Buying guide · 8 min read · 9 August 2026
Best Chartplotters and GPS for Small Boats
Best Chartplotters and GPS for Small Boats
A chartplotter is the most useful electronic device on most small boats, but the market is confusing because the hardware, the charts and the sonar are often sold and priced separately. This guide untangles what you are actually buying.
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What to look for
Screen size and sunlight readability
A 7-inch screen is about the practical minimum for a chart you can read at a glance while helming. Sunlight readability matters more than resolution: a bright screen you can see in glare beats a sharp one you cannot. Check the nits rating if quoted.
Charts are a separate cost
Units ship with varying levels of built-in cartography. Detailed UK coastal charts (Navionics, C-MAP) are often an extra purchase and may need annual updates. Factor this in, because it can add a significant amount to the real price.
Combined plotter and fishfinder
Most units in this class combine GPS charting with sonar. If you fish, a combined unit with a transducer is far better value than two devices. If you never fish, you can save money on a chart-only unit.
AIS and NMEA connectivity
Being able to display AIS targets is a genuine safety benefit in busy water. Check for NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 connectivity if you want to link a VHF, autopilot, instruments or an AIS receiver.
Do not neglect paper
Electronics fail and batteries go flat. Carry paper charts and know how to use them. A plotter is a navigation aid, not a navigation system on its own.
Options worth considering
Listed alphabetically by suitability rather than ranked. We research specifications and reputation; we have not tested these ourselves.
1.Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2
A strong all-round plotter/sounderA popular combined chartplotter and fishfinder range with good UK chart support.
- ✓Combined charting and sonar
- ✓Several screen sizes in the range
- ✓Well supported cartography options
2.Raymarine Element 7 HV
Fast, bright displayA capable plotter/sonar combination known for a quick, bright interface.
- ✓Bright screen that holds up in glare
- ✓Combined sonar
- ✓Raymarine ecosystem if you have other kit
3.Lowrance HOOK Reveal
Angling-focused inshore useAimed at anglers, with sonar features prioritised alongside basic charting.
- ✓Strong sonar feature set
- ✓Sensible price point
- ✓Good for inshore fishing boats
4.Garmin STRIKER
Budget sonar with GPS marksA lower-cost option offering GPS waypoints and sonar without full chart cartography.
- ✓Cheapest route to sonar plus GPS marks
- ✓No detailed charts, so pair with paper or an app
- ✓Compact and simple
5.Garmin handheld GPS
Backup navigationA handheld GPS is a sensible independent backup that runs on its own batteries.
- ✓Independent of the boat electrical system
- ✓Goes in the grab bag
- ✓Basic but reliable
In short
Buy the biggest screen you can sensibly fit and afford, budget separately for charts, and keep an independent backup. Check what cartography is actually included before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What size chartplotter screen do I need?+
Seven inches is about the practical minimum for reading a chart at a glance while steering. Nine inches and above is noticeably easier if you have the space and budget. Sunlight readability matters as much as raw size.
Are charts included with a chartplotter?+
Often only partially. Detailed UK coastal cartography from Navionics or C-MAP is frequently a separate purchase, and updates may be chargeable. Always check what is included before comparing prices between units.
Do I need a combined chartplotter and fishfinder?+
If you fish, yes, since a combined unit is far cheaper than two devices and shares one screen. If you never fish, a chart-only unit saves money and screen clutter.
Can I just use a phone or tablet app instead?+
Navigation apps are genuinely capable and many boaters use them, but a phone is vulnerable to water, glare, flat batteries and dropped signal for cellular-assisted positioning. They work well as a secondary or backup system rather than the only one.
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