy

Savvy Navvy is a sophisticated app with all the key information ready to be switched on or off at your fingertips. It is the only app that has a routing algorithm that has inputs for wind and current (although bizarrely not leeway) and then plots a beautifully drawn course to steer. It is useful to be able to enter later or earlier departure times and see the impact on wind and tide.

Charts are a little light on detail for my liking – my sense being that artistic merit has slightly usurped navigational utility. A bigger issue with Savvy Navvy is that the sophistication of the programming for its route planning has not been matched by that of the seamanship. It extrapolates impossibly detailed wind patterns from the GRIB data and uses performance polars that cannot be adjusted – both of which make the plans interesting to look at but of little practical use.

Get Savvy Navvy app from the Apple App Store Get Savvy Navvy app from the Google Play Store

Read our full Savvy Navvy navigation app review

Seapilot app on a phone

This app is based on some features of the professional ECDIS charting systems and in many ways has some of the best features – but while some will not agree, personally I found it unintuitive to use.

The significant issue, however, is that the autozoom on its charting detail just doesn’t work in many regions. Until I zoomed in to a small area (maybe five square miles) there was so much clutter on the screen that there was not much that could be done. Even when zoomed in, information about navigational marks would often be overlaid on spot depths, making both impossible to read. Seapilot acknowledges that some regions suffer from this as an issue due to the use of ECDIS data and hopes to rectify it going forward.

The app also uses ECDIS warning symbols for some hazards, which leisure sailors won’t be familiar with.

Get Seapilot app from the Apple App Store Get Seapilot app from the Google Play Store

Read our full Seapilot navigation app review

isailor featues nice wind colouring

iSailor is another app that works well as an extension to your boat’s onboard systems. It will connect to the NMEA system and internet AIS, although each feature you unlock costs money. The alarms menu is comprehensive, including anchor drag, waypoint proximity, loss of GPS signal and a low battery warning.

Charts were fairly good, but as with Seapilot, I had issues with the auto detail of the chart at various zoom levels and had data overlaid on each other. I also found that at certain levels of zoom, key data such as spot depth was removed, but too soon for my liking. If I want to plan 2-3 miles ahead I want to see clear depth data, not just coloured contours.

Get iSailor app from the Apple App Store Get iSailor app from the Google Play Store

Read our full iSailor navigation app review

iNavx on a phone

iNavX can be frustrating to use at first because there is so much to customise that it can be tough to get into. Persevere, however, and you’ll find a good app. It has a range of chart options including Navionics, C-MAP and NOAA. They partner with Waterway Guides, which gives micro level detail for marinas and other facilities, although the UK version is yet to arrive.

While all the information is there, I didn’t find interrogation of chart data as easy as, say, the Navionics app, but this may just be personal preference. I also found building and adjusting routes frustrating. There is a very comprehensive manual that can be accessed and a range of excellent YouTube instructional videos – but honestly, I’d rather just be able to work it out quickly and easily on the app.

Get iNavx app from the Apple App Store Get iNavx app from the Google Play Store

Read our full iNavx navigation app review

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Ranking The Best Boat GPS On The Market

Garmin Striker 4

Humminbird Helix 5 G2

Garmin Echomap Plus 94sv

A Marine GPS is an indispensable piece of equipment for the modern boat owner. Working out where you are on the land is hard enough, but it’s a far more difficult task when you’re out on open water. Historically, sailors would have to rely on their years of navigational experience, understanding complex sea charts and determining their position and heading by using the positions of the sun and stars. Luckily, modern technology has evolved to make marine navigation far easier than ever before.

The modern devices rely on GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. GPS works with satellites to pinpoint a location on Earth with incredible accuracy. It’s excellent for plotting routes, determining directions, avoiding other naval traffic, and alerting emergency services in the event of an accident. Traveling the seas without one is a dangerous game.

But there are so many different kinds of boat GPS speedometer, tracker, fish finder, and chartplotter devices out there. They can be dashboard mounted systems, or portable handheld marine GPS products. But which one is the right one for you?

We’ve put a list together of the best marine GPS devices out there to make your shopping trip a little easier.

The Garmin Striker 4 is the ultimate fish finding device. It’s a small and compact GPS that features a 3.5 inch color display, which allows you to find fish, mark positions, and navigate when you’re out on open water.

Fishing enthusiasts will love this boat GPS because it relays in-depth information about what’s going under the waves. Using a CHIRP sonar transducer that uses a continuous sweep of frequencies to map the deep and search for fish, the Striker 4 offers detailed information about fishing targets and potential fishing grounds.

You can place a waypoint market on your favorite fishing grounds using the GPS systems to allow you to find your way back on your next trip with ease. The advanced, high-sensitivity GPS system shows your exact position, direction, and heading, in relation to map points and markers, making for simple and easy marine navigation.

The device also logs your sonar history, operates as a GPS boat speedometer, calculates distance, depth, journey times, and water temperatures.

The Garmin Strike 4 features an easy to use keyed interface with simple buttons, a tilt and swivel mount, and a number of other cool mounting features. It does require a 12-volt battery, or special aquatic battery systems though—so keep that in mind.

• Buy on Amazon   →
• Buy on Bass Pro   →
• Buy on Walmart   →

Simple keypad operation

Advanced underwater imagery

High-sensitivity GPS system

Compatible with other Garmin maps

Humminbird is one of the most popular fish finding and mapping device makes in the United States. If you’re looking for a GPS-enabled marine system that can help you track down the best fishing spots and keep you on course at all times, then this could be the device for you. Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater pursuits, the Humminbird Helix 5 G2 has got your next voyage mapped out.

Suitable for pontoon fishing boats, SUPs, kayaks, right up to full-size ocean-going vessels, the Humminbird Helix 5 G2 has everything you need for a safe journey. Pre-loaded with maps and data from both LakeMaster and NOAA, the Helix 5 G2 is fully-capable of navigating you to your journey, noting buoys, hazards, markers, marinas, harbors, and other essential way points.

The actual GPS system uses WAAS technology to give astounding global positioning fixes, with an accuracy of within 2.5 meters. It also features a very accurate chart plotting tool, with using a built-in cartography tool from Anima.

If that wasn’t enough, the Helix 5 G2 is a competent fish finder. It uses CHIRP digital sonar and imagine sonar to map the lake or ocean floor, using live charts and down imaging to locate fish or potential fishing areas. All that data is produced onscreen in high-definition via the device’s 5-Inch color WVGA display.

MicroSD functionality for adding more maps

Mounting hardware and power cable are included

Simple keypad control interface

Amazing Side & Down imaging

Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder & GPS

Lowrance is another name that you can trust when it comes to marine electronics. This particular model is a fish finder, chart plotter, and GPS all in one. It’s reasonably priced, has an easy to use interface, and it has a handy 5 inch screen too.

The fish finder relies on an auto-tuning sonar, that uses CHIRP sonar with an extra-wide cone angle that increases underwater visibility, giving you more coverage than other products on the market. It’s easy to control via the smartphone-like interface, allowing you to keep your mind focused more on fishing than fiddling with menus.

The HOOK2’s GPS capabilities are quite advanced too. Thanks to the internal antenna, the HOOK2 enjoys a very accurate level of precision. It will easily find your location, and point you in the direction of your favorite fishing grounds, local marinas, and other key landmarks or waypoints.

You get quite a lot of cool things included in this package too. It comes with a tough quick-release tilt and swivel mounting bracket, an SD card slot for loading additional content, and C-MAPS US Inland Lake Maps installed as standard. These maps feature contoured charts for 3,000 lakes, as well as regular charts for a further 9,000 lakes.

Unlike some other products on this list, Lowrance has given the HOOK2 a one-year warranty covering parts and labor, which is a testament to the brand’s confidence in their products. This is one of the best marine GPS systems for lake fishermen.

Fish finder, chart plotter, GPS, all-in-one unit

Pre-loaded with US inland lake maps

Split-Shot transducer for detailed underwater imagery

One year manufacturer’s warranty

At the more premium end of the budget spectrum, we have the Garmin Echomap Plus 94sv. It’s an advanced GPS system with a useful 9-inch display and advanced fish finding technology. It’s pre-loaded with Bluechart G3 coastal charts, and Great Lake charts too, so it’s ideal for both saltwater and freshwater explorers.

The fish finder operates using a GT51-TM 12-pin transom mount transducer, that delivers CHIRP sonar, provides depth and temperature readings, and offers crystal clear imaging sent directly to the screen. With Quickdraw Contours, this Garmin boat GPS can create personalized fishing maps while you’re steering across the surface.

Thanks to built-in wi-fi technology, the Garmin Echomap Plus 94sv can seamlessly sync with your smartphone, allowing you to take calls, send text messages, and send emails directly from the GPS screen. It also allows for real-time updates to be added to your maps and charts, allowing you to plot courses accordingly, avoiding bad weather or other markers and waypoints.

What’s more, this Garmin GPS system is also compatible with a wide range of other Garmin products, and it can actually work in partnership with NMEA 2000 technology. This means that it’s possible to link your GPS to read engine data, external sensors, autopilot systems, and more.

Thanks to the simple screen and key-assisted interface, this Garmin GPS marine must-have is an essential piece of equipment for any coastal fisherman who enjoys exploring.

QuickDraw Contours live mapping

Wi-fi enabled interface for inter-connectivity

Bluechart G3 Coastal and Great Lake charts included

Fully compatible with other Garmin products

Cobra COB-MR

The Cobra COB-MR is a practical handheld marine GPS receiver with all of the necessary functions for boating enthusiasts, at an affordable price. If you regularly take your boat off-shore, then having something like this on board is an essential.

Cobra’s COB-MR device is a small and compact receiver that comes equipped with a VHF radio, access to NOAA weather channels with 24-hour weather updates, a built in GPS receiver, and a very useful Digital Selective Calling function, with a Distress Button.

While it’s not as advanced as many other products on the market, with fancy mapping or fish finding abilities, it can easily pinpoint your location, relay life saving information, and keep you on course.

It’s also Bluetooth enabled, waterproof, and designed to float. What’s more, it’s battery powered and will continue to function in emergencies, where hardwired equivalents would fail if there’s power loss.

To make the most of this marine GPS system, take the time to fully register your product and set it up using the manual.

For the price, it’s very hard to find fault with this cool GPS device. Sure, there are others out there but this one is ideal for budget-focused mariners, or as a backup for when other devices fail.

• Buy on Cobra   →

Instant access to Channel 9 & Channel 16 in emergencies

Submersible to IPX8 (JIS8) standards

Access to weather information at all times

3 selectable power settings

Ray Marine Dragonfly Pro 7

Next, we have this exceptional marine GPS and fish finding combo from Ray Marine. It’s not the most advanced GPS system in the world, but it can be used in partnership with a number of marine GPS apps, which makes it an invaluable tool for boaters.

The most impressive feature of the Dragonfly Pro is the fish finding sonar and Down Vision technology. It uses a dual channel CHIRP sonar to accurately map the sea floor to depths of up to 180 meters. The data received is model into quality maps that are then displayed on the Dragonfly Pro’s 7 inch LCD display.

The actual GPS side of this marine GPS unit features wi-fi enabled real-time up-to-date charts that keeps you on course and where you want to be. Bathymetric charts work with Ray Marine’s Navionics marine GPS apps to give you the latest navigation information. It can be used as a chartplotter, can record your journey, and drop waypoints and trail markers to help you find the same locations again and again.

If you’re looking for a device with a big screen and excellent clarity, with simple controls that’s easy to install, then this one is the model for you. It is quite expensive compared to some other models, but it does have a huge range of functions, making it quite a versatile bit of kit.

This particular model can be bought either with charts or without. Make sure you know which version you’re buying to avoid disappointment. “No chart” simply means that you’ll have to buy them separately and load them on manually.

Wide LCD screen

Built in wi-fi with smartphone compatibility

Live stream marine GPS chartplotter apps

Dual-channel CHIRP sonar

Standard Horizon HX870

This is another handheld, highly-portable, and battery powered GPS system. This is from Standard Horizon, a big name in the radio-communications industry. It’s a VHF radio with an internal GPS system, with emergency call functions, with emergency alert and distress call capabilities.

The Standard Horizon HX870 uses WAAS technology to provide accurate location details, which users can transpose onto a paper chart. It also has a large dot matrix display that can be used for navigation, displaying your route, heading, speed, and location. Despite the old-school display, it actually has an easy route creation and waypoint marker system, which is invaluable at sea.

One of the best features of this device is the NOAA weather channel access that provides up to the minute weather alerts and reports around the clock. There’s also access to 70 Channel Class “D” DSC (Digital Selective Calling) channels, with a noise cancelling function for clear voice clarity no matter the weather conditions.

Other features include a USB data port for easy data transfer, a full-waterproof IPX8 waterproof rating, full flotation on water, and an easy to operate key interface. It also has a quick charging function that fully restores the lithium ion battery to full-life in around 3 hours. This is an excellent budget GPS device.

Water activated strobe light for emergencies

Fully waterproof, and it floats

Excellent battery life

Emergency distress call capabilities

Garmin GPSMAP 78SC

Next, we have a mid-range product from Garmin. This is the GPSMAP 78SC, a small marine GPS chartplotter device with loads of cool features that every watersports enthusiast needs to own. Not just watersport enthusiasts either—it’s a fun product that can be used for recording speed in your car, or recording flight date. However, it’s designed for aquatic purposes, and it’s best suited to those pursuits.

This boat GPS is equipped with BlueChart g2 coastal charts as standard, but you can easily load other maps using the microSD port. The coastal maps include shoreline details, depth contours, harbors, marinas, and navaids, for the entire United States and Bahamas.

Using a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, the GPS system can give you detailed information of your location, heading, and bearing. It also features a barometric altimeter that can detect your altitude, and plot barometric readings to predict changing weather and storms.

The WAAS-enabled GPS is a highly-sensitive system that can pinpoint your location easily. It uses HotFix satellite prediction tools that can log your location even in difficult conditions.

The device also uses Garmin Connect technology. This allows you to connect to your computer and trace or plan your routes using Google Earth, and share your routes and details with others.

2.6-inch color TFT display

MicroSD compatibility to add maps

20 hour battery duration

It’s water resistant and it floats too!

The Best Boat GPS: Buying Guide

What is a marine gps.

A marine GPS is an essential marine navigation tool—but what does it actually do? As you can see from the list above, there are GPS emergency radios, fish finders, chart plotters, and more. Do all GPS devices do the same things, or do some serve different purposes?

First, let’s look at what a boat GPS actually does. It’s a global positioning system that can be used on bodies of water and over open ocean. They can pinpoint your exact location and give you your bearings. All GPS devices will at least do this.

Emergency GPS Systems

Some have emergency tools that allow you to call in help if you find yourself in distress. Others have live weather updates, live marine communication updates from other vessels, and other emergency functions. Many of these are handheld, battery-operated devices that can be used if your main power source is down.

GPS Fish Finders

Another popular kind of GPS system is a fish finder. These devices use transducer sonar to map the lake or sea bed, and track fish. The burst of scanning sonar bounces off of objects in the water, and the fish finder’s sensors convert the results into imagery that fisherman can read to determine the location of fish. These fish finders are very useful for fishing trips .

GPS Chartplotters

A GPS chartplotter or (chart plotter) is primarily a mapping and navigation tool. Like automotive satellite navigation products, these boat GPS trackers keep an eye on your location and plot your position on a map. They continuously monitor your exact position, your speed and heading, and plot your location in relation to land mass and other important markers or way points. They can also be used to store routes that can be loaded when you need them.

Important Features To Look For

Once you’ve got an idea of what type of GPS device you’re looking for, you can start focusing in on what other important features that you need. Here are some things to consider when you’re searching for a GPS system for your boat.

Maps are arguably one of the most important features of any GPS unit. However, not all marine GPS navigator devices come with maps installed. Some require your charts to be bought separately and uploaded to the device, while others have them pre-installed. There are some devices that don’t have any maps at all, simply relaying your co-ordinates which you can then note on a good old-fashioned sea chart instead.

Even if a device is pre-loaded with maps, make sure to check what areas they cover and what kind of water. Not all devices will have freshwater charts. Most will only have charts for your country.

Chart plotters and fish finders are great, but emergency tools are some of the most useful to have installed on your GPS marine navigation devices. Emergency calling and distress signaling is incredibly useful, particularly if you’re heading out to sea. Even if you’re staying close to the shore, accidents can happen, and having a device that can for help is a wise idea.

It’s easy to prioritize chart plotting as an essential feature, and it is an important feature, but safety should be just as important too. Some GPS systems have wi-fi that link up with marine GPS app programs that can be set up for emergencies.

Other cool features include an electric compass, a barometer, and weather updates. Keep an eye out for these when you’re shopping.

Portability

Do you need a battery-operated handheld device, or would you prefer a hard-wired, permanent interface? If you use multiple small-size vessels, it might be more economical to buy something portable that you can use on different boats from one day to the next. These devices usually don’t offer the same kind of features that more permanent-mounted devices do.  However, if you primarily use one boat, it might be best to invest in a permanent GPS system. It all depends on your needs.

If you opt for a handheld marine GPS navigator, then you should be mindful of the battery life. Some have standby times of over 20 hours, while others have quite limited 3-hour operational times. Naturally, what battery life you need depends on how long you’re on the water.

Some devices rely on your boat’s battery and motor to operate. These devices are more reliable but they do have some quirks to them. Always make sure that you read the voltage and motor type required to power one of these. Some trolling motors aren’t up to it, while bigger batteries can be overkill.

Even if you have a system that’s hooked up to your boat’s motor, it’s always wise to carry a battery-operated back-up, just in case of power failure.

A marine GPS unit should be waterproof. That should go without saying. However, there are different kinds of “waterproof” definitions. Here’s the official scale of waterproofing , and what level of protection each designation offers:

Another key feature to keep in mind is the user interface. Touchscreen devices usually feature nice wide screens with crystal clear displays. They can display a lot of useful information all at once. Unfortunately, touch screen technology can be tricky to operate in wet conditions.

Keypad controlled devices are simple to use and work well in wet conditions. Unfortunately, the actual control systems can be a pain to use, with laborious menus. More often than not, these keypad devices have smaller screens too.

The difference in price between the two types could help make that decision for you though.

The price is arguably the most important factor to take into consideration when buying a marine GPS tool. Good quality equipment doesn’t have to be expensive, but you should be wary of a product’s limitations. If you go cheap, don’t expect it to have all of the top features that you’d hope for. It will be basic, but it should do the trick.

It’s also important that you don’t fall for the whole “it’s the most expensive so it should be the best” trick. Throwing money at a device isn’t the right way to go. It’s wise to make sure that you’re investing in a product that you actually want, will actually use, and suits your needs. There’s no point spending thousands on an ocean-ready GPS that’s designed for transatlantic journeys when you’re only fishing around your local lake in a pontoon boat.

Lastly, always read the reviews. Don’t just take the word of marine GPS review sites. Make sure you check with other sources, writers, journalists, and forums before hitting the buy button. Also, if you’re buying from an e-commerce site like Amazon, then read the FAQs and reviews there too.

A certain product may ship without maps loaded into it, or with charts that don’t cover your area. The review section is the best place to mine for answers to those smaller, and often-overlooked questions.

The Best Boat GPS: In Summary

For sailors looking for a budget GPS option, or for those looking for an excellent backup system, then we recommend the Cobra COB-MR. It can easily calculate your position, runs off of battery power, and has an emergency alert system. It’s not the most advanced system, since it doesn’t boast any live charts, fancy imagery, or fish finding technology, but it is cheap, easy to operate, and very practical.

If you have a bigger budget, then the most impressive premium product on the market would have to be the Garmin Echomap Plus 94sv. A Gamin marine GPS won’t let you down. Ever! It’s an advanced fish finding tool with sonar technology, contouring imagery, and more. It also features a highly-sensitive GPS system, with detailed maps and amazing connectivity. Since it’s compatible with other Garmin products, it’s a very useful tool to have in your satellite-navigation arsenal.

For boaters who are just looking for a decent product that ticks all of the right boxes, won’t break the bank, and won’t fall apart easily, then we’d recommend the Humminbird Helix 5 G2. Primarily developed as a fish finder, the Helix 5 does everything a fish finder can, but it also has an advanced GPS system with an easy to use chart plotting tool. It scores big in terms of value for money, and that’s why we’ve named it as our favorite over all.

Joe Appleton is an outdoor enthusiast who loves everything from bushcraft and hiking to wild camping and boating. If he’s not out in the woods, you’ll find him out on the water.

Categories : Boats , Fishing , Kayak , Reviews

Spencer Meyers on July 11, 2020

Thanks for the excellent reviews! It can be hard to narrow down the product you are looking for. Too many times have I been in a hurry and purchased the first product that seemed to fit what I wanted. These Boat GPS systems seem to be more tailored to fishing. Are there different Security systems based on boat size or are they all in 1? Would a yacht require different boat security than a smaller fishing boat or does it come down to features? Thanks again!

Mark & Alpha Remaley on January 18, 2021

With so many choices I am confused. Our pontoon boat is in a relatively small (less than 1 aq. mi.) inland lake and I would like a really good depth profiler so I can see details on the bottom (for scuba-diving & curiosity), and a fish-finder. Those are the two things I really care about, and navigation in a small land-locked lake isn’t really a major concern, so in your opinion what unit would be the best for the limited conditions I have outlined? Thanks for any help on this.

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8 Best Marine GPS Chartplotters – (Reviews & Guide 2021)

Do you remember the story of the Titanic collision with an iceberg that was not visible on the sonar? Although that unfortunate event happened decades ago, one thing will remain for sure – safety while sailing. Fortunately, marine navigation technology is rapidly developing and so are the electronic sailing devices.

So if you are a keen sailor or fisherman, you will certainly like our b est marine GPS Chartplotter guide to getting all the information you need to pick the right unit for your boat. Also, we have taken our time to select and write our r eviews on marine GPS chart plotters  carefully and to give you all their benefits along with the possible drawbacks you may experience.

And since we base our information on our personal experience and scientific facts, we hope that you will really enjoy everything that our team has prepared for you.

Best Marine GPS Chartplotters Comparison Chart

BEST MARINE GPS CHARTPLOTTER (NEWEST MODELS)

This is the right place to acquaint yourself with some of the latest sailing navigation products on the market which we carefully handpicked for you. Our team has pointed out the essential features of the units as well as the possible drawbacks that you may experience with them.

1. Garmin Striker 4 GPS

The depth readings that this unit gives are also invaluable because you will know when you enter the shallow water. Additionally, some other metrics that you will be informed of are:

• Temperature
• Time of day

Another advantage of the Garmin Striker 4 is the fact that it pretty much comes with everything needed for smooth operation. There is a transducer in the set together with a power cable. You may get a 12V battery so that you can use the product without a power outlet, but this will have to be purchased separately.

On the downside, if you go outside of the USA, the map won’t be visible. You can still use the GPS and fishfinder features even outside of the US.

• The cord length is pretty good – about 10 feet.
• The unit can be easily disconnected from the mount
• If you use a 7-amp 12V battery, the Garmin Striker 4 will work for over 12 hours. This is well above the average of 9 hours.
• The chartplotter has a downscan and a transducer
• No maps of other countries are included.
• You have to go online to get the full owner’s manual -(http://static.garmin.com/pumac/STRIKER_OM_EN.pdf)

2. Hummingbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS

A little knock on the product is that it doesn’t come with a screen cover. You will have to be careful around it. However, you will be happy to find out that the chartplotter works with SD cards. Also, it’s transducer’s cable is about 20 feet long.

Getting information not only on the fish around you but also on the depth of the lake is pivotal. This product will let you know of both, even if you move at a speed of around 50 mph.

• This model will give you decent images of the bottom of the lake.
• The GPS function leaves “trails” on the map showing you where you have been.
• You get the product with everything you need to operate it. There’s the unit, the bracket to mount it, a 6-foot power cord, and the transducer.
• There is no side view scan feature on this model
• Not so many languages are included in the settings. For example, there is no Arabic.

3. Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder

Bear in mind that coastal maps aren’t included. If you want to add more maps, you will have to purchase a Micro SD card separately.

When it comes to the GPS chartplotter’s features, you can add various waypoints, trails and to also see the position of the boat on the chart page. If you wish to use the device on your kayak or any other boat that doesn’t have power, you have to get a 12V battery.

Needless to say, the set includes a power cord and a transducer as well. The product can be installed on a 24-foot pontoon without any issues, although many people use it mainly for smaller boats. The most significant advantage according to us, is the presence of the sidefinder function. Only the Triple Shot model has it. If you get the Split Shot one, the feature will not be there.

• The unit supports a split-screen function.
• It has a Micro SD card slot. You can add more maps to it.
• Broader sonar coverage in comparison to previous models
• The transducer in your trolling motor is not guaranteed to work with this sonar. You have to contact the manufacturer for confirmation.
• There is no screen cover included

4. Garmin Echomap Chirp 74Cv

• Operates well at high speeds
• Compact size and easy to carry
• You have to purchase and add lake maps additionally
• No batteries included
• No side view

5. Humminbird GPS G2 Fish Finder

Moreover, this unit can record at a maximum of 1500 ft depth and has 4000watts PTP power input with 2.5 inches target separation. Also, the product’s GPS function can save your tracking, and it will tell you the depth of the subsurface even when you are sailing with more than 1 or 2 mph. And since we have mention speed, this unit can read both mph and kph. But like any other additional feature, extra maps should be purchased separately. At least their installation is easy – just use the micro SD card slot which is also a tremendous addition to this unit.

• Transom mount transducer
• Helix 5 Chirp fish finder
• AutoChart Live
• 256 color display with backlit
• You have to buy the inline fuse holder
• No side view scan

6. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Handheld GPS

You can also mark your waypoints and manually enter coordinates in case your favorite fishing spot is not shown in the preloaded maps. As for the other options that you will get with this unit, there are plenty of other charts available to be easily downloaded on your device, but you will have to buy them separately.

Nevertheless, these extra maps are exact and cover areas all over the world. But there is one thing you may not like that much – the package does not include a GPS mount or a clip so you will have to use the lanyard which comes with the unit to secure it on your boat.

• 20 hours of battery life
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver
• Waterproof by PPX7 standards
• Preloaded worldwide charts
• Cannot show the depth
• Difficult to see the screen under heavy sunlight conditions

7. Elite-12 Ti2-12-inch Fish Finder

• Touch screen and button functions
• Wireless technology
• Maps outside US/Can will have to be manually added.

8. Simrad Go7 SXR Chartplotter/Fishfinder

Also, this product has a C-MAP easy routing and Avionics charts which will show you not only the shortest course to your waypoint but also which way to go to avoid any potential dangers like landmass or shoals. But the navigational hazards feature is not pre-installed so you will have to buy some new charts for this. Yet, the GO7 SXR has a radar input and thanks to the NMEA 2000, you can take control of your vessel’s motor, check the fuel level, flow meters and many more. And the best thing is that you can do this via your phone, using the Go Free controller app.

• Pre-loaded USA charts
• CHIRP, Side-DownScan and forward-looking sonar
• TotalScan transducer
• built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
• No Canada charts
• Some of the most practical features have to be purchased separately

Marine Chartplotters – Are They That Good?

After reading our reviews, you are definitely aware that sailing navigation systems are a must for every boat-owner. They offer so many features, they come in so many sizes and models, and therefore you may even forget what you need for your sea adventures. This is why we sorted out all the advantages and disadvantages of using a marine Chartplotter for your vessel – to remind you that all types have the same general application in the open seas. Moreover, with guiding electronic devices in the sea you will be faced with identical challenges, so scroll down to learn more.

• You can quickly and easily find and store your favorite waypoints.
• Get detailed maps of any water surface in the world, including lakes, rivers, and channels, and install them in your device via an SD card.
• Connect your chart plotter to your phone to get the advantage of more high-tech features.
• Can plot the shortest and safest course based on your vessel’s specifications.
• Fish Finder features to aid your fishing activities.
• It can show relevant information on the screen like water temperature, air temperature, speed, and depth.
• May come with radars, transducers, and sonar to help you with the fishing.
• Ability to show a side view and down imaging.
• Designed to be water-resistant, durable and light.
• Some models do not come with SD slot cards.
• All detailed maps, except for the basic in-built one, should be purchased.
• There are limited mounting options, especially if your boat’s dashboard is curved. Also, the quality of the material may not come to your expectations.
• Sometimes your preferred language is not listed in the language menu settings.
• If you are using a network Chartplotter, there might be a time lag between what your device is showing you and what you actually see in front of your boat.

Do not miss out to visit our marine accessories home page for more information and practical advice on everything you need to know and get ready for safe and successful sailing.

A Few Words About The Types That You Really Need To Know

And if you have skipped Geography classes, the latitude and longitude coordinates will not be familiar to you at all. So, here comes the pivotal role of the Chartplotter. This unit is an excellent combination of a GPS system and an optical device through which you can actually see where you are positioned on the map shown on the chart plotter’s screen.

Hence, you can no longer be lost in numbers or coordinates because they are going to be accurately plotted on your device so that you can easily read them and go sailing with confidence.

However, chartplotters come in different types, and this is perhaps what will make you feel confused when considering buying one. For this reason, our team has compiled a list with the basic models that you may come across on the market as well as their main features and characteristics. And remember that the more advanced the technology is, the bigger the price you will pay for such sailing electronics .

1. Handheld Chartplotters

This type of device for marine navigation has the option to be placed anywhere, and as their name gives it away, you can hold them in your hand. They come with internal GPS and are small in size which makes them very compact to use while sailing or doing watersports. Handheld Chartplotter has all the essential functions which will be enough for you to determine your position on the map and mark your waypoints. In addition, these units are equipped with integrated maps although not that detailed as you may wish for.

Still, all handheld chart plotters’ manufacturers offer a wide variety of lake or sea maps to be downloaded or bought separately as an add-on to your unit. And one more thing – since the screen of such products is small, you need to pick a handheld Chartplotter with very bright colors and screen protection from direct sunlight.

2. GPS Marine Chartplotters

The second type is also basically like the handhelds, but the difference is that its screen is bigger than the former’s. Therefore you will not find it very comfortable to hold it or mount it on your kayak, so such guiding navigation is more suitable for bigger boats and not intended for water sports. However, GPS Marine sailing electronics may come with so many features such as additional maps, options to save waypoints and routes, a barometric altimeter and a built-in compass. In short, this is all you need for a weekend sailing.

