Best Chartplotters for Sailboats: Good, Better, Best

Choosing a chartplotter comes down to how much screen you need, how far you plan to expand your electronics later, and how much you're willing to spend up front. Below we compare three solid Garmin options — a compact standalone unit and two networked displays from Garmin's GPSMAP 8000 series — so you can match the plotter to your boat and your cruising plans.

Prices and stock verified as of September 25, 2026. Marine electronics pricing and availability change often — click through to each product page for current pricing before you buy.

Quick Comparison

Our Recommendation

If you're outfitting a smaller sailboat or just want reliable charts and GPS at the helm without building out a full network, the ECHOMAP UHD2 9" is an easy, affordable choice you can install yourself over a weekend.

For most cruising sailors, the GPSMAP 8612 hits the sweet spot: a 12" networked display that can grow with you as you add radar, autopilot, or a second station down the line, without the cost or footprint of the largest display in the lineup.

If you're running a larger sailing yacht, have the helm space for it, or simply want the biggest, clearest display available, the GPSMAP 8616 gives you the same networked architecture as the 8612 with a full 16" of screen.

Ready to Choose?

ECHOMAP UHD2 9" — $1,199.99

GPSMAP 8612 — $3,799.99

GPSMAP 8616 — $5,599.99

Common Questions

Do any of these come with sonar built in?

The ECHOMAP UHD2 9" includes a chartplotter only in the version compared here (transducer sold separately for sonar). The GPSMAP 8612 and 8616 are network displays without built-in sonar — you'll need a compatible sonar module or black box if fish-finding matters to you.

Can I add a second display or radar later if I start with the smaller unit?

The ECHOMAP UHD2 is a standalone unit and isn't designed to network with other Garmin displays. If you think you'll want to expand your system down the road, the GPSMAP 8612 or 8616 are the better starting point, since both run on the Garmin Marine Network and NMEA 2000.

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