Best Chartplotters for Small Boats
Answering the need for reliable navigation and fishfinding on compact boats, these chartplotters balance ease of use with essential features. Ideal buyers include weekend anglers, small-boat skippers, and coastal cruisers seeking clear displays and dependable sonar. The top picks below are organized for quick scanning and direct comparison, with notes on who each option is best for and any notable limitations.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV | Garmin | Compact boats needing dual sonar views | Color display, traditional and ClearVü sonar, easy chart sharing |
| Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS | Humminbird | Budget-friendly versatility | Dual Spectrum CHIRP, broad map options, multiple chart compatibility |
| Lowrance Eagle 7 | Lowrance | Small boats needing clear daylight view | High-visibility IPS screen, easy installation, enhanced sonar |
| Simrad GO9 XSE | Simrad | Slightly larger screen with Active Imaging | 9-inch display, Active Imaging 3-in-1, included C-MAP Discover |
| Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv | Garmin | Advanced inland and coastal mapping | 9-inch touchscreen, Navionics+ inland maps, powerful transducer |
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV combines a 5-inch color display with dual sonar views. It supports traditional CHIRP and ClearVü scanning, making it suitable for anglers and small-boat skippers who want clear target separation and water-column clarity. Best for compact boats that need quick setup and reliable data sharing between compatible chartplotters.
Key suitability: anglers who value straightforward sonar interpretation and easy Wi-Fi-based data sharing among devices on a single boat. Cautions: the 5-inch display may feel small for long navigation sessions in bright sun; consider sunshade or mounting that reduces glare.
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 offers Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar for wide and narrow search modes, plus Basemap navigation with access to coastal and inland lakes. This model is a strong fit for small boats that need flexible sonar interpretation and broad chart options, with compatibility to add premium LakeMaster or Navionics charts over time.
Best for: boaters who want multiple sonar views and expandability through premium charts. Limitation: some users may opt for larger displays as needs grow, since growth beyond 5 inches may require upgrading units.
Lowrance Eagle 7 FishFinder/Chartplotter
The Lowrance Eagle 7 pairs a high-visibility IPS screen with an upgraded SplitShot HD transducer and FishReveal on DownScan and CHIRP. It is well suited for daylight anglers who need reliable readability and clear fish arches, especially in bright conditions.
Best for: small boats where daylight readability and straightforward installation are priorities. Consideration: the 7-inch size may be preferred by users who want more screen real estate on a busy cockpit.
Simrad GO9 XSE Chartplotter
The Simrad GO9 XSE provides a 9-inch multifunction display with Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer plus a bundled C-MAP Discover chart card. It targets skiffs and small cruisers needing a robust view of structure, depth, tides, and currents with excellent detail on inland and coastal waters.
Best for: buyers who want an all-in-one, higher-end option with broad mapping coverage. Caution: the system can be more complex to configure for first-time users, so plan for initial setup time.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
The 9-inch Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv combines a bright touchscreen with Navionics+ inland maps and the GT56 transducer for traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar. It is best for anglers and captains who want deep inland mapping with vivid sonar across a larger display on a compact boat.
Best for: boaters who want a capable inland-coastal mapping centerpiece with advanced sonar. Limitation: larger footprint than the 5-inch options may affect installation space on very small boats.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a chartplotter for a small boat?
- Display size and readability: For bright sun and easy target identification, prioritize IPS or daylight-view panels and consider the overall cockpit space.
- Sonar capabilities: Decide between CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü, or newer Active Imaging. For shallow waters, high detail near the surface helps; in deeper water, breadth of coverage matters more.
- Mapping and charting options: Inland maps versus coastal coverage, and the ability to add premium charts (Navionics, LakeMaster, CoastMaster) can affect long-term usefulness.
- Transducer type and installation: SplitShot, GT-series, or 3-in-1 transducers change the way you view fish and structure. Ensure compatibility with your hull and mounting space.
- Ease of use and setup: Some models offer straightforward interfaces, while others provide more advanced settings. Consider user familiarity and potential need for installation assistance.
- Connectivity and sharing: Wi-Fi and multi-unit sharing can simplify data distribution across a boat’s electronics network.
- Screen brightness and viewing angles: A brighter display with wide viewing angles reduces glare and improves usability on sunny days.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is CHIRP sonar and why does it matter?
CHIRP sonar uses a wider range of frequencies to provide better target separation and clearer images of fish and structure.
- Do I need a transducer with my chartplotter?
Yes. A transducer is essential for sonar imaging. Some bundles include a transducer; others require adding one.
- Is an inland map enough for coastal boating?
inland maps are helpful, but coastal charts are important for navigation near shore, harbors, and tides.
- Which size display is best for small boats?
5 to 7 inches is typical for compact boats; 9 inches is preferable if space allows and you want higher detail.
- Can I upgrade charts later?
Yes, many models support premium charts and map packs as added-value upgrades.