3. GPS Chartplotter With Built-in Fish Finder

Now, this is what every fisherman would like to have in their boats. This type of device has the same characteristics as the basic GPS Chartplotter, but there is a built-in fish finder. You will definitely like this extra since it sends sound waves into the subsurface and then turns the signal into a picture to be shown on the screen of your chart plotter. This way you will easily find the perfect fishing spot without wasting your time and your boat’s fuel. Another thing is that you can upgrade such steering navigation with a sounder when you buy an additional antenna for the weather or radar. Also, some models come with a transducer, but if this is not the case with your chosen model, you can always purchase such separately.

4. Network Chartplotters

As the name suggests, this is a high-tech navigation device designed to provide you with the most accurate information of the sea bottom as well as give you full control of your boat. Usually, network chart plotters have built-in internet connectivity so that you can use your marina’s Wi-Fi or tether it to your smartphone. This way you will get not only an accurate picture of your target place and your route, but also be alerted of possible dangers under the water. Also, the operation systems of network chart plotters are exclusively user-friendly and very advanced, so you will really like all the extras it has to offer like controlling your boat motors, water temperature feature, free Cloud services and even listening to music.

5. Network Chartplotters With Built-in Fish Finder

These types of marine navigation systems are again aimed to aid fishermen, but since it is cutting-edge technology, you will undoubtedly enjoy the 2-dimensional image of the sea bottom on the screen. This way, your fishing trips will become even more productive and satisfying.

What To Look For In A Marine Chartplotter

In this section, we are going to list some of the features that may come with your Chartplotter or be purchased separately to boost your navigation device’s performance. We have included some basic information on each one’s purpose and functions as well. This way, you will no longer hesitate what the most useful feature for you and your sailing activities is.

1. Transducer

Some marine chart plotters are sold with a transducer while others are not. But in either situation, you need to know why a transducer is so important and what type you need.

Transducers actually serve as an antenna for your boat sonar’s system. The electrical signal that comes from the sonar is turned into a high-frequency sound which is then sent into the water’s subsurface and when it reaches the bottom or any other object like rocks, for example, the signal returns. At this very moment, the transducer receives the incoming signal and turns into a frequency that can be read by the sonar. And this is how you get the image of what is under your boat.

The transducers that come with chart plotters will be efficient because you will not waste your time and money in searching for any additional devices. Also, this tool for converting electrical signals will help you when you go fishing or when sailing in unknown waters.

2. Chirp Sonar

This feature is excellent for giving you an accurate image of the sea bottom in terms of depth and resolution. And thanks to the fact that this type of sonar transmits and receives signals in more than one frequency, you can quickly tell apart big fish from smaller ones for instance.

Also, if your marine Chartplotter is equipped with Chirp sonar, then the chances of you receiving misleading information from the sea bottom are minimal. The reason for this is the ability of the sonar to tell the difference between true sonar echo and disturbances.

In addition, there are different frequency ranges for the Chirp sonar that can be exceptionally functional depending on where you sail. And this is crucial when you want to cast your anchor successfully. So, do not miss out on our best boat anchors  thorough guide along with our top picks to help you choose the right device for mooring your vessel.

· Low Chirp Frequency

Here the signal is transmitted at 25-80 kHz or 50 kHz, which means that such signal will be excellent for sailing in really deep waters – more than 196 feet.

· Medium CHIRP Frequency

When the frequency is between 80-160 kHz or 83 kHz, then you can easily find great fishing spots in shallow waters.

· High CHIRP Frequency

At high frequency like 160-800 kHz or 200 kHz, you will definitely get the highest resolution. Moreover, if your vessel is sailing fast, the high chirp frequency will be able to show you whether there is fish or other objects under the water. Also, such a frequency range is most suitable for water depths of up to 196 feet.

No matter whether you are sailing in the sea or fishing in a lake, you need to know your exact whereabouts. This is why maps are of great importance, and all chart plotters come with preloaded ones. However, the in-built maps are usually too general, and very often you will not find your preferred fishing spot there. Or, if sea adventures are your thing, then all of the places you have never been to will not be installed in your steering navigation system . But this does not mean that you cannot get the map you want, it is just that you are expected to buy anything extra from the manufacturer.

So, when picking a marine Chartplotter, make sure to get all the details about the preloaded maps and all the charts that do not come in the package.

4. Mounting Hardware

Although not a feature of the chart plotters’ electronic characteristics, positioning your device the right and safe way is vital. We advise you to check your boat’s dashboard and think how to mount the Chartplotter since some vessels ‘panels with controls are not conventional.

Also, make sure to research the material of the mounting bracket. If plastic is mainly used, then you will have to buy a new product for securing your Chartplotter as this material is not durable at all.

5. Screen Brightness Display

When choosing your perfect device for marine navigation , do not forget to check whether there is protection against direct sunlight. It is also essential to pick a product with extremely bright color options to get a clear view of the images on your sailing electronic device regardless of the weather conditions.

Marine Chartplotter Installation Tips

Here we will give you a step-by-step guide to installing a basic model navigating device .

• Choose the place where you will mount the Chartplotter and make sure it will fit. Sometimes this is a challenge, especially when you have to consider the protection of the device as well as the viewing angles.
• After deciding on the most appropriate place, drill the 4 holes for the mounting studs. You should make a hole in each corner to match the device’s chassis.
• Run the cables for the chart plotter before you actually position it.
• Then you have to reach in behind to fix the thumb nuts to secure the unit.
• Place the helm panel and after that turn on the device for testing.
• Insert the chart data card (if you have such), and your Chartplotter is ready to navigate.

Finally, do not forget to read the manufacturer’s installation guide for more specific details on your marine steering device .

Maintaining Your Marine Chartplotter

Any device needs proper care, and the same goes to chart plotters. And given the fact that you will use this device in any kind of weather conditions and in a variety of situations, you need to know how to keep it safe. So, here are some hot tips about maintaining your fishfinder .

Taking care of the visible parts is a must. And the screen is the most important here. Make sure that:

• You clean it with a soft cloth or a PC screen cleaner
• The back of the chart plotter is sealed against the pod; otherwise, the device will not be water-resistant.
• You do not use abrasive or solvent-based cleaners.

2. Software Updates

Updating your marine navigating device is essential because it can give you the latest information about the weather, currents, tides and many more. Make sure to call a technician or contact the manufacturer if any problems occur when the image is blurred on the screen, for example.

3. Replacing instruments

Sometimes you will need to make some changes to your Chartplotter device either due to upgrades or any troubleshooting features. In these situations, it is crucial to take into consideration the following tips.

• In case your display has been cracked, or your transducer is not working, and you have to replace them, remember to contact the same device’s manufacturers.
• If you cannot find a replacement for your Chartplotter model because your navigation system type is no longer in stores, then you still have some options.

A- If the part that you need is a stand-alone instrument and it is not connected to any network, then it is going to be easy as any piece can fit.

B- If the part is networked with others, then you will have to check whether your device is equipped with a standard NMEA output. Remember that your new instrument must use the same protocol to make it work but make sure you get some extra cables, just in case. Also, a data combiner will be a great idea since some NMEA protocols have a limit to the number of instruments.

Marine Chartplotter Safety Tips

Buying and installing your electronic navigation system is just the beginning of your sea adventures. But if you are not aware of the possible dangers or do not know how to work with your Chartplotter, then any voyage will turn into a nightmare. This is the reason why we have prepared some essential tips to ensure safe sailing.

• Navigation systems are essential, but they are made to assist you, so do not rely only on your Chartplotter. You really need to have some basic navigation knowledge and know your boat.
• If you are going to use a map that is on an SD card, make sure that the map is up-to-date. This way you will have the latest information about all the possible dangers that you may come across.
• It is vital to study and understand all the symbols that you will see on your device’s screen.
• When plotting your course remember to check what is standing between you and your destination because your Chartplotter will show you the shortest way but not the hazards you may come across.
• Make sure you plan your route carefully and understand where exactly you are going. You can get an excellent helper when looking at what is in front of your vessel in the far distance if you have binoculars. So, do not forget to check out our best marine binoculars  top picks and extensive buying guide to aid your navigation.
• Some models for marine sailing navigation will let you zoom in and out. Although this is a helpful feature, you really need to use the largest scale zoom possible so that no functions are lost during this option.

This is the end of our guide but surely the beginning of your safe sailing adventures. We hope that after reading everything written in our b est marine GPS Chartplotter guide, the only question you will have is “Where to?” And in case you still doubt which device to buy for your boat, make sure to read once again our marine GPS Chartplotter reviews .

Thank you for picking us to be your guide and feel free to comment and give us your feedback. And if this guide helped you with your choice, don’t forget to share it with your friends or online. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!

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How to choose the right electronics for your sailboat

Equipping your sailboat with the right electronics is crucial for a safe and enjoyable sailing adventure. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best options for your specific needs.

How to Choose the Right Electronics for Your Sailboat

Embarking on a sailing adventure with your family is an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, it’s essential to equip your sailboat with the right electronics. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the various types of electronics you may need for your sailboat, their functions, and how to choose the best options for your specific needs.

Table of Contents

Navigation systems, communication devices, weather monitoring, safety equipment, entertainment and connectivity, power management, final thoughts.

Navigating the open sea can be challenging, especially for those new to sailing. Modern technology has made it easier than ever to plot your course and stay on track. Here are some essential navigation electronics to consider for your sailboat:

GPS Chartplotter

A GPS chartplotter is a must-have for any sailboat. This device combines GPS data with electronic charts to display your boat’s position on a digital map. It helps you plan your route, monitor your progress, and avoid potential hazards such as shallow waters or submerged rocks.

When choosing a GPS chartplotter, consider the following factors:

• Screen size and resolution : A larger screen with high resolution will make it easier to read charts and navigate, especially in bright sunlight.
• Touchscreen vs. buttons : Touchscreen chartplotters are more intuitive and user-friendly, but buttons can be more reliable in wet conditions.
• Built-in vs. external GPS antenna : Built-in antennas are more convenient, but external antennas may provide better reception in some situations.
• Expandability : Some chartplotters can be connected to other devices, such as radar or AIS systems, for additional functionality.

An autopilot system can be a valuable addition to your sailboat, allowing you to maintain a steady course without constantly adjusting the helm. This can be particularly useful during long passages or when sailing in challenging conditions.

There are two main types of autopilot systems:

• Wheel or tiller pilots : These are simpler and more affordable systems that attach directly to your boat’s wheel or tiller. They are suitable for smaller boats and less demanding conditions.
• Below-deck autopilots : These systems are more powerful and reliable, with a separate control unit and drive unit installed below deck. They are suitable for larger boats and more challenging conditions.

When choosing an autopilot system, consider factors such as your boat’s size, the type of sailing you plan to do, and your budget.

Radar can be a valuable tool for navigating in low visibility conditions, such as fog or heavy rain. It uses radio waves to detect objects, such as other boats, buoys, or land, and displays their position on a screen.

When choosing a radar system, consider the following factors:

• Power output : Higher power output will provide better range and resolution, but may also consume more energy.
• Antenna size : Larger antennas will provide better resolution and range, but may be more challenging to install and require more space.
• Display options : Some radar systems can be integrated with your chartplotter, while others have a separate display.

Staying connected while at sea is essential for both safety and convenience. Here are some communication devices to consider for your sailboat:

A VHF radio is a crucial piece of equipment for any sailboat, allowing you to communicate with other boats, marinas, and emergency services. It is also required by law in many countries.

When choosing a VHF radio, consider the following factors:

• Fixed vs. handheld : Fixed VHF radios are more powerful and reliable, but handheld radios can be useful for dinghy trips or as a backup.
• DSC capability : Digital Selective Calling (DSC) allows you to send a distress signal with your boat’s position at the push of a button. This feature is highly recommended for safety reasons.
• AIS integration : Some VHF radios can be connected to an Automatic Identification System (AIS), which displays information about nearby boats on your chartplotter.

Satellite Phone

A satellite phone can be a valuable addition to your sailboat, allowing you to make calls and send messages from anywhere in the world. This can be particularly useful for emergencies or when sailing in remote areas.

When choosing a satellite phone, consider factors such as coverage, call quality, and data capabilities. Keep in mind that satellite phone service requires a subscription, which can be expensive.

Keeping an eye on the weather is essential for safe and enjoyable sailing. Here are some weather monitoring devices to consider for your sailboat:

Weather Station

A weather station can provide valuable information about the local conditions, such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and barometric pressure. This data can help you make informed decisions about your sailing plans and anticipate changes in the weather.

When choosing a weather station, consider factors such as accuracy, ease of installation, and compatibility with other devices, such as your chartplotter.

Weather Receiver

A weather receiver allows you to receive weather forecasts and alerts from official sources, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. This can be particularly useful when sailing in unfamiliar waters or during severe weather events.

When choosing a weather receiver, consider factors such as coverage, reception quality, and ease of use.

In addition to navigation and communication devices, there are several electronic safety devices that can enhance your sailboat’s safety:

An Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a valuable safety tool that allows you to see and be seen by other boats. It transmits and receives information about your boat’s position, speed, and course, as well as other nearby vessels, helping you avoid collisions and navigate crowded waters.

When choosing an AIS system, consider the following factors:

• Class A vs. Class B : Class A AIS systems are more powerful and feature-rich, but are also more expensive and typically used on commercial vessels. Class B AIS systems are more affordable and suitable for most recreational sailboats.
• Transponder vs. receiver : A transponder both transmits and receives AIS data, while a receiver only receives data. A transponder is recommended for enhanced safety and visibility.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a critical piece of safety equipment that can help rescue teams locate your boat in the event of an emergency. When activated, it sends a distress signal with your boat’s position to search and rescue services via satellite.

When choosing an EPIRB, consider factors such as battery life, ease of activation, and compatibility with the international Cospas-Sarsat system.

While not essential for safety or navigation, entertainment and connectivity devices can make your sailing experience more enjoyable and comfortable:

Marine Stereo

A marine stereo can provide music and entertainment while you’re sailing, helping to create a pleasant atmosphere on board. When choosing a marine stereo, consider factors such as sound quality, durability, and compatibility with your preferred music sources (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, or satellite radio).

Wi-Fi Booster

A Wi-Fi booster can help you stay connected to the internet while at sea, allowing you to access weather forecasts, communicate with friends and family, and stream entertainment. When choosing a Wi-Fi booster, consider factors such as range, compatibility with your devices, and ease of installation.

All of these electronic devices require power, so it’s essential to have a reliable and efficient power management system on your sailboat. This may include:

• Batteries : Choose high-quality marine batteries with sufficient capacity to power your electronics.
• Charging system : Ensure your boat’s alternator and/or solar panels can keep your batteries charged.
• Inverter : An inverter converts your boat’s DC power to AC power, allowing you to use household appliances and charge devices.

Equipping your sailboat with the right electronics is essential for a safe and enjoyable sailing adventure. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can choose the best navigation, communication, weather monitoring, safety, entertainment, and power management devices for your boat. Happy sailing!

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Best Marine GPS Chartplotters for Sailing of 2024

The days when sailors navigated with compass and sextant are long gone: modern marine electronics provide us with a range of information that explorers of the past couldn’t begin to imagine. Larger vessels are outfitted with networks integrating GPS, charts, radar, sonar, wind sensors, communication, emergency alerts and much more. Nowadays, even handheld units can handle any navigational problem short of plotting a course for Margaritaville or the Fountain of Youth. All of that capacity does create some confusion, and the range of options on the market can be daunting. We’ve simplified the choices with this guide to the best marine GPS chartplotters.

