Best Marine Chart Plotter for the money 2022
Image | Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. LOWRANCE LIVE 3IN1 TRANSOM MOUNT | Our Favorite | Amazon |
![]() | 2. HUMMINBIRD HELIX 5 FISH FINDER | Premium Pick | Amazon |
![]() | 3. Raymarine Dragonfly Fish Finder Sonar | Great Value | Amazon |
![]() | 4. GARMIN WATERPROOF MARINE GPS AND CHARTPLOTTER | Amazon | |
![]() | 5. LOWRANCE MARK 4 FISH FINDER AND CHARTPLOTTER | Amazon |
Pricing of these Marine Chart Plotters Range Between $270-$1,100
LOWRANCE LIVE 3IN1 TRANSOM MOUNT REVIEW
The Lowrance Live 3in1 Transom Mount is available in 4 sizes, from 7 and 9 inches (17.7 and 22.8 cm) to 12 and 16 inches (30 and 40.6 cm). This device has a user-friendly interface and a multitouch display. More than this, it uses the most advanced technologies developed on finding fish in fish finders, such as StructureScan HD and the CHIRP Sonar. This means it shows bottom surfaces, the fish underwater and what’s on the side of the boat. It allows also both keypad and touchscreen operation.
The Lowrance Live 3in1 Transom Mount has a very intuitive processor. Its features like the cursor assist one, the snap-to-setting markers, scrolling menus and innovative preview panes can be navigated with the quick-touch slider bars. Since it’s designed for wireless connectivity, it stays connected to any device that has wireless and can be operated or viewed without having to attach any cable. What’s also great about it is that it comes with many mapping options and background reference maps.
The Lowrance Live 3in1 Transom Mount allows its user to create maps by using the collected data and the sonar logs that have been recorded with it. It also features a GPS antenna that supports EGNO, WAAS and MSAS connections. Besides, it enables the user to look at 2 maps at the same time.
Pros
- Fast
- Responsive
- Easy to use
- Powerful processor
- Colored screen
- High-frequency CHIRP pulse radar
- Wireless connectivity
- Shows 2 maps at the same time
- StructureScan HD
- Multitouch display
Cons
- Expensive
- Very bright display colors
- Difficult to understand features
HUMMINBIRD HELIX 5 FISH FINDER REVIEW
With a 5 inches (12.7 cm) color display at the 800×480 pixels resolution, the Humminbird Helix 5 Fish Finder shows the fish and what’s on the bottom of the water very clearly. It has a 500 watts power output and uses CHIRP imaging together with a CHIRP 2D sonar, which means it covers many frequencies and can determine where the targets are positioned more easily. What’s also great about it is that it structures the separation between fish better than other finders in the same category.
The Humminbird Helix 5 Fish Finder’s interface is user-friendly. This device can be used to take snapshots just by pressing a button. More than this, it can make personalized maps with the AutoChart Live app. It can even be used to map down vegetation. This sonar has the 1500 feet (457 m) depth capability and uses a Transom XNT 9 20 transducer. Besides, it incorporates a GPS and covers 2 frequencies, not to mention it features an SD card slot, which can be very useful when having to store more maps.
Sturdy and compact, the Humminbird Helix 5 Fish Finder has all the features and functionalities of a bulkier model. It can guide anglers on almost any water location in the US or Canada. Being of high-quality, it also doesn’t break at the first sign of abuse.
Pros
- CHIRP imaging
- CHIRP 2D sonar
- User-friendly interface
- It takes snapshots
- Makes personalized maps
- Can map out vegetation
- Increased depth capability
- GPS
- SD card slot
- Compact
Cons
- Plastic boat mounting clips
- Expensive
- Flimsy memory card slot cover
Raymarine Dragonfly Fish Finder Sonar Review
Those who are looking for a compact fish finder with 5.7 inches (14.4 cm) display should definitely decide to buy the Raymarine Dragonfly Fish Finder Sonar for their fishing adventures. This device can be used regardless of the weather, not to mention it displays the data on a HD LED backlit screen. More than this, the sonar has been optically bonded in order to deliver wide viewing angles and sharp colored images without the problem of internal fogging.
The Raymarine Dragonfly Fish Finder Sonar has a dual-channel sonar. It easily targets fish and captures images that look just like photos. What’s also interesting about it is that it features a 50-channel internal GPS. Its screen can be viewed both in the dark and in the sunlight. Very easy to use, this fish finder is the perfect choice for those who want basic features and to put their device to work without any complications. It’s compact and uses a standing base, so it can be placed anywhere on the boat.
The accessories included in the Raymarine Dragonfly Fish Finder Sonar’s packaging are a power cable, a quick release swivel and a transom mount transducer. The model is waterproof, which means it can be used even when it’s raining heavily.
Pros
- Waterproof
- HD LED backlit screen
- Optically bonded
- Dual-channel sonar
- Internal GPS
- Easy to use
- Comes with accessories
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Affordable
Cons
- Basic features
- Difficult to read
- Doesn’t show individual fish
GARMIN WATERPROOF MARINE GPS AND CHARTPLOTTER REVIEW
Those who want a compact and affordable fish finder that can send accurate data should definitely decide to buy the Garmin Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter. This sonar fits in any tackle box and even in the pocket of a jacket. Durable and having an IPX rating of 7, it can still work after being dropped in the water, not to mention it has been designed to float. While its screen measures only 2.6 inches (6.6 cm), this sonar has the display divided into 2 for viewing the marine chart and the GPS map at the same time.
Having a 160 x 240 pixels resolution, the Garmin Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter sends clear images. Its color screen can still be seen in sunlight as it’s trans-reflective. This fish finder already has preloaded a global base map, so it can be used to explore waters as soon as unpacked. More than this, it features an SD card slot for storing additional maps. It can be connected to a computer or a laptop in order to save the collected data and share it with other anglers.
The Garmin Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter is ideal for smaller boats and rafting. It works in extreme weather conditions and has a very precise GPS. Besides, it uses any type of batteries, which usually last for 20 hours of continuous use.
Pros
- Compact
- Good price
- Accurate
- Floatable
- Divided display
- Clear images
- Color screen
- SD card slot
- GPS
- Can be used with both alkaline and classic batteries
Cons
- Basic features
- Small display
- No instructions
LOWRANCE MARK 4 FISH FINDER AND CHARTPLOTTER REVIEW
The Lowrance Mark 4 Fish Finder and Chartplotter is just what its name says: a fish finder and a chart plotter. Featuring a dual beam transducer, this 2in1 device can help anglers find the perfect place for fishing. More than this, it has a CHIRP sonar that transmits exact information on what’s in the water and is equipped with the Down imaging technology that immediately identifies game fish and bait. This transducer is also very easy to attach to the boat, as it comes with a transom mount.
The 4.3 inches (10.9 cm) display of the Lowrance Mark 4 Fish Finder and Chartplotter sends sonar images only in monochrome. This device has high resolution capabilities, so it clearly reveals bottom contours, the fish in the surroundings and the objects that happen to be underwater. Besides, it can display the water’s depth and boat’s speed too. The GPS internal antenna is perfect for giving accurate information when it comes to positioning.
The Lowrance Mark 4 Fish Finder and Chartplotter arrives pre-loaded with maps of 3,000 rivers, lakes and coastlines in the US. What’s also great about it is the fact that it has the option to upgrade these maps, the ones showing local hot spots included.
Pros
- Affordable
- 2in1 fish finder and chart plotter
- Dual beam transducer
- CHIRP sonar
- Down imaging technology
- Easy to use
- High resolution
- Displays the boat’s speed
- Pre-loaded US maps
- Durable
Cons
- Small display
- Monochrome
- Basic features