The Ultimate Navigation System For Your Boat

Marine GPS devices are an indispensable tool for modern boat owners, helping them to navigate the waters and pinpoint their exact location with incredible accuracy. There are many different types of boat GPS devices on the market, from dashboard-mounted systems to portable handheld products. They can also come with additional features such as fish finding technology, chart plotting, and emergency tools.

When choosing a marine GPS device, it is important to consider factors such as maps and chart plotting capabilities, emergency functions, battery life, waterproofing, user interface, and price.

In this article, we will explore the different types of marine GPS devices available and provide recommendations to help you choose the best navigation system for your boat.

Handheld vs. fixed-mount displays

When it comes to choosing a navigation system for your boat, there are several options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Two popular choices are handheld GPS devices and fixed-mount displays. Here, we will delve into the pros and cons of each type to help you decide which one is more suitable for your boating needs.

Handheld GPS Devices

Handheld GPS devices offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for boaters. Firstly, they are portable and convenient, making them ideal for small boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailing dinghies. They are also suitable as backup navigation systems for larger vessels. Handheld GPS devices feature a compact design with a smaller display screen and internal antenna, yet they pack a lot of functionality. They are battery-operated, ensuring that you have a reliable source of navigation even if your boat's electrical system fails. Additionally, some handheld models can be mounted on the dashboard of your boat and often come with a power cord and battery pack. While the display screens on handheld devices are smaller, some portable units offer larger screens or even touchscreen capabilities.

However, one significant drawback of handheld GPS devices is their vulnerability to extreme conditions. They may become non-functional when exposed to water, excessive heat, or cold temperatures. This can be particularly inconvenient during critical conditions with limited visibility.

Fixed-Mount Displays

Fixed-mount displays offer a more permanent solution for boat navigation. These systems are typically waterproof and provide full cartographic coverage of the United States. They are designed to be mounted in a fixed location on your boat, ensuring a stable electrical supply from the boat's power source. One of the most significant advantages of fixed-mount displays is their larger screen size, which can be beneficial for those who require more detailed information or prefer a more comprehensive view of their navigation data.

Fixed-mount displays often come with additional features not found on handheld devices. They may include advanced radar systems, sonar, weather data, and video inputs. These displays are commonly integrated with other equipment, such as radar, GPS, sonar, and more, providing a streamlined solution for your boat's electronics.

In terms of cost, fixed-mount displays tend to be more expensive than handheld devices. They also require installation, which may be an additional consideration in terms of time and expense.

In conclusion, both handheld GPS devices and fixed-mount displays have their advantages and use cases. Handheld devices offer portability, convenience, and backup functionality, while fixed-mount displays provide a more permanent, feature-rich solution with larger screens and integrated capabilities. The best choice for your boat depends on your specific needs, the type of boat you own, and your budget.

Chart-plotter navigation

Chart plotters are available from a range of manufacturers, including B&G, Raymarine, Garmin, Simrad, and Furuno. They come in a variety of sizes, from 5.7" to 17" screens, and can be purchased with or without transducers. Some models are also touchscreen.

When purchasing a chart plotter, it is important to consider compatibility with other systems. For example, some Garmin, Raymarine, and Lowrance models are not compatible with radar.

In terms of pricing, chart plotters range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Overall, chart-plotter navigation systems offer a reliable and multifunctional solution for boat navigation but come at a higher cost compared to other options.

Marine GPS apps

Wavve Boating

Wavve Boating is a highly recommended marine navigation app that provides an intuitive and easy-to-read map. It customises nautical charts based on the user's vessel draft and current water levels. The app also allows users to see their friends on the water, share their favourite spots, and discover new restaurants, routes, and other locations. Wavve Boating offers a 14-day free trial and an annual plan for $45.99 per year. It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is known for its user-friendly interface.

INavX

INavX is a popular marine navigation app that offers an extensive library of charts and the ability to overlay multiple nautical maps simultaneously. It is more complex than other apps but is a good choice for seasoned mariners or those looking to integrate with onboard systems. iNavX is available for $4.99 for iOS users, with a free basic version and an enhanced version for $19.99/year for Android users.

Navionics Boating App

Navionics is a well-known marine navigation app that offers features such as auto-routing capabilities, Active Captain Community data, Sonar Charts, and more. The app includes a full set of features for your device, allowing you to utilise their custom overlays and map options. Navionics offers a free trial, after which you need to invest in a subscription. For example, the US & Canada maps are $24.99 per year.