We’ve tried to keep the descriptions simple, but if CHIRP, WAAS, and NMEA 2000 aren’t part of your day to day vocabulary, you may want to skip to the bottom of the article and read the explanations first!

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the  Best Solar Panels for Sailboats . 

Quick Answer - The Best GPS Chartplotters for Sailing

• Garmin GPS 73 View at Amazon
• B&G Vulcan 7 View at Amazon
• Raymarine Axiom 7 View at Amazon
• Garmin GPSMap 8612XSV View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best GPS Chartplotters for Sailing

Reviews - Best Sailing GPS Chartplotters

Garmin gps 73.

• Type : Handheld
• Display : 2.6” B&W
• Sonar Transducer : Not Included
• Sailing Software : Garmin Sail Assist
• Networking : NMEA 0183, Bluetooth, USB
• Runs 18 hrs. On 2 AA Batteries
• High-Sensitivity Receiver Locks Satellites In Any Conditions

BEST HANDHELD

This one is not actually a chartplotter at all. We’re including it in the review because it has a solid array of sailing-specific features that make it a great choice for boats that are too small to host a console-mounted system or as a backup device for use if a larger vessel’s primary system fails or if you’re forced to abandon ship. 

The Garmin 73 is handheld, convenient, and easy to use. It doesn’t support the whole range of features included in Garmin’s SailAssist software, but it will give you tack assistance, virtual starting and heading lines, countdown timers, and arrival times based on sailing constraints. That’s a very tidy bundle in a very small package.

Garmin has a great deal of experience with hand-held marine devices, and the GPS73 reflects this. The back-lit buttons and high-contrast display are easy to use in very bright or limited light,  there’s a useful range of marine data built in, and you can store 1000 waypoints and 100 tracks for repeat navigation. Don’t expect the GPS73 to duplicate the functions of a full-sized chartplotter with an array of sensor inputs, but it does what it does well and reliably, and it is designed with wind-driven boaters in mind.

B&G Vulcan 7

• Type : Console Mounted
• Display : 7” Color
• Sailing Software : B&G SailSteer
• Networking : NMEA 2000
• Compatible With Forwardscan Sonar and B&G Autopilots
• Instrument Data Display
• Multiple Language Packs

BEST SAILING-SPECIFIC VALUE

B&G is the acknowledged industry leader in sailing-specific marine electronics, and was the first to bring a full range of sailing support features to a consumer-oriented electronics package. The Vulcan 7 continues this tradition, wrapping an impressive array of sailing-specific features into a compact, durable, and affordable chartplotter. 

The screen is bright and versatile, displaying all of your sailing and wind information with layline and tacking options overlaid on up-to-date navigational charts. It also offers race support features that get you to the start line at speed with the right heading at the right time. The system integrates with numerous accessories, notably B&G’s highly regarded autopilot systems, to give you a level of control you’d expect from a much more expensive system.

This one is all about sailing, so don’t expect a fish finder or other features more applicable to the motorized set. If you’re looking to upgrade your sailing game without spending a fortune, though, you won’t find a better choice than the Vulcan 7.

Raymarine Axiom 7

• Sonar Transducer : Included
• Sailing Software : Lighthouse 3
• Includes Surface And Trunnion Mounting Kits
• Quad Core Processor For Blazing Speed
• Coastal Coverage For USA and Canada Plus Over 20,000 Inland Waterways

BEST VERSATILE CHARTPLOTTER WITH THE MOST COVERAGE

Raymarine makes a wide range of multifunction chartplotters, from the entry-level Axion range through the Axiom Pro and elite-level Axiom XL range. All are powered by Raymarime’s Lighthouse 3 software and offer full compatibility with Raymarine’s exceptionally large range of sensors and input devices. Raymarine also offers extensive chart coverage straight out of the box: both US and Canadian coasts along with 20,000 lakes, rivers, and other inland waterways.

The Axiom 7 may not be as “sail-specific” as the B&G Vulcan 7, but that also leaves it arguably more versatile. For example, the Axiom 7 integrates a robust fish finder capability, a useful feature if you like to mix some fishing with your sailing.  It also includes the Raymarine CPT-100DVS transom-mounted sonar transducer, so if you want a minimalist package you can just add a wind sensor and go! If you want to add more, you won’t be held back: Raymarine can provide Quantum radar, CHIRP Sonar, FLIR thermal cameras, audio integration, instruments, cameras, and the Evolution autopilot. This unit provides most of the features that distinguish Raymarine’s higher-end models, at a budget friendly price point!

Garmin GPSMap 8612XSV

• Display : 12” Color
• CHIRP : Yes
• SmartMode Station Controls For One-Touch Information Access
• Superior Clarity And Sunlight Readability, Even With Polarized Sunglasses
• Preloaded US Coastal And Lake Maps

BEST HIGH PERFORMANCE CHARTPLOTTER

Garmin delivers a serious high-performance marine electronics hub with the 8612xsv. You get a full HD 12” display with wide viewing angles, great clarity, and full sunlight readability, pre-loaded with full US coastal and lake charts and offering full connectivity with a huge range of sensor inputs, including Garmin’s Panoptic LiveScope live scanning sonar, which gives one of the best underwater views on the market today. 

Garmin’s SailAssist feature provides the full spectrum of sail-specific information and pre-race guidance. You’ll have true and apparent wind angle, set and drift, true and apparent wind speed, and much more at your fingertips! Pair those features with Garmin’s ActiveCaptain app and link your boat seamlessly to your mobile device. If you’re a serious sailor and you’ve decided to commit to Garmin as your electronic systems provider, the 8612xvs is a natural starting point!

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A MARINE GPS CHARTPLOTTER

Let’s start with the basics. A GPS gives you coordinates, a Chartplotter gives you a visual position on a chart. All Chartplotters are GPS-based, but not all GPS units will plot charts! 

Chartplotters come preloaded with a range of charts, but if you sail in exotic areas, you may need to purchase additional charts. Major manufacturers supply their sail-oriented chartplotters with sailing-specific software packages that give you access to laylines, tacking points, wind trends, estimated arrival times based on speed and routes, and much more. 

Remember that your chartplotter is designed to process inputs from multiple sensors and will not be fully functional without these inputs. At a minimum this will mean a sonar transducer (included with some chartplotters) and a wind sensor, but there are dozens of other options. 

Most manufacturers recommend using their own instruments with their chartplotters, so your choice involves buying into a system , not just buying a chartplotter. Be sure to look at the range of available input devices and asses any input devices you may already own before selecting a chartplotter!

IT’S A SYSTEM

You’ve probably noticed this already, but when you choose a chartplotter, you’re choosing much more than just a chartplotter. The chartplotter is a hub linking a range of sensor inputs and communication devices. 

When you select a chartplotter you’re committing yourself to a range of other devices that will link to it, so before you buy, you’ll want to look closely not just at the chartplotter but also at the range of input devices you’ll be connecting to it. 

Fortunately all three of the major manufacturers of chartplotters offer comprehensive ranges of input devices, so you’ll have plenty of choice no matter which unit you select! If you already own wind, sonar, or radar equipment, your choice of chartplotters is likely to be directed by compatibility with your existing equipment, so be sure to take that into consideration. 

Many chartplotters are compatible with third-party instruments, but you’ll want to be sure. Your electronics are a bit like your crew: sailing is easier when they get along!

SOFTWARE MATTERS

B&G, Garmin, and Raymarine all offer software packages designed specifically for sailing. All of them offer a range of features designed for both cruising and racing, including layline plots that put a 21st-century twist on the eternal challenge of sailing efficiently to windward. 

All three major software systems are updated regularly and all provide similar basic functions. Cruising World offers a detailed discussion of choosing a chartplotter , but your choice is likely to be affected by personal preferences, and for most of us any of the three are likely to serve well. Certainly any of them will be a quantum leap forward from what sailors had available even a decade ago!

West Marine offers this detailed guide to selecting networked marine electronics . Practical Boat Owner offers a field test of the three major sailing assist programs ; it’s from 2015 and does not cover the latest upgrades, but gives a solid grounding on the approaches taken by the major manufacturers.

SPECS AND FEATURES EXPLAINED

NMEA is the National Marine Electronics Association. The group brought out the NMEA 0183 protocol in 1983 and introduced NMEA 2000 in 2000. These protocols enable all of a boat’s electronics to communicate with each other in a common language. NMEA 2000 is much faster, can handle much more data, and has better reliability and data sharing functions. Even NMEA 2000 is too slow to accommodate the complex images and data sets used modern equipment, so most manufacturers add ethernet protocols, which are often proprietary. There’s a more detailed explanation of NMEA here .

WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System, a satellite-based augmentation system available in Canada, the US and some other North American territories. WAAS systems give faster and more accurate readings than basic GPS can provide.

CHIRP stands for Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse. It’s a military sonar technology that has found its way into civilian use. The short story is that CHIRP sonar has a much greater ability to render accurate readings on the subsurface environment than conventional sonar. If you’d like the long story, West Marine tells you all about how CHIRP was developed here . You will need a CHIRP-equipped sonar transducer to exploit this capacity.

Laylines are the courses linking your tacking points, the routes you have to sail to make the best time headed upwind. Sail-specific chartplotters will display your layline options over chart data, allowing you to assess safety, speed, and ETA on different courses. They’ll also continually reassess your options as conditions change.

COMPATIBLE DEVICES

Your chartplotter is the hub of a network, and its functionality depends on the information you feed into it. Here are a few of the devices you’ll be able to link to your chartplotter.

Wind Sensors read the velocity and direction of the wind and feed this data into your chartplotter continuously. A wind sensor is a critical part of any sailing-specific marine electronics system.

Sonar Transducers look down or forward, and most boats will use both. Your chartplotter uses the sonar inputs to give you a picture of the underwater environment, which allows you to avoid reefs, shoals, and underwater obstacles. Many sonar units also have fish finding capabilities and most provide depth, speed, and water temperature data.

Radar Antennae give you a 360 degree picture of surface traffic and potential obstacles.

Cameras are typically installed in multiple locations around your boat and provide invaluable assistance for docking and other close maneuvering situations.

Autopilots link your boat’s steering system directly to your electronics net and allow both fully automated control and remote control from locations other than the helm.

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Best boat GPS: 6 handheld options for navigation at sea

We take a look at 6 of the best boat GPS options available right now, from handheld devices to tablet apps

‘Lost at Sea’ might be a great name for a video game, but in real life the prospect of losing one’s bearings on the ocean can be pretty scary indeed. Chartplotters can – and sometimes do – fail, (it’s happened to this writer), leaving you alone with a compass and, if you’ve prepared, a set of charts to guide you to a safe haven – assuming you know, or can remember, how to navigate manually, that is…

And that, in a nutshell, is why many mariners today choose not to leave port without a backup or secondary system aboard. Happily, reserve navigation aids no longer need to be big to be beautiful as now there’s a range of powerful pocket sized devices available which put GPS technology in the palm of your hand – literally.

What’s more, these devices come in a variety of forms and formats, such as purpose-built handheld boat GPS units, GPS-equipped VHF radios and smartphone/tablet-based app setups. Incidentally, just a note on those phones and tablets: If you’re planning to use one as your primary navigation tool, do bear in mind battery time is sure to be compromised by any power-hungry application.

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While handheld GPS systems are intended more to complement chartplotters rather than replace them, there are certain tasks where they leave fixed units standing. Consider, for example, overnighting at anchor. If the boat’s chartplotter is helm-mounted there’s a good chance the cabins will be out of earshot of its anchor-drag alarm.

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A handheld, however, can join you at bedtime and, should the need arise, will disturb your slumber with an alarm that will send you dashing up to the deck at the double to see what’s going on. And that alone could be a factor to persuade many boaters to consider investing in a handheld GPS system. Here’s our selection of six of the best boat GPS systems on offer today.

At a glance: Garmin GPSMAP86i – Best  boat GPS- Buy it now   Icom IC-M94DE – Best marine handheld VHF –  Buy it now Garmin GPSMAP 78 – Best boat GPS for all weather – Buy it now Standard Horizon HX890E – Best boat GPS for multiple routes –  Buy it now

Best boat GPS systems available right now

Garmin GPSMAP 86i

Specifications: Screen size – 3 inches, battery life – 200 hours, adjustable GPS filter

Reasons to buy: State-of-the-art, IPX7 waterproof rating, doubles up as a satellite phone

Reasons to avoid: Premium price, subscription required for satellite feature

Garmin dominates the purpose-built handheld boat GPS market and its GPSMAP 86i unit very much represents the state-of-the-art. Bristling with features, including a 3″ display which is bright enough to be readable in sunlight, the 86i has an IPX7 rating meaning it can withstand exposure to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes.

This boat GPS unit supports Garmin’s BlueChart g3 charts and is capable of streaming boat data from compatible plotters and instruments to place important information in your hand no matter where on the boat you happen to be. The 86i also doubles up as a satellite phone via the inReach network, for which a separate subscription is required.

Buy it now on Garmin.com

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Icom IC-M94DE handheld marine radio

Specifications: 1 Lithium Ion battery required, VHF tuner technology, noise cancellation

Reasons to buy: Full DSC functionality, built-in AIS receiver

Reasons to avoid: Limited navigation capabilities

Icom’s IC-M94DE VHF radio puts power in your hand in a number of ways. For in addition to GPS, it has full DSC functionality and is the world’s first marine handheld VHF to incorporate a built-in AIS receiver .

The GPS part of the package allows the user to store up to 50 waypoints. While the unit’s navigation capabilities are limited, what the M94DE can do is provide a much needed confidence boost for anyone who finds themselves at sea without an alternative nav system.

That’s because the radio’s navigation function guides the user to the selected waypoint and provides a reassuring beep once it has been reached, thereby confirming the boat’s position at sea.

Read our Icom IC-M94DE review

Buy it now on Amazon

Garmin GPSMAP 78

With its bright colour screen and IXP7 waterproof rating, Garmin’s GPSMAP 78 is a great handheld boat GPS choice. Ruggedly constructed with moulded rubber side grips, the unit feels good in the hand.

That said, should you manage to drop it in the briny, fear not – it floats. The GPSMAP 78 has a sensitive WAAS-enabled GPS receiver which locates its position quickly and efficiently once switched on.

It’s supplied with a worldwide basemap which can be added to by simply plugging in a pre-loaded Garmin BlueChart g2 map. And when you’ve finished having fun on the water, the boat GPS unit connects to your PC and the internet for a detailed analysis of the day’s action.

Reasons to buy: Rugged construction, IXP7 Waterproofing, Can plug into PC for statistics

Reasons to avoid: Additional maps are costly

Specifications: Battery life – 20 hours, barometric altimeter, 2 AA batteries required (included)

Standard Horizon HX890E VHF handheld marine radio

Similar in principle to the Icom M94DE, but costing considerably less (due to no AIS receiver) Standard Horizon’s GPS-equipped HX890DE VHF radio is capable of storing up to 250 waypoints.

Another factor well worth bearing in mind is that this radio does routes. Up to 30 waypoints can be tagged to create a passage, which can then be followed automatically or manually.

Setting all of this up can be somewhat burdensome, especially given the screen size is just 1.7″ square, but once programmed the routing functionality of the HX890E could well make the difference between a relaxed or stressful journey.

