Imagine this: You’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and you have a feeling today is the day you’ll land that trophy fish. But then, you look down. You have two separate devices cluttering your console—one for navigation and one for finding fish. Fumbling between them wastes precious seconds and can mean the difference between a great catch and an empty net.
Choosing the perfect Chartplotter Fishfinder Combo can feel like a maze. You need clear maps, accurate depth readings, and a screen that works in bright sunlight. If you pick the wrong one, you end up with confusing menus or screens that can’t keep up with how fast you’re moving. It’s frustrating when technology meant to help actually slows you down.
Don’t let gear confusion ruin your next trip! This guide cuts through the jargon. We will break down exactly what you need in a combo unit, from screen size to sonar technology. By the time you finish reading, you will know precisely which features matter most for your style of boating and fishing.
Ready to simplify your dash and boost your catch rate? Let’s dive into the essential features that make a great Chartplotter Fishfinder Combo.
Top Chartplotter Fishfinder Combo Recommendations
![Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder with US Coastal Maps and GT20-TM [010-02591-51]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BRHsBRy+L._SL160_.jpg)
- The bright 5” keyed display is made for convenience.
- Get double the views1 with Garmin CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonars.
- What’s under the water looks even better with high-contrast vivid color palettes.
- Wi-Fi connectivity2 between compatible chartplotters makes it easy to share info.
- Enjoy No. 1 in mapping3 with our LakeVü g3 and BlueChart maps with Navionics data.
- 9-INCH TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Bright, responsive interface designed for intuitive control and easy navigation
- 83/200 HDI TRANSDUCER: Provides CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging for clear views of fish and structure
- C-MAP DISCOVER CHARTS: Preloaded coastal and inland maps with detailed coverage and smart routing features
- INTEGRATED GPS AND CONNECTIVITY: Built-in GPS with Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000 support for seamless system integration
- RADAR AND AUTOPILOT READY: Expandable to include Simrad radar and autopilot systems for enhanced control and safety
![Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder with US Inland Maps and GT20-TM [010-02590-51]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/314dMbaaLhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Garmin ECHOMAP 53cv UHD2 is a chartplotter that comes with 5” color display
- Get double the views with Garmin CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonars
- Wi-Fi connectivity between compatible chartplotters makes it easy to share info.
- Preloaded with Garmin Navionics + U.S. Inland Mapping
- CHIRP UHD Traditional/ClearVü Scanning Sonar
- MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY: With GO9, add GPS navigation, sonar support, radar capability, and much more to your boat: perfect for sportboats, center-consoles, and smaller cruisers.
- C-MAP DISCOVER: Included C-MAP DISCOVER card with full-featured Vector Charts, Custom Depth Shading, Tides & Currents, C-MAP high-resolution Bathymetric contours, and ultra-wide coverage in the US and Canada.
- ACTIVE IMAGING 3-IN-1 TRANSDUCER: See structure and cover with a new level of refined detail with Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan imaging with FishReveal.
- RADAR READY: GO9 offers safer cruising and more productive fishing with plug-and-play connectivity to Simrad radar solutions for powerboats of all sizes.
- BUILT-IN CONNECTIVITY: Mirror your display to a smartphone or tablet and get access to charts, radar and other functionality from anywhere on board. NMEA 2000 connectivity offers more integration options.
- Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 5” display and intuitive user interface
- Rugged design for every fishing environment
- CHIRP Down Imaging: Filters out visual noise and clutter for a clear view beneath your boat; CHIRP Digital Sonar processing delivers detailed imaging to simplify fish finding
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar: Delivers views of fish arches and fish-holding structure with two ways to search — Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for detailed scanning; Precise 2D target separation powered by Low-Q transducer
- Enhanced GPS Navigation: Equipped with Humminbird Basemap, this chartplotter includes coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines; Compatible with premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics charts
- Real-Time Mapping: AutoChart Live creates maps of depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation while boating with eight hours of built-in recording time; Compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards for expanded mapping capacity
- Reliable Keypad Control: User-friendly menu system operated by softkey controls allows reliable operation in any weather conditions; Access pre-loaded views and settings through intuitive button interface
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv Combo US Coastal GN+ with GT20-TM Transducer
- easy-to-use 7” color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure
- supports garmin chirp traditional sonar plus chirp clearvü and chirp sidevü scanning sonars (requires compatible transducer)
- high-sensitivity gps to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
- includes built-in quickdraw contours mapping
- wi-fi connectivity allows you to connect to the activecaptain app with compatible smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications (including software update notifications) and access the garmin quickdraw community
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Chartplotter Fishfinder Combos
A chartplotter fishfinder combo is a fantastic tool for any boater or angler. It puts navigation maps and fish-finding sonar onto one screen. Choosing the right one can make your time on the water much better. This guide helps you pick the perfect unit.
Key Features to Look For
These features make your combo unit work well and keep you safe.
Display Size and Resolution
- Screen Size: Bigger screens (like 9 inches or more) are easier to read in bright sunlight. Smaller screens (5-7 inches) fit well on smaller boats.
- Brightness and Resolution: Look for high brightness (measured in nits). High resolution means clearer maps and sharper fish arches.
Sonar Technology
- Traditional Sonar (2D): This is standard. It shows you depth and the size of fish below you.
- Down Imaging: This gives you a near-photographic view directly below the boat. It clearly shows structure like rocks or weeds.
- Side Imaging: This scans wide areas to the left and right of your boat, helping you spot schools of fish or sunken objects far away from the hull.
- CHIRP Technology: CHIRP sends a continuous sweep of frequencies. This gives much clearer separation between baitfish and game fish. It is a major quality booster.
Navigation and Mapping
- Built-in Charts: Make sure the unit comes with detailed maps for the waters you plan to use it in.
- GPS Accuracy: Fast and accurate GPS locks keep you on course. Look for units with high-speed processors for quick map redraws.
- Networking (NMEA 2000/Ethernet): These connections let you share data with other electronics, like radar or engine sensors.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Your unit must survive water, sun, and bumps. Durability matters.
Construction and Waterproofing
- Rugged Casing: Most quality units use tough, impact-resistant plastic or composite materials. This protects the electronics inside.
- IP Rating: Check the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. An IPX7 rating means the unit can handle being submerged in water for a short time. This is essential for marine electronics.
Transducer Quality
The transducer is the sensor that sends and receives the sonar signals. A poorly made transducer sends weak signals. High-quality transducers provide the best sonar returns, directly improving the fishfinder’s quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a chartplotter great or just okay?
Quality Boosters:
- Fast Processors: Fast processors let you zoom, pan maps, and switch between screens instantly. Slow processing reduces the user experience significantly.
- Touchscreen Interface: Modern touchscreens make navigating menus much quicker than using buttons alone.
- Software Updates: Brands that regularly release free software updates add new features and fix bugs, keeping your unit modern.
Quality Reducers:
- Poor Glare Resistance: If you cannot see the screen clearly when the sun shines directly on it, the unit is almost useless for navigation.
- Slow GPS Acquisition: Units that take several minutes to find satellites waste your valuable time waiting.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how and where you will use the combo unit.
Fishing vs. Cruising
- Serious Anglers: You need advanced sonar features like CHIRP and Down Imaging. You will spend more time analyzing the bottom structure.
- Casual Cruisers/Navigation Focus: You need excellent, easy-to-read mapping and reliable GPS tracking. Sonar features can be simpler.
Installation and Mounting
Consider if you need a flush-mount unit (built into the dash) or a bracket mount (easier to install and adjust). Make sure the unit comes with the necessary cables for power and the transducer.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need both a chartplotter and a fishfinder separately?
A: No. A combo unit puts both functions on one screen, saving space and often costing less than buying two separate high-end devices.
Q: What is the difference between traditional sonar and CHIRP?
A: Traditional sonar uses one frequency. CHIRP uses many frequencies at once. CHIRP shows fish targets much clearer, especially when fish are close to each other or close to the bottom.
Q: Are these units hard to install?
A: Basic installation is simple: mount the screen, plug in the power cord, and drop the transducer into the water (usually via a transom mount). Advanced networking requires more technical skill.
Q: Can I use these units in saltwater?
A: Yes, most modern units are designed for both fresh and saltwater use. However, you must rinse the unit with fresh water after heavy saltwater exposure to prevent corrosion.
Q: What does “transducer” mean?
A: The transducer is the part that you mount outside the boat hull. It sends sound waves into the water and listens for the echo, which the unit then turns into the picture you see on the screen.
Q: Will a cheaper unit show me fish?
A: Yes, a cheaper unit will show you depth and fish arches. However, it will lack the clarity and advanced features (like Side Imaging) that help you identify *what kind* of fish you are seeing.
Q: How important is screen glare resistance?
A: It is very important. If you cannot see your chartplotter when the sun is high, you cannot safely navigate or see your fishing targets.
Q: Do I have to buy new maps?
A: Many units come with base maps pre-loaded. For the best detail in your local area, you might need to purchase detailed, downloadable cartography specific to that brand.
Q: What is NMEA 2000?
A: NMEA 2000 is a standard communication network. It lets your chartplotter talk to other compatible marine devices, like autopilots or engine monitoring systems.
Q: How often should I update the software?
A: You should check for updates at least once per season. Updates often include new mapping features, better sonar algorithms, and important bug fixes.