Aqua Map

Aqua Map is a well-known marine navigation app that uses survey data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Waterway Guide. It offers features such as offline charts, weather updates, tides, route planning, track recording, and anchor alarm with remote monitoring. Aqua Map also allows users to connect with other boaters and make informed decisions on the water. It is free to use with in-app purchases and subscriptions available.

C-Map

C-Map is a user-friendly and simple marine navigation app that offers features such as customizable charts, simple route planning, auto-routing, high-resolution bathymetry, and custom depth shading. It also provides comprehensive weather and environmental forecasts and AIS integration for boat tracking. C-Map is free to use with in-app purchases and subscriptions available.

OpenCPN

OpenCPN (Chart-Plotter Navigation) is a free marine navigation app that uses GPS software for people exploring open waterways. It offers robust worldwide charts, GRIB/GRIB2 weather data input and display, route planning with tidal support, and waypoint navigation. OpenCPN also includes safety features such as AIS target tracking, collision alerts, and an anchor watch/alarm. It is consistently ranked as one of the best marine navigation apps.

Fish finders

When choosing a fish finder, it's important to consider your budget, the size of the screen, and the features you require. Some fish finders offer GPS with enhanced mapping, two-dimensional sonar, down-imaging, side-imaging, and front-facing sonar capabilities. If you're looking for a fish finder for a kayak, you'll want something portable and easy to mount, like the Humminbird Ice Helix 7 CHIRP GPS G4 All Season pack. For a bass boat, you might opt for the Garmin ECHOMAP with LiveScope Plus, which offers excellent fish-finding capabilities, especially in deep water.

• Garmin ECHOMAP with LiveScope Plus: This unit offers excellent fish-finding capabilities, particularly in deep water. It features a quick-release bail mount and preloaded LakeVü g3 inland maps with integrated Navionics. The larger screen sizes come with massive computing power but also a higher price tag.
• Humminbird SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI G3: The Solix has a touchscreen with a bright display and easy-to-use zoom functions. It offers excellent side-imaging detail and is compatible with Lakemaster and Coastmaster charts.
• Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA SI: This unit is very user-friendly and offers crystal-clear imaging. It includes a transducer, mounting hardware, power cable, and gimbal mounting bracket. While it does not come with Lakemaster, this can be purchased separately.
• Lowrance Eagle Eye 9-inch: This fish finder offers a large screen and advanced features at an affordable price. It only requires one transducer to accomplish all sonar modes, making it a great option for those who need a do-it-all screen.
• Lowrance Elite FS 7: This fish finder is ideal for kayaks, with easy mounting options for Hobie kayaks. It offers down imaging, side-scan, and mapping capabilities, making it easy to locate schools of fish and changes in depth.
• Humminbird Ice Helix 7 CHIRP GPS G4 All Season: This unit is designed for both ice fishing and open-water fishing, offering clear Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar and CHIRP Interference Rejection. It includes a transom mount transducer, suction cup transducer mount, fish finder gimbal mount, and power cord.

Remember, when installing a fish finder, ensure you have sufficient battery power and use the appropriate transducer to get accurate readings. Consider the mounting options and whether you need a shield or protector to prevent damage.

Multifunction displays

MFDs typically include data interfaces such as NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. This enables integration with a wide variety of remote sensors and other devices, such as autopilots, VHF radios, satellite weather receivers, and sensors for engine data. They are a good choice for midsize and large offshore fishing boats or larger recreational boats that require a complex navigation and communication system.

Some popular MFDs include the Raymarine Axiom, Axiom Pro, and Axiom XL lines, which offer touchscreen displays ranging from 7.0" to 24.0" in size. The Axiom Pro and Axiom XL lines also offer HybridTouch control, combining touchscreen functionality with keypad control. The B&G H5000 Graphic Display is another option, offering a 5-inch, sunlight-viewable colour display with unique sailing features.

When choosing between a stand-alone combo unit and an MFD, consider the size of your boat and the level of functionality you require. If you have a smaller fishing boat and only need basic fishfinding and navigational capabilities, a stand-alone combo unit may be a more cost-effective choice. However, if you have a midsize or larger boat and require a more advanced navigation and communication system, an MFD is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions