Tips For Buying A GPS Chartplotter For Your Boat

Posted on: 8 October 2019

When you own a boat, it doesn't matter if you spend time on a large lake or out in the ocean — it is essential to have the right marine electronics onboard. One of the most popular types of marine electronics is a GPS chartplotter. When you have a GPS chartplotter to use while on your boat, you will never have to worry about getting lost or not knowing where you are going. There are many different makes and models of GPS chartplotters on the market, so it can feel overwhelming to select the right one for your boat. Use the following tips to help you choose a GPS chartplotter to buy.

Consider How You Want to Use Your GPS Chartplotter

Before you begin looking at the many different types of GPS chartplotters available, it is always in your best interest to think about how you use your boat and how you plan on using the chartplotter. If you have a smaller boat that you primarily use on a body of water that you're very familiar with, you may want to look at less elaborate GPS chartplotters that have the basic features that you need and will fit comfortably in your console space. However, if you have a larger boat that you regularly take out on the open ocean far from shore, you will most likely want a GPS chartplotter that has more sophisticated features and capabilities.

Pay Attention to Screen Size

The point of having a GPS chartplotter for your boat is to help ensure that you know where you are and can easily chart your course to get to where you need to go. If you want to get the most out of your GPS chartplotter, look for one that offers a large, colored screen — the bigger the screen, the better. When you have a chartplotter with a large screen, it will make it much easier to see the big picture and understand your coordinates. Chartplotters with small screens can require the need to zoom in often, which can be a hassle.

Consider Prices

When it comes to marine electronics like GPS chartplotters, you will quickly notice that different makes and models can vary greatly in price. There are affordable GPS chartplotter units available, while some of the most sophisticated ones can cost thousands of dollars. It is important to consider your budget when purchasing a chartplotter. Don't necessarily buy the cheapest one that you can find, but instead look for one that has the features that you want that is at a price point that you can afford. 

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