Reasons to buy: Up to 250 waypoints, has ability to set up routes

Reasons to avoid: Small screen, hard to set-up

Specifications: 66 channels, 1 battery required, water activated strobe light

Garmin GPS 73

The Garmin GPS 73 is an easy-to-use handheld navigator. The unit can mark and store up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks, making return navigation simple.

It also features SailAssist, which is designed to help the user sail more efficiently with a heading line and tack assist, which essentially lets you know when to tack.

Other in-built features include sunrise/sunset, estimated time of arrival and various marine data. The relatively low price point reflects the fact that the GPS 73 boat GPS comes with a monochromatic display. That said, the screen is high contrast and can be read in all lighting conditions. There’s also a built-in back light for operation after dark.

Reasons to buy: Ease of us, great price, SailAssist

Reasons to avoid: Small screen without colour

Specifications: 18 hours battery life, GPS 73, nautical map type

Navionics Boating App

Navionics is a Garmin brand, so the charts used by its Boating Marine and Lakes app will look familiar to existing Garmin plotter users. Compatible with both Android and Apple devices, this popular boating app can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store .

Once installed, maps are downloaded and stored on your device, allowing offline access at all times. As you would expect from anything to do with Garmin, the app has a multitude of features, including tracks, routing, dock-to-dock autorouting, tides and weather information and SonarChart, which provides high definition bathymetric mapping.

What’s more, Navionics’ charts are updated up to 5,000 times a day and the system embraces community edits to ensure valuable local information is kept up-to-date and relevant at all times.

Reasons to buy:  Compatible with Android and Apple, Garmin style features, updated 5,000 times a day

Reasons to avoid: Requires your own device, Subscription model

Download from Google Play

Download from the App Store

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

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The Different Types of Marine Navigation

There are a lot of different marine navigation methods, instruments, and systems to navigate the seas. In this article, I'll explain most of them, including the navigational instruments that are most used by sailors today.

What types of marine navigation are there? Celestial navigation, dead reckoning, inertial navigation, and electronic navigation. One can either determine location based on a previous location (dead reckoning), or based on some sort of object (star, landmark, or buoy). Some commonly-used tools are the compass, GPS, radar, and sextant.

That last one is a bit of a cliché, but my guess is that every sailor secretly wants to use a sextant (at least I do). Well, here's the good news: you should. Celestial navigation is old, but not outdated. And that goes for most methods. GPS is definitely better in many ways, like most modern solutions - like pizza delivery. But you still want to know how to make your own.

On this page:

What is marine navigation, locating your position, different techniques to get some lines, list of marine navigation equipment, bonus: ancient navigation tools, related questions.

Marine navigation is the use of navigation techniques to guide a (sail)boat from one point to the next.

All forms of navigation have four steps:

• you locate your position
• you determining a course
• you monitor the course

What is a navigation technique? A navigation technique is a way to determine the navigator's position and to set the desired course. There are different methods of locating your position, different plotting methods, and also different ways to determine your course. The system of locating, plotting, and setting a course is called a navigation method.

The most common navigation methods are satnav, dead reckoning, and radar navigation.

Dead reckoning

Celestial navigation.

• Inertial navigation
• Radio navigation
• Radar navigation
• Satellite navigation

Every method has advantages and disadvantages. For example, dead reckoning and radar can be used to determine your location based on just one point or object. But you need a lot of equipment. Celestial navigation is very reliable, but you need clear skies. Satellite navigation is very accurate, but you need a power source.

Celestial navigation is one of the oldest navigation methods. The navigator uses the celestial bodies to determine his location.

With Coastal navigation , the navigator uses the shape of landmarks along the coast, and the direction of the coastline.

With Inertial navigation , you use motion sensors to calculate your new position relative to the starting position. (This is a form of dead reckoning.)

Pilotage simply means fixing your position with a very high frequency and is used in harbors and restricted waters.

Radio navigation uses radio waves to measure the direction to a radio source. For this to work, you need radio towers all over the place. GPS is winning the battle for sure.

Radar navigation is mostly used to avoid collisions when you're close to land or other ships.

Satellite navigation is the most used form of navigation nowadays. This uses multiple satellites to pinpoint your location.

Experienced skippers always have multiple navigation methods at hand: and so should you.

You can use analog or electronic equipment to get your position and plot it. A lot of the electronic instruments are actually just modern replacements for the old tools: they pretty much do the same job (but faster and better). A chartplotter is just a GPS version of a compass, a chart and a ruler (okay, I agree, it's a bit more complicated).

Old methods are less accurate than GPS - but they are pretty darn close enough! Celestial navigation can be very accurate if you do it right. Old skool methods are a great backup (and also cool to learn). They're always available: during solar flares, outages - some even without equipment.

You can use all kinds of navigation systems. The most used on modern-day boats are:

• GPS receiver
• Chartplotter
• Radar and echo sounder
• Inertial navigator

You can determine your position based on your previous position, or you can look out and use pretty much any kind of landmark, celestial body, and so on, to pinpoint where you're at.

If you use objects, you can do two things with them: you can measure your distance from them. And you can measure the direction to an object. The direction to an object is called a bearing .

If you don't have a compass, you can still get a directional line. Find two charted objects that align (like some rock formations or two buoys). This is called a transit .

By plotting the bearing or transit on a chart, you know along which line you're moving.

Then, if you measure the distance from you to an object, you get a line of position (LOP). If you plot this on a chart, you get a circle or arc.

If you draw two LOPs, they will intersect. This point is called the fix . That's your position. If you plot two or more bearings, you also get a position fix. Want to be very accurate? Use a bearing and a transit.

It's as simple as that. All navigation equipment essentially do one of these two things. Find some lines, make them intersect.

So you need lines to know where you are. A navigation technique is simply the way you chose to get your lines.

Wikipedia here says that using lines of position is just one of the techniques, but I disagree. Satellite, radio, radar - all these methods use some sort of distance or directional lines to tell you where you are.

To get yourself some lines, there are plenty of old skool methods and modern ones as well.

• Compass bearings - you can use a compass to get a bearing, which is the most used way for many centuries now
• Terrestrial range - if you find that two charted points align, this gives you a directional line
• Radar range - measuring the distance and direction to an object, you only need one object to get your position accurately
• Observing celestial bodies - using a sextant you can get LOP from celestial bodies
• GPS uses 24 satellites (that's 24 LOPs) to pinpoint your exact location
• Echo sounder - not as accurate; can only confirm the boats known position
• Parallel indexing - uses echo to keep a safe distance from the shoreline, rocks, and so on
• Dead reckoning - using your previous location and speed and course to fix a new position
• Light dipping - using the height of a lighthouse to measure the distance from it.

Compass bearings

Getting a compass bearing is easy. You find a point on a chart you can see on the horizon, and you point your compass at it. Read the angle on the compass, and simply draw a line in that angle across the point of reference. The classic way is three compass bearing on three widespread objects.

For this method, you need a compass and a marine chart.

You don't have to go overboard when buying a good, reliable compass. It's pretty affordable. If you want to know what I use, read my article here . It's so good, I even have one in my car.

Not sure how to use a compass? Read the complete beginner's guide here .

Terrestrial range

If you don't have a compass, you can still find your direction by using two landmarks or objects. When two charted points align with your bowsprit, for example, two buoys, you can draw a line through them. Voila, you know your direction. This line is called a transit.

For this method, you need a marine chart.

Radar is different and pretty neat because it only needs one object to get a pretty accurate position. It can get the range and bearing from one object and plot it directly on the chart. So it's extremely useful if you navigate let's say a massive container ship in a crowded, tight port.

For celestial navigation, you need a couple of tools: a nautical almanac, a marine chronometer, and a sextant.

You first use the almanac and chronometer to pick a subpoint. That's the point where the planet or star is currently located above Earth. Then, you take the sextant to measure the angle between the celestial body and the horizon. This gives you the distance between you and the subpoint. Here's your first line of position. A neat circle around the location of a star.

Repeat this process a couple of times with different stars, until you get two or more lines that intersect, giving you the position fix. Also called 'the celestial fix' - which is a pretty rad name.

You need a sextant, chronometer, and almanac for this method.

The easiest and most accurate way to pinpoint a location is by using satellites. A GPS receiver calculates the distance from multiple satellites. This gives you some lines, that are now in the sky instead of on a map. Again, where the lines intersect is where you are.

GPS is extremely accurate and reliable. It can find you within half an inch, and will only fail if there's no power source, very heavy weather, solar flares, and so on. It will work perfectly most of the time.

However, there are some downsides. GPS only tells your current location. It doesn't show any maps, directions, and so on. In combination with electronic chartplotters, GPS is very powerful. This is what's in our cars, sailboats, phones and so on.

It also can't tell you which direction you're pointing towards. So you can't use it to measure bearings.

GPS is an American technology, and China, Russia, and Europe have their own variants, although they are not as widely supported.

You need at least a GPS receiver, plus a marine chart or a chartplotter.

Nowadays, you can get a reliable, easy-to-use chartplotter , made by a reputable brand, with all the functionalities of an advanced marine GPS, at a fraction of the price. Click here to read my recommendation .

• Echo Sounder

An echo sounder is a sonar that's used to determine the water depth. It uses sound waves and measures the delay of the reflections. This tells the distance to the bottom.

Echo sounding can be used to estimate a location but it's not very accurate. You also need some sort of bearing. Then check the chart and your current depth. Check at what point your depth and the bearing intersect.

You can use sounding by itself to estimate a location, but it's a bit tedious. You literally measure a lot of points and draw up your own depth chart. Then compare it to an existing chart to estimate your location.

For this method, you need a sonar device, fishfinder, or MFD (multi functional display).

Parallel indexing

If you're sailing in a port or bay, there are lots of other vessels and objects to avoid. So you want to stay on course accurately. To do this, you need to monitor your position very carefully. If you want to avoid to have to plot your position every minute, you could use parallel indexing to stay on course.

Parallel indexing is simple. Take a fixed object. Through it, draw a line that's parallel to your course. Then monitor the echo of the object on the radar. As long as it stays glued to the line, you're on course.

You need a radar for this method.

You can also measure the distance from your old position. For this, you need your course and speed. This is called dead reckoning . It's the same principle. Your old position is the 'object'. Your course is the angle (bearing), and your speed is the distance, giving you a line of position.

You need an inertial navigator for this method. (Or the old skool chronometer and chip log.)

Light dipping

This method isn't used a lot, but it can be handy. We check when the top of the lighthouse appears on the horizon. If we know the height of the lighthouse, and our eye height, you can calculate how far away we are. Using some algebra, involving the curvature of the Earth. Most navigational almanacs (including Reeds Nautical Almanac - Rising and Dipping distances ) contain some sort of a table that gives you the distance.

If you have the distance, that's a line of position. Then just point your compass at it for the bearing, and you have your fix.

You need a sextant and nautical almanac for this method.

• Gyro compass
• Magnetic compass
• Fluxgate compass
• Compass Deviation Card
• Automatic Tracking Aid
• Speed & Distance Log Device
• Electronic Charts and Chartplotters
• Weather Satellite Systems

What did early explorers use to navigate? The most common tools for ancient navigators were:

The astrolabe is an ancient navigation instrument that measures the inclined position of stars or planets. It can be used during day and night. It was used during the Middle Ages and literally means 'the one that catches the heavenly bodies'.

The back staff measures the altitude of the sun using its shadow. It was invented in the 16th century. Before that, navigators had to directly stare into the sun to measure its altitude. Which is not great for your sight in the long term. This instrument creates a projection using the sun's shadow. It's way better to look at that.

Sextant and Octant

The octant and sextant measure the angular distance between two visible objects. Usually, it's the distance between the horizon and the sun. Both tools are used for celestial navigation and work roughly the same.

The octant has a smaller angle than the sextant, and it couldn't be used to measure the angle between the sun and the moon, because the angle was too wide. That's when the sextant was invented.

A chip log is a wooden board attached to a line. This line has knots. The navigator throws the log overboard and counts the number of knots over a certain time. This gives him the ship's speed.

This is also where the word 'knots' (for nautical speed) comes from.

How did sailors navigate by the stars? If a navigator knows where a star is located above Earth, he can determine his distance from that particular subpoint. He needs a tool to measure the angle between the star and the horizon, like a sextant or astrolabe. Now he has a line of position. When repeated, he can triangulate his position (the celestial fix).

What types of navigation or other tools do sailors use today? Most sailors use multiple navigation methods. Most ships use some form of GPS, chartplotting, a compass, radar, and echo sounding (sonar). The primary navigation method depends on the situation. A compass is very suitable for open seas. In coastal waters or harbors, radar and sonar are typically used more often.

What tools did ancient navigators use? Ancient navigators used the following tools for fixing a location: astrolabe, back staff, octant, sextant, and compass. To determine their course and speed, they used a chip log, marine charts, and a chronometer (timekeeper). The Dutch used a pendulum clock instead

Photos courtesy of Joaquim Alves Gaspar - Using a Sextant - CC BY-SA 2.5

It’s a well arranged and organised work.

I found it interesting when you said that you would need to monitor your position very carefully to stay on course accurately. This reminds me of my father who owns boats and a yacht. He said that he wanted to keep them in a good condition so he won’t lose control while operating them. I could imagine how the use of epoxy grout could help him keep his marine equipment safe from any form of damages. http://techmargrout.com/marine

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You may also like, best marine gps chartplotter: my top pick for 2021.

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Best Marine Compass: Going the Right Way Cheaply

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

AIS vs radar: Do you really need both?

• Jonty Pearce
• April 6, 2020

AIS and chartplotters have come a long way in the last decade, but are they enough to replace radar? Jonty Pearce examines the latest technology

Radar is more expensive than AIS, but you may wish you'd taken the plunge when the visibility closes in amid busy waters

All of us are keen to avoid collisions and to be aware of what other vessels might be in the vicinity.

We all try to maintain a good watch, but looking out on a drizzly night can deter tired crew putting their ‘heads above the parapet’.

Then of course there is restricted visibility.

Anyone who has sailed in fog, particularly in busy waters, will know how nerve-wracking it can be.

You can track a target with MARPA to see if it presents a collision risk

We would all welcome any extra help in spotting other vessels and to make sure we are seen.

This is where electronic aids can be of use. AIS, radar target enhancers and radar each give an added layer of observation to the ‘Mk1 eyeball’.

While radar was once the only real option for blind navigation and collision avoidance, there is now a range of technology to help yachts wanting to see and be seen, but each of the options has its own strengths and limitations.

With decisions to make for fitting out my own boat, Aurial, a Southerly 105 ketch, I set about exploring my navigation options.

Radar (Radio Detection And Ranging), which really came of age in the Second World War, is perhaps the most established of the three.

Put simply, it sends out a signal and listens for an echo in order to plot the range and bearing of anything solid, like land or other vessels.

By tracking the changes of range and bearing relative to your vessel, and applying Rule 19 when navigating in fog, it is a hugely useful tool for collision avoidance, but historically it needed some skill to operate effectively.

It also worked well as a means of blind pilotage, allowing a course to be steered relative to land otherwise unseen.

Commercial shipping relies heavily on radar and AIS for collision avoidance. Making yourself as visible as possible on both systems is common sense

While GPS chartplotters have largely replaced this function, data provided by radar is not subject to datum shifts and gives a highly accurate picture of where your vessel is in relation to land.

It also has the benefit of revealing objects that are not charted or actively transmitting, including unmarked vessels, weather, and squalls.

More recently, radar technology has moved away from analogue magnetron systems to digital radar, which operates at a much lower power.

Manufacturers are constantly working to make their radars have lower power consumption, better image resolution and greater range.

The software that goes with them is also developing quickly, adding new functions and making it easier to interpret the key information from the radar display.

Without getting mired in proprietary names, the following are some of the key innovations.

Chart overlays and dual screen radar

If your radar is connected to your NMEA network and chartplotter it will be able to overlay the radar picture onto the electronic chart, helping you decipher the picture, as well as your AIS screen, so you can match up radar targets with AIS contacts.

The latest radars will also let you view your radar plot at two different scales simultaneously.

MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) allows you to manually select radar targets which are then automatically tracked, giving you information such as closest point of approach (CPA) and time to CPA (TCPA).

Much like the changing noise of a siren as it passes by, Doppler processing quickly detects if a target is moving towards you or going away and can then mark the target accordingly to identify risk of collision.

It doesn’t give you numerical data though.

Radar isn’t perfect, however.

The picture depends on the set being tuned properly to be as sensitive as possible, while editing out wave clutter and rain.

In doing so, it’s possible to lose sight of vessels with small radar signatures, such as yachts made of fibreglass.

The image also requires interpretation, and ‘radar assisted collisions’ have long been an issue.

Target enhancers

Radar target enhancers are much more simple pieces of equipment.

A powered antenna picks up when it is swept by the radar signal of another vessel, and sounds an audible alarm.

At the same time, it amplifies the signal returned to the source vessel, making a larger, more visible target appear on its radar screen.

The range at which you can pick up a signal depends on the height of the installation, but mounted on the mast, it can be more than 20 miles.

It does not, however, tell you where the source of the radar signal came from, or how far away it is, so you are then on alert for traditional watch-keeping skills.

In contrast to both of these systems, the Automatic Identification System, or AIS, works by vessels actively broadcasting their GPS positions, as well as a huge range of information such as vessel name, course, speed, appearance, and details about their cargo and route, over VHF radio frequencies and appearing on receiving vessels’ screens within range.

As with VHF radio, this is line of sight, and so limited to 20 miles or so.

This is a huge aid to collision avoidance, but also helps VTS services track and control shipping movements.

The system was established internationally in the 1990s for commercial shipping (Class A), so it is still relatively new technology, but has been rapidly adopted by the yachting community.

Sailors initially had access to receive-only sets but transmit and receive sets – transceivers – are becoming commonplace in the leisure market (Class B).

SOTDMA and AIS SART

New AIS technology is about improving the way in which your data is transmitted, and the latest development for the leisure market is Self-Organised Time Division Multiple Access (SOTDMA).

Rather than waiting for a free moment to jump in and transmit your data, SOTDMA allows your AIS unit to pre-book a slot in which to can transmit, so you don’t get crowded out.

For vessels that are moving quickly, rapid transmissions are key to maintaining an accurate picture of traffic.

An additional benefit of AIS was the arrival of AIS SART (search and rescue transponder) beacons, which indicate the position of a man overboard to AIS-equipped vessels in range.

The limitations of AIS, as I discovered on my own boat, is that I remained invisible on other vessels’ AIS screens, as did any other vessels not transmitting on AIS.

Transmitting your own AIS position can warn receiving vessels of your existence and give them the option to avoid you, as well as facilitating them calling you using DSC radio.

AIS SART beacons can pinpoint a man overboard to nearby vessels

This is all well and good for picking up commercial vessels that must carry AIS by law, but many smaller boats are either not equipped or prefer not to transmit their position.

The system is also reliant on the other vessels’ transmitted data being correct and up to date.

Nor can AIS show you the outline of land or navigation marks and is incapable of warning you of nearby squalls.

Many cruising yachts carry radar sets that are now ageing, and may speak a completely different language to modern instruments’ code of NMEA 0182 or NMEA 2000.

If you want to upgrade even a single part of your electronics, therefore, you risk making your radar set obsolete.

Faced with the choice, and the cost, do you do away with radar, keep your old one and add AIS, or update the lot?

I recently sailed across the Atlantic on a friend’s Beneteau 475 that had three alternative systems side by side: radar, AIS and, as a backup, an active radar target enhancer.

This proved an interesting test bed and made a good comparison to my own boat, Aurial , which is equipped with an AIS receiver only, to see precisely how much benefit radar adds.

What is clear is that a combination of AIS and radar gives you the best tools possible in every possible situation.

There are many who would argue that radar is still more useful for collision avoidance than AIS, and it certainly has a greater range of functions.

The final decision will depend primarily on your budget, but as with all things safety related, one close call in fog is often enough to persuade people to take the plunge for both AIS and radar.

On the west-to-east Atlantic crossing from Antigua to the Azores we had the benefit of a Raymarine RD418 combined with an E120 MFD.

While scanning we could see targets well over the horizon at up to 24 miles and were able to track them accurately at a distance of 12 miles; we could also set guard zones to alert us to other vessels’ positions.

The radar was handy for spotting and tracking squalls; several times we used it to take avoiding action for blobs of nasty weather shown on the screen.

AIS and radar can be just as useful for keeping watch crossing an ocean as in busy coastal waters

Our AIS should have been a boon, but a faulty aerial limited its range from what should have been 20 miles to less than two, but my AIS aboard Aurial allows me to identify and track craft well over the horizon when at sea as well as being useful to spot tanker and tug activity in the confines of Milford Haven.

We were also equipped with an Echomax Active-X radar target enhancer.

We found our unit had a range of at least 25 miles as it regularly picked up radar sweeps from large ships beyond our own radar range.

The option of activating AIS or radar tracking could then be reserved for occasions where more detail was warranted.

Mounting it lower down would, however, have given a more useful warning range when we would then be more able to assess the risk.

Jonty Pearce is a lifelong cruising yachtsman and retired GP. He keeps his Southerly 105 in Milford Haven

Few small cruising yachts enjoy the reserves of battery power required to support a continuously transmitting radar.

Our radar and MFD drew over 5.8A on transmit – 160Ah in 24 hours was just not practical given our battery bank and power generation capacity.

If you are going to use radar as a lookout, you need to be confident that its power draw, combined with the other instruments you are running, can be supported by your battery capacity, and that you have sufficient power generation available to recharge the batteries.

By comparison, AIS units sip power far more gently, though this will also depend on the interface with which you use them.

Frugal sailors could install a Radar Target Enhancer.

Their tiny current draw means that they can be left on day and night, though they are less useful for collision avoidance.

6 Best Marine GPS – Improve Your Water Navigation Accuracy!

If you are searching for a marine GPS, then you’re obviously someone who either already enjoys getting out on the water during your free time or who is seriously considering it – so you’re already on the right track! Choosing the best marine GPS can seem like a tricky business, no matter if you’re a seasoned old sea hand or a complete novice when it comes to sailing or motor watercraft, but don’t fear, we are looking to provide some help here.

All sorts of people can benefit from owning a great marine GPS. Whether you make your living out at sea or you’re a serious amateur fisherman, you could be an occasional weekend sailor or an experienced and die-hard yachtsman. No matter what your specific preference for watercraft, and however you like to take to the waves, a great marine GPS will help you be safer because it will significantly improve your water navigation accuracy and make for good sailing or motorboat safety. We compiled a list of top 6 picks, and the Garmin GPSMAP 64st deserved to be our Editor’s Choice.

• Quick Summary
• Editor's Choice: Garmin GPSMAP 64st "This pocket-sized marine GPS device with sun glare protection is widely loved among seamen. Working on traditional or rechargeable batteries, it will guide you all the way through with TOPO maps."
• Best Display: Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 "If you prefer sailing on sunny days, then you want to get rid of the glare on your screen. This fish finder with GPS can deal with that problem and give you the ability to add waypoints and follow your trails."
• Best Portable Unit: Garmin GPSMAP 78sc "This compact marine GPS with inbuilt compass, barometric altimeter and many other features is an amazing choice for any boater. Also, it has IPX7 waterproof rating and floats on the water surface."
• Easiest to Use: Simrad GO9 XSE "With this marine GPS, even the novice sailors will never lose the route. Ideal choice for its ease of use, smooth interface, fish finding feature and safe navigation."
• Best Design: Raymarine Axiom 9 "With the 9 inch screen of this marine GPS, it is easy to track your seaway. The design of this device can perfectly match your boat console without any loss in functionality."
• Best Fish Finder with GPS: Lowrance HOOK2 9 with TripleShot Transducer and US Inland Lake Maps "Amazing multi-purpose device for fishermen and sailors because of its sonar system and advanced mapping. It provides a gb simple menu and fast mounting time for every sailor."

Top 6 Marine GPS Review 2024

Garmin GPSMAP 64st

• Type: handheld
• Display size: 2.6″
• Chart options: TOPO U.S.100K
• MicroSD slot: yes
• Wireless connection: Bluetooth
• Weight: 8.1 oz

More features: dual battery system (2 AA traditional batteries or rechargeable NiMH, Lithium), high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS, 8 GB of internal memory, Garmin Connect, 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter, VIRB camera control, heart rate monitor, temperature sensor, speed/cadence

The Garmin GPSMAP 64st with TOPO U.S. 100K maps is a lovely handheld marine rated GPS unit that will have many buyers reaching for their wallets. This tiny device offers great functions to many users who want a magnificent all-round navigator. It has excellent topography capabilities in a small and very portable package.

The display on the Garmin GPSMAP 64st with TOPO is manufactured to be Sunlight-Readable -which is going to be a massive help where water glare occurs on sunny days. Screen size here is 2.6-inch, and this is a full-color display. Garmin claims a battery life of sixteen hours, but it’s going to depend on how actively you use this device.

The Garmin GPSMAP 64st with TOPO is IPX7 rated for water ingress, so you’ll have no problems with functionality in even the roughest of conditions.

Memory internal to this device is a whopping 8GB for its size and weight.

Depending on your initial budget, you can use the Garmin GPSMAP 64st with TOPO with either a rechargeable battery pack or two standard AA batteries.

This device is fully wireless-enabled. It features a compass, barometer, temperature sensor, and even an altimeter.

• Wireless connectivity
• Small and portable
• Great battery life
• Slow download speeds
• Poor battery life
• Our 2 pick for the: best handheld gps

Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2

• Type: fixed mount (can be transformed into portable fish finder)
• Display size: 5″
• Chart options: built-in UniMap, compatible with Hummingbird Lake Master charts, including Auto Chart; Navionics+; Gold/Hot Maps
• Wireless connection: no
• Weight: 4.1 lbs

More features: Dual Beam PLUS sonar, multi-range CHIRP, depth, speed, temperature monitoring, international languages

The Hummingbird HELIX 5 is exactly the sort of marine navigation equipment that many people are looking for. This package caters for a broad range of boaters and fishers, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a popular choice.

This GPS device features 480 X 800 5-inch WVGA display, and that has marvelous clarity in any lighting conditions you’re likely to encounter out on the water.

You get excellent imaging with this unit – and that means both to the sides of your craft as well as down to the bottom, via the powerful Fire Sonar capability. The GPS mapping ability of the Hummingbird HELIX 5 is convenient and easy to use, so you’ll have no trouble getting all of that fresh fish back to the harbor in time for dinner.

Precise Internal GPS Chart plotting with built-in UniMap cartography and the ability to save waypoints puts this unit out in front of many of its competitors, whilst you also get compatibility with Hummingbird Lake Master charts.

There is a water surface temperature gauge built into the transducer, and this unit has a very solid-looking construction. All in all, the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 is going to turn a lot of head and make it onto a lot of boats.

• Rugged construction
• 5-inch display
• Excellent sonar
• Great transducer
• Water resistance level is low
• Poor customer support
• Our 1 pick for the: best hummingbird fish finder
• Our 3 pick for the: best fish finder under 500

Garmin GPSMAP 78sc

• Chart options: Built-in BlueChart g2 U.S./Bahamas coastal chart
• Wireless connection: ANT+
• Weight: 7.7 oz

More features: IPX7 waterproof rating, 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter for heading/altitude/weather, dual battery system (2 AA traditional batteries or rechargeable NiMH, Lithium)

The Garmin GPSMAP 78sc appeared in this list because it is an excellent option for portability and comes in a very nice lightweight package.

What you get here is a reliable Garmin GPS that comes full of preloaded coastal charts covering the whole of the mainland United States, and also includes Alaska, Hawaii and Explorer Chart data for the Bahamas. That isn’t a bad plus for this unit, and it is simple to operate. Furthermore, do not forget about its low price, which is quite important for the average American fisher or boating enthusiast.

The Garmins GPSMAP 78sc has a basic 2.6-inch (measured diagonally) display – so don’t expect anything too large and if you’re short-sighted, keep your glasses handy. If you do manage to drop the Garmin overboard, it will float – which is a great touch.

There’s a Micro SD slot for additional maps, and 1.7 GB of internal memory. For its small size, it is enough to do the job for you. The Garmin also has wireless capability, and the manufacturer claims twenty hours of battery life.

All in all, his is an excellent option by Garmin on this list due to its compact design and portability.

• Perfect portable option
• Not very sturdy construction
• Small screen
• Our 1 pick for the: best handheld gps

Simrad GO9 XSE

• Type: fixed mount
• Display size: 9″
• Chart options: C-MAP Pro, compatible with Navionics+
• MicroSD slot: Dual microSD
• Wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• Weight: 6 lbs

More features: fast10 Hz GPS receiver, can be combined with Simrad radar, compatible with Active Imaging, TotalScan and HDI Skimmer transducers, mobile device connection, simple to use multi-touch touchscreen, works with the WM-3 SiriusXM satellite weather module (North America only)

The Simrad GO9 XSE is a marine GPS that is packed with the features and capabilities you will need to stay safe out on the water, and it’s going to be an excellent choice for many people.

The interface of the Simrad GO9 XSE is what first catches your attention. This thing is so smooth to use and navigating its menus and features makes navigating your waterway of choice an absolute breeze. The Simrad GPS is a full chart plotter device and is widely supported by chart developers – which makes things easy.

The Simrad GO9 XSE has 10 Hz receiver, which means you’ll never be behind the times while on the move. You get sonar for assessing and safely navigating marine structures and full wireless connectivity built-in. For storing all of that map data, the Simrad GO9 XSE offers twin Micro SD slots. All in all, this dual-mountable marine navigation system provides everything you’ll need to stay safe while you sail.

• 10 Hz refresh rate
• Built-in sonar
• Twin SD slots
• Widely supported
• Easy to use interface
• Transducer for fish-finding not included

Raymarine Axiom 9

• Chart options: LightHouse Raster and Vector Charts, Navionics+,
• Weight: 4.5 lbs

More features: includes RV-100 transducer, multi-touch touchscreen,

IPX6 / IPX7 waterproof rating, compatible with FLIR M132 and M232 thermal night vision cameras, built-in Real Vision 3D Sonar

The Raymarine Axiom 9 is a curious little marine GPS unit because it has a heck of a lot going for it, yet lets itself down in some key areas. As a marine GPS unit, the Axiom 9 functions well. For that reason, the Raymarine effort makes the top three places on our list.

The Axiom 9 has a handy nine-inch screen that displays well, and the touch capabilities make using this system a breeze. There’s a quad-core processor inside, so this machine is no slouch, you’re also fully wirelessly enabled and open to both vector and raster charts.

All in all, as a pure navigational tool, go and buy one. However, if you want to use the so-called 3D™ sonar system, you must be aware that people reported some difficulties with it. So it is essential to check the whole system working if you want to get decent marine GPS navigator.

