A chartplotter is the brain of a modern helm — it shows where you are, what's under you, and how to get home. The category spans simple 5-inch GPS/fishfinder combos to networked multifunction displays (MFDs) that tie together radar, autopilot, and live sonar. The trap is buying into the wrong ecosystem; once you commit to a brand's network, sensors and accessories tend to follow. This guide frames the decision and names the current lines worth your money.
Screen size and resolution come first
Bigger screens are easier to read at a glance in chop and sun, and they let you split sonar, chart, and engine data without squinting. On a small open boat a 5- to 7-inch unit is plenty; center consoles and helms usually land at 9 to 12 inches; larger boats run networked 12-inch-plus displays. Prioritize a bright, high-resolution screen with a good anti-glare treatment — it's the single feature you interact with every second on the water.
Charts, sonar, and the ecosystem
Most plotters ship with base charts and support premium cartography (Navionics and C-MAP are the two big names, now both under the same parent but still distinct products). For sonar, decide how far you want to go: traditional CHIRP for depth and fish, down/side imaging for structure, and live sonar — Garmin LiveScope, Humminbird MEGA Live, Lowrance ActiveTarget — if you want to watch fish move in real time. Live sonar is a brand-locked add-on, so it's a major reason to choose an ecosystem up front. If sonar is your priority, read our deeper companion coverage on fishfinders.co.
How we chose
We list current, widely available lines from the major marine-electronics makers, organized by where they fit. We don't quote prices — they shift constantly and vary by screen size and bundle — and we don't invent performance claims. Pick the ecosystem that matches your sonar ambitions and the screen size that fits your helm, then buy the current model in that line.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2
The ECHOMAP UHD2 series spans roughly 5- to 9-inch combos with built-in CHIRP, down and side imaging, and preloaded charts. It's the easy recommendation for most small boats, and it grows into LiveScope and the wider Garmin network.
Humminbird HELIX Series
HELIX models (5, 7, 9, 10, 12) are a longtime angler favorite for their MEGA Imaging and clean interface. They pair with the One-Boat Network and Minn Kota motors, making them a natural choice for a fishing-first rig.
Lowrance HDS PRO
HDS PRO is Lowrance's high-end line with bright large-format screens, Active Imaging HD, and ActiveTarget live sonar support. A strong pick if cutting-edge fishing sonar is the point of the build.
Lowrance Elite FS
Elite FS brings Active Imaging and live-sonar capability to a more affordable combo. For many small-boat anglers it hits the sweet spot between the budget Hook line and the premium HDS units.
Simrad GO Series
Simrad's GO line offers bright, fully touch displays with strong chart support and autopilot/radar integration — well suited to cruisers and dayboats that prioritize navigation over tournament-grade sonar.
Garmin GPSMAP Series
When you're networking radar, autopilot, multiple displays, and engine data, the GPSMAP line is Garmin's premium MFD platform. Overkill for a small open boat, ideal for a cruising or offshore helm.
Raymarine Axiom Series
Raymarine's Axiom MFDs are known for a smooth LightHouse interface, RealVision 3D sonar, and tight autopilot and camera integration. A premium choice for cruising boats and a clean networked helm.
Match the brand to your motor
If you run a trolling motor, integration matters. Garmin plotters pair with the Garmin Force trolling motor; Humminbird ties into Minn Kota through the One-Boat Network; Lowrance does not natively integrate with Minn Kota. If you already own — or plan to buy — a specific motor, let that steer your plotter brand so the two talk to each other. See our roundup of the best trolling motors for small boats.
Electronics draw power, so plan your battery to match — see marine battery types explained — and learn what the screen is showing you in how to read navigation markers and buoys.