Choose a chartplotter by matching screen size, mounting location, and features to your boat and how you sail. A 6"–7" display suits most vessels, while helms viewed from more than six feet away or that show multiple data boxes call for a 9" screen or larger. Sailors should also weigh transducer power for fishfinder depth, onboard power draw, and whether the unit needs to double as a multifunction display (MFD).
Chartplotters at a glance
| Type | Screen & capability | Typical use | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld | Small screen, preloaded charts, basic waypoints | Dinghies, backup navigation, portability | Low |
| Mounted | Larger fixed display, routes and added data | Cruisers and racers wanting a fixed helm unit | Moderate |
| MFD (multifunction display) | Large screen; radar, sonar, AIS, NMEA 2000 | Fully networked electronics suites | High |
What is a chartplotter?
A chartplotter is a marine navigation device that combines GPS position data with electronic navigational charts (ENC). You download the charts to the device, and it plots your location on the map along with the direction you are actually heading — which differs from the direction the bow is pointing. It stores hundreds of waypoints that link together into routes.
Basic units simply show your position and heading, while modern chartplotters act as multifunction displays where radar, fishfinder, and NMEA 2000 network data can all be shown on one screen.
How is a chartplotter different from a GPS?
GPS is a network of satellites that transmit position data to a receiver, which calculates your latitude and longitude as a numeric reading (for example, 27° 22' 50" N, 33° 37' 54" E). A chartplotter takes that GPS position and places it on top of an electronic chart. That is why every chartplotter uses GPS, but not every GPS is a chartplotter.
Put simply: Waze and Google Maps are chartplotters, while the positioning technology inside your phone that feeds them is the GPS.
What are the main types of chartplotters?
There are three broad categories, each trading size and features against cost:
- Handheld — easy to use and inexpensive, but small screens can be hard to read.
- Mounted — larger, with more features; stores routes and shows additional data.
- MFDs — much larger and more capable, at a higher cost. They can monitor fuel, temperature, and AIS; run sonar for depth and fish; overlay weather; and sound alarms for route deviation or anchor drift.
What should I consider when choosing a chartplotter?
Five factors matter most for matching a unit to your boat:
- Screen size — balance helm fit and eyesight comfort. A 6"–7" screen is fine for most vessels, even to split-screen or zoom. If you stand more than six feet away, or you add data boxes like depth and heading, step up to at least 9". Screen size and price both climb steeply.
- Location — plan how and where the unit mounts and what inputs (radar, video) it needs. Allow room for cable routing, and make a cardboard template of the display to test fit before you commit.
- Transducer — for fishfinder use, transducer power and size set how deep you can see. About 200 ft suits most applications; deeper water needs more power and a focused beam, and a larger crystal gives deeper penetration.
- Features — navigation routes, waypoints, tracks, speed, depth, wind, AIS, VHF compatibility, and pilot control are the basics. Remember that showing several data layers at once (split screen) needs a display large enough to read them clearly.
- Power supply — larger displays draw more power, a real concern on sailboats. On Ethernet networks, a plotter tied to the radar antenna must stay powered on to work; an Ethernet hub can help save power.
Which chartplotter brand should I choose?
We carry top-brand chartplotters for every sailing style. Each has a distinct strength:
B&G — the strongest choice for sailors, with sailing software for laylines, tacks, a start-line display, and race timer. The Vulcan series is a great entry point; the Zeus range brings ocean-racing tools to your boat.
Garmin — known for fishing, with LiveScope high-resolution sonar and integrated fishfinder data shown right on the plotter. The ECHOMAP series offers affordable units with the core functions.
Raymarine — integrated-fishfinder units plus Axiom charting designed for sailboats. Choose huge screens from the Axiom XL line, or a simple all-in-one like the Axiom+ 7 with charts included.
Simrad — LiveSight sonar works for fishing and sailing, plus some of the best solid-state radar domes. Its touchscreens run large and responsive; the Cruise series is an affordable entry point.
Frequently asked questions
What size chartplotter screen do I need?
A 6"–7" screen suits most boats and still supports split-screen and zoom. Move up to 9" or larger if you view the helm from more than six feet away or want several data boxes on screen at once.
Is a chartplotter the same as a GPS?
No. GPS calculates your position from satellites; a chartplotter overlays that position on an electronic chart. Every chartplotter uses GPS, but a plain GPS only shows coordinates as numbers.
Do chartplotters include a fishfinder?
Many do. Combo units add sonar, and how deep you can see depends on transducer power and beam — around 200 ft covers most needs, with more power required for deeper water.
Which chartplotter is best for sailing?
B&G is purpose-built for sailors with laylines, start-line, and race-timer functions, while Raymarine Axiom charts are also tailored for sailboats.
How much power does a chartplotter draw?
Larger displays consume more power. On Ethernet-networked systems, a plotter linked to a radar antenna must remain switched on, so an Ethernet hub can help conserve energy.