• Good navigation capabilities
• 9-inch touchscreen
• Sonar may have some issues

Lowrance HOOK2 9 with TripleShot Transducer and US Inland Lake Maps

• Chart options: C-MAP 4,000 US Lake Map installed, compatible with Navionics+
• Weight: 5.7 lbs

More features: includes TripleShot Transducer, easy set-up, works as fish finder with wide-angle CHIRP sonar

The Lowrance HOOK2 9 is primarily a perfect fish finder that has excellent navigation functionality too. You get a pretty refined version of automatically tuning sonar on this device, and you don’t need to shell out extra cash for a transducer. The device will suit many occasional boaters and fishermen because it combines menus which feel very mobile phone-like with advanced technology to make using it fun and easy.

The HOOK2 9 uses a wide-angle sonar cone to deliver crystal clear representations of what’s below and around the boat. Fishermen will love that because it provides a vast coverage area when scanning for fish.

Moreover, the option to plot and add waypoints means you can follow your trails, save your best fishing spots and get straight back to your favorite places the next time you get out. The HOOK2 9 is a trendy device for navigation because it’s compatible with popular maps, such as Navionics+. That makes it a great choice if you simply want to get navigating straight away and you want a wide range of map options.

Setting up the HOOK2 9 is easy – there are none of the intricacies of installation that are found with more complicated models, and you’ll get the full functionality in no time.

• Amazing fish-finding ability
• Easy transducer set-up
• Advanced mapping and chart options
• No wireless connection
• Things to Consider

We know that there are many different types of marine GPS devices out there on the market. Whether or not you’re new to the business of attempting to buy a marine GPS, you’ll find some useful information in the following guide, that’s created to make the buying process easier for you. Whatever your needs – you may be looking for the best portable marine GPS, or you might have more significant ideas – this guide will help.

Choosing the best marine GPS

As with so many things that you will get during the course of your life, buying the best marine GPS for you will depend on several factors. That is always true, whether or not a purchase is connected with our work or with our leisure time, and with the activities, we get involved with in order to relax and have some fun.

The marine GPS crosses the line of leisure and work. It’s one of those devices used by professional seafarers and hobbyist sailors alike. What your choice will partly boil down to is the fact that the item will form part of your overall strategy for safety out there on the water, and significantly improve your chances of getting on and off the water without an accident. This is an essential piece of equipment on any vessel, and it is wise to make choices based on your planned activities and the requirements connected with that.

• Type of the marine GPS chart plotter

Chart plotters can be divided into two categories: handheld and fixed mount marine GPS units.

Handheld devices are small and portable. They are easy to carry it with you and take it to any vessel. However, the functionality may be limited, as well as the memory of the device.

Fixed-mount marine GPS models offer you a variety of settings and chart options but you must keep in mind that they are less water resistant and not portable at all, compared to handheld models.

• Display size and visibility

From mobile phone-sized GPS navigation systems to fully integrated, sophisticated instrumentation versions of chart plotters with overlaid sonar and echolocation ability – there are many shapes and sizes when it comes to marine GPS devices.

The larger the display you go for, the less tiring it will be to use, and the easier it will be to get at-a-glance feedback from your device during busier moments at sea. As with most devices, the bigger the display, the more convenient it is.

• Chart options

Charts for chart plotters are available to download, and as with most things on the World Wide Web, there are both free to use and paid versions. The particular charts you require will depend on whether it is compatible with your specific marine GPS device or not, and how you want to use it. Chart quality is important, and some charts feature more reliable information as well as an increased number of features.

You’ll need to update your charts frequently to ensure that you have all of the latest information available. With GPS navigation systems for marine use, this is usually done manually, and because the memory on most marine GPS systems tends to be lower than your average laptop, you’ll often need to do it by using a computer and a USB storage device.

• Reliability

Reliability is always a key concern for boaters and fishermen and today’s GPS devices provide great peace of mind when the weather turns, visibility becomes limited, and you will need to be sure that you’re heading in the right direction.

Today’s marine GPS devices are also easy to use and make and maintain good GPS connections in all conditions. Plotting your route couldn’t be simpler than with a modern GPS, and maps which show great details making the setting of your course a breeze.

In terms of essential equipment, every single boat or watercraft should have a marine GPS on board. Not only do they make boating or fishing more fun, but they’re also a sure-fire way to stay safe.

• Multi-purpose usage

When you’re choosing your own marine GPS device, your decision will largely be influenced by different factors. First of all, the type and size of your craft are going to be points worth considering. What navigational and sensory abilities do you want to have from your own boat or watercraft? How big is your own craft? Where do you need to navigate, and what determines the safety?

The GPS device you will need for a twenty-foot boat that you launch from a boat ramp straight off of a trailer is going to be a completely different from the unit for a larger fishing boat that runs in and out of a tight harbor regularly.

On smaller boats, much of your maneuvering will be accomplished visually, but you’ll still need a degree of capability to navigate. On larger pleasure or commercial crafts, you may need some echolocation and sonar ability to go through shallower depths and tighter spaces successfully. Luckily, there’s a marine GPS system for every sailor and watercraft. Commercial fishing boats and even the more serious of amateur or hobbyist fishers out there may want to kit their boat out with the ability to use sonar-based and echolocation systems to find fish. Nowadays, this is possible with relatively small devices on the smallest of boats – whereas, in the past, this was sophisticated technology only found on large commercial fishing trawlers.

• Extra navigation features

If you’re lucky, your new marine GPS device will come with all the bells and whistles. On higher-end and better equipped marine GPS versions, it’s possible to find features such as an electronic compass, a built-in barometer for monitoring weather conditions, and even equipment like thermometers – which can be a real help when you need to know which way the weather is heading or if there’s a storm approaching. Using a barometer and thermometer in tandem when you’re out on the water can be the difference between getting back to harbor before front catches you up, or getting back to harbor wet!

• Price range

As with all devices that incorporate sensitive and advanced electronic components and technology, great marine GPS will not come for cheap. It’s important to be realistic when you’re looking around to buy your own marine GPS, and it is certainly true that of all of the items of equipment you will choose for your watercraft, a good quality GPS should be very high up the list.

In the modern-day, we no longer need to navigate by the stars, so you really should try to buy as many of the features a GPS offers as possible. Whatever their cost in dollars, these devices are priceless out on the water, but the more features you require, the more you will pay. You’ll find a great range of prices on our list of the six best marine GPS devices – ranging from $230 to $1500 – there’s a device for all budgets.

While it’s certainly possible to get hold of a very usable marine GPS – that absolutely will do a job for you when you’re out on your boat – prices vary across a wide range when it comes to advanced electronics. The best advice is probably to direct your search based on the features you are going to need. It’s also always a great idea to buy the best device you can afford within your budget. When it comes to choosing a marine GPS, it’s also justified to add that you should budget as much as possible – because these devices are largely about safety when you’re out there enjoying a marine environment.

• What is the difference between vector and raster charts?
• Why can’t I use car GPS navigators instead of marine GPS chart plotters on my boat?
• How do I read nautical chart symbols?

So, we’ve looked at the best marine GPS navigators out there and found some great examples for you to choose from. We’ve also delved into the features and options you can expect to encounter when you’re looking for your own device. The top spot on our list went to the very excellent Garmin GPSMAP 64st with TOPO U.S. 100K maps . These devices are high-tech, and the Garmin GPSMAP 64st with TOPO U.S. 100K maps can’t disappoint you at all.

In second place on our list of the best marine GPS devices was the Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 . If you prefer sailing on sunny days, then you want to get rid of the glare on your screen. This fish finder with GPS can deal with that problem and give you the ability to add waypoints and follow your trails.

The marine GPS device sitting in third place on our rundown of the best marine GPS navigators was the brilliant Garmin GPSMAP 78sc . This compact marine GPS with inbuilt compass, barometric altimeter and many other features is an amazing choice for any boater. Also, it has IPX7 waterproof rating and floats on the water surface.

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7 Best Sailboat Autopilot Systems

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Essential in increasing efficiency, safety, and convenience, marine autopilots are a sailor's best friend when out there on the water. A properly operating sailboat autopilot will keep your sailboat on a selected course even in strong currents and winds and that why you need to go for the best sailboat autopilot.

Steering a sailboat is always fun. And even though many sailors are so good at it, some circumstances can make steering a boat on a straight line or the right course almost impossible. The tides, winds, and the complex hull-bottom designs can throw your sailboat off route and the adjustments that you have to make to return to course can be your voyage killers. Even if you have a crew that regularly sails with you, having an autopilot can help you stay on course and that's exactly why you need the best sailboat autopilot.

In the simplest term possible, an autopilot is an extra pair of hands that can help you in steering your sailboat on the right course. It is a self-steering device for powerboats or sailboats and even the most basic autopilot can help in holding your vessel on a pre-set compass course. Some advanced autopilots can even gather data from your boat and determine whether or not the boat is capable of handling the task in hand.

So whether you have a mechanically-steered boat or a tiller-steered sailboat, an autopilot is of great importance for both you and your boat. And it doesn't matter whether you want to explore your nearest lake for a day or want to sail to the Caribbean on your sailboat, it will make your job a lot easier, efficient, and safer. This is why we've put together this article to help you find the best sailboat autopilot. Read on and find which is best for you and your sailboat.

Table of contents

How to Choose the Best Sailboat Autopilot for Your Vessel

When it comes to choosing the best sailboat autopilot for your vessel, the easiest thing to do would be to go for an autopilot that can steer your sailboat in calm seas. However, this is not advisable since you want an autopilot that works perfectly under very demanding sea conditions. With that in mind, here are the most important things to consider when looking at the best sailboat autopilot for you. 

Speed of Helm Adjustment

The best way to measure the speed on an autopilot that's appropriate for your boat is by looking at the number of degrees per second of helm correction. As such a 40-feet boat requires 10 degrees per second, a 25-feet boat requires 15 degrees per second, and a 70-feet boat requires 5 degrees per second. 

An above-deck or below-deck Autopilot

Do you want an autopilot that's designed to be used above the deck or below the deck? Well, the most important thing is to choose an autopilot that matches the displacement of your boat. More importantly, above-deck autopilots are ideal if you have a smaller boat while below-deck autopilot is ideal if you have a larger boat.

The Steering System

What type of steering system does your boat have? It's important to understand whether your boat has rotary drives, linear drive, or hydraulic drives. 

Control Interfaces

You should choose what's perfect for you as far as the control interface is concerned because this is one of the most crucial parts of an autopilot. The best features to consider include ease of use, waterproof, intuitive display, backlit options, and compatibility with SimNet, SeaTalk, and NMEA 2000.

7 Best Sailboat Autopilots

Here are the 7 best sailboat autopilots.

Raymarine ST1000 Plus Tiller Pilot

(Best for Tiller-steered Sailboats)

The Raymarine ST100 Plus Tiller Pilot is a classic tiller pilot that's one of the best accessories for your sailboat and your everyday sailing escapades. It's designed in such a way that it can accept NMEA data while still offering accurate navigation thanks to its incredibly intelligent software.

This autopilot is designed with a backlit LCD to help you see your navigational data, locked course, and other important information that can make your sailing safer and much better. The fact that the backlit LCD works perfectly in low-light conditions is an added plus.

That's not all; the ST1000 comes with an AutoTack feature that works like an extra hand when you're engaged in other responsibilities. For example, it can tack the sailboat for you when you adjust the sails. Better still, this autopilot is fully-fitted with everything that you need to install it on your sailboat and use it.

• ‍ It's easy to use thanks to the simple six-button keypad
• It's perfect when sailing in the calm sea as well as in stormy conditions
• It is waterproof so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged
• Its intelligent software minimizes battery usage thereby prolonging its battery life
• Perfect for tiller-steered sailboats
• ‍ The 2-year warranty could be improved
• It's a bit heavier

Garmin Ghc 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control

(Best for Night Sailing)

If you're planning to go on a voyage, chances are you'll find yourself sailing overnight. With that in mind, you should go for an autopilot that works perfectly both during the day and at night. The Garmin Ghc 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control is your best sailboat autopilot for these types of adventure.

This amazing autopilot is designed with a 4-inch display that can improve your nighttime readability. This display is glass-bonded and comes with an anti-glare lens that is essential in preventing fog and glare in sunny conditions. This is crucial in helping you maintain control in all conditions, both during the day and at night.

This autopilot also provides a 170-degree viewing angle. This is essential in viewing the display at almost any angle. So whether you're adjusting the sails up on the deck or grabbing an extra sheet below the deck, you can be able to look at the display and see what's going on. So whether a sailing vessel or a powerboat, this autopilot is easy to use thanks to its five-button control. 

• ‍ The five-button control makes it easy to use
• Comes with a bright 4-inch display
• The display works in all conditions thanks to its glass-bonded, anti-glare lens
• The display offers optimal view both during the day and at night
• It's compatible with other Garmin products
• ‍ Only good for sailboat under 40 feet in length
• The battery life should be improved

Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot

(Best for 32-feet or less Sailboat)

For many lone sailors, going with a sailboat that measures 32-feet or less in length is always ideal. Under such scenarios, it's always best to go with a sailboat autopilot that's perfect for such types of boats, and the Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot can be a superb option for you. This autopilot is so perfect as it brings to the table a combination of advanced technological software and simplicity.

Its five-button display makes it user-friendly, easy to use, and perfect in controlling your sailboat accordingly. This autopilot has a low-power draw, which means that your battery will last longer even when used for prolonged periods. This is an excellent autopilot that's designed with the sailor in mind as it goes about its business quietly so that you can enjoy your sailing adventures without noise and interruption from a humming autopilot.

• ‍ One of the quietest sailboat autopilots
• The battery life is excellent
• It's designed with one of the most advanced software
• It's waterproof to protect it from spray and elements
• It offers precision steering and reading in all types of weather conditions
• It's easy to use and control
• ‍ Not ideal for big boats

Raymarine M81131 12 Volt Type 2 Autopilot Linear Drive

(Best for Seasonal Cruising)

For those of us who love cruising during winter when other sailors are drinking hot coffee from the comfort of their abodes, the Raymarine M81131 is the right sailboat autopilot for you. Well, this autopilot can be an ideal option if your sailboat is large enough to have a full motor system.

This autopilot is one of the most powerful in the marine industry and has an incredible electromagnetic fail-safe clutch. This autopilot is also compatible with other devices such as NMEA 2000 ABD SeaTalk navigation data. In terms of precision navigation, this autopilot will never disappoint you in any weather condition.

So whether you're looking to go ice-fishing or sailing the oceans during winter, this is your go-to autopilot.

• ‍ Offers optimal sailing experience and navigation precision
• It's very quiet
• It offers high performance with minimal battery usage
• It's great for adverse winter conditions 
• ‍ It's expensive

Furuno Navpilot 711C Autopilot System

(Best for Accuracy)

If you're looking for the best sailboat autopilot that will take your navigation to the next level in terms of accuracy, look no further than the Furuno Navpilot 711C. This is an autopilot that enhances your boat's precision as far as staying on course is concerned. This is because the autopilot is designed with a self-learning software program that offers step by step calculations of your navigation and course.

This autopilot also offers real-time dynamic adjustments so that you can steer your sailboat more accurately. Thanks to this self-learning algorithm also offers great power application that significantly reduces the manual helm effort when maneuvering various situations. Its colored graphic display is of great benefit as you can easily read the information even in low-light conditions. So it doesn't matter whether you're sailing at night or during the day, this autopilot will serve you right in any condition. 

• ‍ It's great for power and fuel efficiency
• The display is intuitive
• It's easy to set up and use
• Its power assist is essential in reducing steering system complexity
• Great for both outboard and inboard motors
• ‍ Quite expensive

Si-Tex SP120 Autopilot with Virtual Feedback

(The Most Affordable Autopilot)

If you're on a budget and looking for one of the most affordable yet reliable sailboat autopilots, look no further than the Si-Tex SP120 Autopilot. This is a perfect high-performance sailboat autopilot that can be great for small to medium-sized powerboats and sailboats.

One of the most important features that this autopilot brings to the table is the ability to offer virtual feedback. This is great in eliminating the manual rudder feedback and thereby enhances your sailboat's performance. Its splash-proof 4.3-inch LCD offers one of the best transflective displays in the marine industry. The 4-button operation makes it a lot easier to use and provides the information you need to steer your sailboat safely and perfectly.

This autopilot can be great for you if you have a small or medium-sized sailboat thanks to its ease of use. The fact that it's one of the most affordable sailboat autopilots makes it highly popular with sailors who are on a budget.

• ‍ It's simple to install and use
• The virtual feedback is great
• The display is one of the best in the game
• It's quite affordable
• ‍ It's not ideal for big boats

Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot

(Best for Outboard Motor Boats)

If you have a motorboat that has a single-engine outboard, The Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot can be an ideal option. This is a great autopilot that mitigates heading error and unnecessary rudder movement while offering more flexible mounting, which is essential in offering a more comfortable sailing even in the roughest of weather conditions.

This autopilot can be easily fine-tuned thanks to its throttle settings with a touch of a button. Of course, this can be useful especially when the seas are rough and you're trying to remain on course. This autopilot is also waterproof to ensure that it doesn't get damaged with spray or other elements.

With this autopilot, you're guaranteed to enjoy an awesome sailing trip even when going against the wind or when sailing in rough conditions. 

• ‍ Easy to install and use
• It's waterproof
• It's beautifully designed
• It comes with a floating handheld remote control
• It's great for maintaining heading hold and route.
• ‍ It's only ideal for motorboats with up to 20 horsepower
• It's relatively expensive

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing an ideal sailboat autopilot for you. The best thing about the above-described sailboat autopilots is that they're among the best and you can find one that perfectly suits your unique needs and boats. Of course, most of them are quite expensive but they will advance the way you sail and make your sailing adventures even more enjoyable. We hope that you'll find the perfect sailboat autopilot for you.

Until next time, happy sailing!

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Modern Sailboat Navigation Stations

• By Tim Murphy
• Updated: November 8, 2018

Once upon a time, every seagoing sailboat had a broad table in the saloon with sightlines to the helm, plenty large enough to spread out a big NOAA chart folded in half. Of course, that meant your boat couldn’t offer other things, particularly if it was smaller than 40 feet. Queen-size berths and separate shower stalls? Not likely.

But the times and designs have changed. Cruising World ‘s Boat of the Year judges examined roughly two dozen new sailboats in October 2017, and in so doing, we marked the ways today’s builders either hewed to tradition or ­innovated with their boats’ navigation stations.

The Traditionalists

Big chart tables aren’t entirely gone. Six boats in this year’s fleet of new boats exhibited traditional nav stations with ample room to slide parallel rules and swing a pair of dividers. The smallest of these was the Hallberg-Rassy 412, whose very name evokes traditional design. Situated to starboard just forward of the companionway steps and across from the galley, this forward-facing nav station features a hinged surface that opens into a space large enough to contain a couple of ChartKits and a full suite of plotting tools. It places the navigator in easy reach of the orderly electrical panel. On the boat we sailed, a single-sideband radio was installed in the outboard corner, with a shelf above it for smaller items. Hallberg-Rassy’s always exquisite mahogany joinery incorporates a high fiddle on the table’s inboard edge to catch rolling pencils, and no fiddle on the aft edge to interfere with arms and elbows.

Likewise, the Gunfleet 43 provides storage for charts, and the surface to use them, at its forward-facing station. On a bulkhead angled in at 45 degrees, you can mount a multifunction electronic display, comfortably visible without craning your neck.

Two boats from Jeanneau — the Jeanneau 51 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 —incorporate forward-facing chart tables into their cabins on the port side. Of these, the table on the 51 was understandably bigger, with a storage space underneath the hinged surface. The fiddles aren’t as high as those on the HR 412, but they’ll still hold a chart (or a pencil that hasn’t gathered up too much speed). The electrical panel on the outboard bulkhead easily shares space with the VHF mic, genset controls and a 4.5-inch Raymarine instrument display. A particularly nice treat here is the autopilot remote, which allows the navigator to make course adjustments while working with the chart.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 won CW’s 2018 award for Most Innovative. Interestingly, while incorporating other bold new ideas with the deck layout, its creators preserved a relatively large forward-facing nav table. As its bigger sister has done, the 440 brings instruments and monitors within easy reach of the navigator.

This year’s new Swan 54 was another boat that blended traditional design with new thinking. Long known as a builder that exemplifies the sweet spot between top performance and true cruising credentials, with its latest models Nautor’s Swan has made a clear distinction along those lines. While the Club Swan 50 is a full-on raceboat, the Swan 54 is committed more clearly to cruising. Its forward-facing nav station sits forward in the main saloon, hard by the main bulkhead. With room for a 12-inch multifunction display, as well as several smaller ones, this provides a position to navigate by analog or digital means with superb ergonomics.

The largest boat in our fleet, the Oyster 745, also features one of the largest nav stations among the monohulls. This aft-facing desk area, on the port side of the companionway, will serve its owners and crew as an ample office space. This station has room for two large multifunction displays, plus smaller instruments. On the boat we sailed, MFDs were also installed in the sleeping cabins.

The Laptop-Style Office Space

Two of the boats from this year’s fleet, at opposing ends of the length scale, devote the area of a full-size traditional nav station to other purposes. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was the one boat with complete cruising amenities in our Pocket Cruiser category — and, fittingly, it was the winner of that category. To make room for a spacious head and aft cabin in the boat, the designers placed a small table at the aft end of the port settee, and with room under the table to hang your legs. It’s a comfortable place to work on a laptop, but it’s not a place where you’ll be able to spread out a chart. In the context of its design brief, we applauded the choice.

Toward the other end of the length continuum is the Beneteau Oceanis 51.1. For well over a decade now, Beneteau has led the pack in interior styling. Indeed, the company employs the Nauta Design firm exclusively for the interior, distinct from the hull form ­created by Berret Racoupeau. The saloon of the 51.1 is uncommonly open and flooded with light. One contributing detail is a smallish nav table portside and forward at the main bulkhead. The seating for this table is a reclining lounge chair installed athwartships; sitting at 90 degrees facing forward gives access to the table, which provides basic navigation monitors and ­reasonable space for working on a computer.

The Transformers

Every yacht designer reckons with the fact that we expect a boat’s interior to serve us equally well in radically different contexts. We might be sharing laughs with a half-­dozen pals in a calm anchorage, or we might be ­underway, slamming into a nasty chop. Four boats in this year’s fleet offered variable designs that responded individually to each of these situations.

The aluminum-hulled Allures 45.9 features a deck-saloon cabin top and a raised table that affords some visibility under sail through the deck’s forward portlights. Like a high-top table in a restaurant, this platform places you above the level of those seated at the dinette, and it has seats both forward-facing and aft-facing. Facing aft affords good sightlines to the helm.

The Hanse 588 addresses the design tension of a boat’s different uses with an elegantly simple solution: The nav station and the dinette share a single settee. By articulating the backrest forward or aft, you can use that single seat for either use.

The Elan GT5 — winner of its Midsize Cruiser category — is a boat filled with innovative touches. One of these is a nav table forward and to starboard that slides up to create a smallish nav table or slides down to accept cushions and become part of a longer settee.

The boat most deserving of the transformer name is the Dufour 520. The starboard-side nav table slides forward, for a forward-facing nav station at sea, or aft, for a longer settee when the boat is in entertainment mode. Not only that, but its inboard leg can be raised or lowered to provide a flat writing surface when the boat is heeled.

The Pilothouses

The word “pilothouse” might conjure images of old-school, heavy-displacement motorsailers. The 2018 fleet shows us how far off base that stereotype can be — and how far yacht designers have come in the past several years. The boats in this roundup are some of the lightest on the water, and provide some of the best combinations of visibility and shelter that have ever been available in a cruising boat.

Three light cats stand out. The Maine Cat 38 is a speedy boat that can be sailed almost entirely from inside the enclosed bridgedeck. Not just the nav station but the boat’s entire workstation (halyards, sheets and winches, as well as the helm) is installed behind tempered-glass windows at the forward end of the coachroof. All electronic nav instruments are within easy view of the helm.

Two performance catamarans from one builder — the HH 55 and the HH 66 — exhibit similar near-360-degree visibility from the inside helm station. In these boats, you step outside through a gasketed door for sailhandling tasks, but the visual connection between the virtual world of electronic charts and the physical world of wind and water exhibited in these contemporary ­catamarans can’t be beaten.

The Fountaine-Pajot Saona 47 presents a nav station that adroitly connects the physical and virtual worlds better than all the previous categories. But in a distinction from the previous three cats, this nav station is separated from the outside helm and sailhandling station at the aft end of the cabin house. With a high-cut headsail, the navigator has superb visibility through the forward 225 degrees, better than the visibility from the raised helm.

Three monohulls offered three very different iterations of the pilothouse concept. The Discovery 58 is a Ron Holland design of robust displacement with a full-size nav station that provides visibility through forward windows in the deckhouse, even when the boat is at rest. Similar to the Jeanneau 51, the Discovery we sailed had an autopilot remote installed beside the nav seat, but no engine controls. Finally, this boat’s layout features a large countertop, big enough for an entire chart, forward of the nav station.

In the Southerly 540, ­winner of the big Full-Size Cruiser category, we have a true pilothouse arrangement, with both autopilot and electronic engine controls. Not only that, but this boat’s swing keel opens access to deep water and shallow.

The overall Boat of the Year winner of 2018 also featured one of the most interesting pilothouse arrangements. The Boreal 47, built in France of aluminum, brings together a hard dodger that encompasses both doghouse-style protection in the cockpit and a fully enclosed pilothouse behind a gasketed door. Once inside, the pilothouse is at the level of the cockpit sole; to enter the cabin, you descend several steps from there. This design impressively answers the boat’s go-anywhere promise.

Tim Murphy, a CW editor at large and a longtime Boat of the Year judge, is sailing his 1988 Passport 40 Billy Pilgrim on the U.S. East Coast, and fitting her out for longer distances.

• More: design , How To , navigation
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Best Marine and Boating Navigation Apps

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

For almost everything you do today, there’s an app that will support, enhance or complement that activity. Recreational boating is no exception, and there are dozens of boating apps to help you enjoy time on the water.

Arguably, marine navigation apps are some of the most common—and the most useful—available to boaters today, with a range of options to suit different needs. Some boat GPS apps, for example, utilize NOAA raster charts, which are essentially scanned paper charts incorporated into their systems. Some apps offer vector charts, providing electronic charts that allow for scrolling and zooming in for enhanced detail.

The convenience of downloading these apps to your iPhone, Android, or tablet enables you to have them readily available regardless of the boat you’re on,  significantly enhancing your navigational capabilities.

Best marine navigation apps ( with GPS )

These are our top recommendations for boating apps that are great for marine navigation and offer GPS. Most of the apps are free to try.

1. Navionics

A perennial favorite is Navionics because it’s easy to use and comprehensive in scope. Navionics mimics a standard chartplotter experience and in some cases can connect to an onboard plotter via WiFi. Creating waypoints and routes, measuring distances and understanding depth contours and aids to navigation is pretty straight forward with this app.

Once downloaded, the charts stay on your device and can be used offline which is great when you’re cruising in areas with little coverage. Bonus functionality includes weather and tide information and dock-to-dock routing that helps you set a viable course based on your vessel’s parameters like draft.

• Price: Two-week free trial, then subscriptions starting at $14.99
• Click here to learn more and download.
• Get the app from Google Play Store or iOS store

Easy to confuse with Navionics (especially when downloading the app), iNavX is a whole different animal. There’s a $5 charge to download the app, and then you can download NOAA raster charts for free and vector charts (powered by Navionics and C-MAP) for a fee.

Beyond navigation, details on marinas, fuel docks and other facilities are also available. Weather data overlays and additional features like engine data and AIS collision avoidance information can also be viewed, but the app can get technical in a hurry and may take longer to learn.

• Price: $4.99, plus an annual subscription

C-MAP is the primary other choice besides Navionics for the underlying charting information that many apps use with their own user interface. The new C-MAP Embark was designed to be intuitive so after a few minutes, you won’t really be looking for the manual to manage the basics like waypoints, routes and nav aids.

A funky feature includes the app changing color based on your environment, so the charts are always easy to read regardless of the surrounding light. The basics include a free download, but chart additions and weather data will be in-app purchases.

• Price: Free, with available in-app purchases

4. SeaPilot

SeaPilot sets an ambitious agenda for itself: it’s a basic navigation app (which has a free three-day trial) but it ramps up from there. You’ll need to upgrade to the premium version so you can add various chart areas, weather forecasting and routing capabilities. Beyond that, you can connect to Facebook to find nearby boating friends.

For sailors, there’s a database of polar diagrams which are graphs of the theoretical top speeds attainable by over 300 kinds of sailboats.

• Price: Three-day free trial, then starting at $7.99

5. i Sail GPS:NOAA USA Charts

For barebones basics, iSail is a great choice because it’s inexpensive and you can skip sign-ups and pop-ups. Measure distances to your waypoint, upload waypoints and routes and get quick ETAs to your next intermediate or final point.

iSail uses NOAA raster charts which are downloaded to the device so they can be used without Wi-Fi or out of cell range. There are few advanced features, but this app gets the job done when you need the basics. It’s for iOS only.

• Price: $7.99, with available in-app purchases

6. KnowWake

The best way to describe KnowWake is to compare it to a road-based app you’re probably already familiar with–Waze. Like Waze, KnowWake is crowd-source and will provide information on congested waterfront locations–coastal and on 350 inland waterways.

On a bustling weekend, you can see how busy marinas, restaurants, boat ramps, fuel docks, and dive and snorkel sites are. You can use it in North America, on the Great Loop and in Canada as well as in parts of the Caribbean. The app uses real-time updates and it has location-sharing between users so you can find friends.

• Price: Free!

All the boating apps above vary in price, complexity and focus, and although some are free, advanced features generally come at a price. Some take a bit of time to learn, but they’ll all put some peace-of-mind in your pocket the next time you slip the dock lines.

Bonus Apps: Boatsetter

Did you know Boatsetter has an app? Make that two! We’re proud to offer the largest peer-to-peer boat rental app that connects boat owners and boat renters, so you can get on the water without committing to boat ownership. Rent one of over 17,000 boats in 600 locations. Boatsetter isn’t the only private boat rental app , but it offers an exclusive partnership with BoatUS and Geico for insurance.

• Price: Free! (Boat owners should also check out our Boatsetter Owner’s app , perfect for stress-free boat rental management and easy communication with renters).
• Click here to download for iOS ; or click here to download for Android .

Browse Available Boat Rentals in All Locations

Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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