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If you spend time on the water around the UK — whether cruising along the coast, fishing in the estuaries, or crossing busy shipping lanes — a marine chartplotter is one of those kit items you don’t want to scrimp on. Think of it as the captain’s digital map: it blends GPS positioning, electronic charts, and data from sonar, radar, and sensors to give you a real-time picture of where you are and what’s beneath the surface. It’s like swapping a paper chart and a compass for a cockpit-grade co‑pilot that speaks in inches, feet, and miles instead of cryptic symbols.
The marine electronics market has a handful of brands that have built reputations for durability, features, and UK-specific chart support. Knowing the strengths of each helps you match the device to your boat and boating style.
Garmin is known for clean user interfaces and broad accessory ecosystems. Their chartplotters range from compact models with a 7‑inch screen to helm‑filling displays of 12 inches or more, and they pair easily with built‑in sonar and autopilots. For UK waters, Garmin offers detailed charts and good support for coastal navigation, plus frequent software updates.
Raymarine focuses on rugged marine systems with strong charting, radar integration and high‑performance displays. Their multifunction displays are popular on sailing yachts and powerboats alike, offering crisp screens at 9, 12, or 16 inches and advanced features such as thermal camera compatibility and CHIRP sonar.
Simrad and Lowrance sit under the same parent company and cover a broad market from sportfisher to serious cruisers. Simrad is often chosen by larger boats for its networking and radar options, while Lowrance is popular with anglers for fishfinding features and chartplotter/sonar combos that start at smaller screen sizes.
B&G prioritizes sailing features: wind instrumentation, sailing charts, and race tools are deeply integrated. If you’re a racer or blue‑water sailor looking for charts, routing, and performance data on a 9‑ to 16‑inch display, B&G is built with those needs in mind.
Buying from the right retailer matters as much as choosing the brand. In the UK, you can source chartplotters from manufacturer stores, specialist marine retailers, and major marketplaces. Each route has pros and cons depending on support, warranty, and price comparison.
Buying directly from the manufacturer’s UK site gives you the safest route for warranty and firmware updates. You’ll often find the latest models first and clear specs like screen size in inches and compatibility notes for transducers. It’s a good place to start if you want official accessories and dealer support in the UK.
For a focused selection of marine electronics, boats.co.uk is a popular UK specialist selling chartplotters, sonar units, and complete navigation packages. Specialists like this often offer product bundles and installation advice tailored to boats measured in feet, plus options for UK chart formats and add‑on sensors.
Amazon UK is convenient for price checks and fast delivery on popular models and accessories. While you can find competitive deals, double‑check seller ratings and warranty terms — and remember to verify that the product includes UK chart licensing if that matters to you.
eBay can be a source for discontinued models, second‑hand units, or factory‑refurbished chartplotters at a discount. This route is best if you know what you need, since support and return options may vary; treat purchases like a treasure hunt and inspect seller feedback closely.
Not all chartplotters are created equal. Match features to your boating style, and think in inches for screen size and feet for depth performance when comparing units.
Screen real estate matters. A 7‑inch display is handy for small boats, a 9‑ or 12‑inch display gives better split‑screen views, and anything above 12 inches can become a full helm console. Make sure the display is bright enough for direct sunlight and that glass is anti‑glare if you cruise with the sun low on the horizon.
Look for chart compatibility with UK coastal charts, including high‑resolution shoreline and bathymetry where available. Whether you need vector charts for route planning or raster charts for traditional visuals, confirm how easy it is to update charts and if charts are included or sold separately.
If you fish, sonar matters. CHIRP sonar and downscan/side‑scan options give clearer images of structure and fish down to hundreds of feet. Ensure the chartplotter supports the transducer type you plan to use and that transducer mounting suits the size of your boat.
Modern chartplotters often join a data network with autopilots, engines, radar, and instruments via NMEA 2000 or Ethernet. If you plan to expand your system later — for radar, thermal cameras, or autopilot control — start with a chartplotter that supports these standards.
Selecting the right unit is part tech decision and part boat fitting. Consider boat size in feet, the type of boating you do, and how many screens you want at the helm.
For small boats, a rugged 5 to 7‑inch chartplotter or a handheld GPS may be perfect. Look for splashproof ratings and battery life if you plan to use a portable unit. A compact fixed unit with a transom‑mounted transducer can serve most shallow‑water anglers and coastal dayboaters.
On larger yachts, choose a main display of at least 12 inches for charting and split views, and one or two smaller repeater screens for the cockpit. NMEA 2000 networking becomes essential for sharing chart, instrument and autopilot data across the boat measured in feet and miles.
Anglers typically prioritize sonar and transducer types. Combine a high‑resolution chartplotter with CHIRP and side‑scan sonar and a transducer rated for the depths you fish in feet. A 9‑ to 12‑inch screen often provides the best balance of detail and cockpit fit.
Price varies widely depending on brand, screen size, and features. Expect entry‑level chartplotters with basic GPS and chart capacity to be the most budget‑friendly, while full multifunction displays with radar and networking can climb steeply.
Entry models often start at prices that appeal to casual boaters and anglers. These units typically include GPS and basic charts, with small screens measured in inches, and are great for hobbyists or as a backup navigation device.
Mid‑range chartplotters give you better sonar, larger screens (9–12 inches), and network compatibility. They are the sweet spot for recreational skippers who want reliability and expansion potential without paying for professional gear.
High‑end systems add radar, thermal imaging compatibility, integrated autopilot control, and large multi‑screen setups. They’re aimed at serious cruisers, commercial users, and anglers who demand top sonar performance and professional integration.
Even the best chartplotter can underperform if installed poorly or paired with the wrong accessories. Think of installation as the plumbing of your electronics: a clean job keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Your transducer choice affects depth and clarity in feet. Transom transducers work well on smaller boats, while through‑hull or in‑hull transducers suit larger yachts. Correct mounting height and angle are crucial for accurate returns.
Use marine‑grade cables and proper fused power supplies sized for your boat in feet. Cable runs should avoid chafing and keep power separate from signal wires where possible to reduce interference.
Consider sturdy dash or gimbal mounts for small boats and a flush mount for a sleeker helm. Sun hoods help when the sun is low and bright; think in terms of screen legibility in direct sunlight when choosing a mounting position.
Invest with an eye to tomorrow. Chartplotters that support software updates, modular upgrades, and standard network protocols give you headroom to add radar, better sonar, or a new display without replacing everything.
Choose units with straightforward update paths and check whether chart subscriptions are one‑off or recurring. Manufacturers and UK chart providers sometimes offer patch updates that improve charts and navigation aids.
Look for NMEA 2000 or Ethernet compatibility, standard connector types, and clear documentation on supported accessories. That way you can add a second screen, radar, or autopilot in the future measured in feet and miles rather than starting from scratch.
Before you click “buy,” take these practical steps: compare prices across marketplaces and manufacturer sites; read UK‑specific reviews that test charts in local waters; and ensure the device supports the chart format used by UK coastal services. Comparison sites and specialist reviews can save time, and a quick look at user forums often reveals real‑world quirks for models measured in inches and used on boats of varying lengths.
Choosing the right marine chartplotter in the UK comes down to matching your boat size in feet, boating style, and budget to the features you truly need: display size in inches, reliable chart coverage, sonar depth in feet, and network compatibility. Whether you buy direct from Garmin UK or Raymarine UK, pick a specialist like boats.co.uk, or hunt for deals on Amazon UK or eBay UK, do your homework on chart support and expansion options. A well‑selected chartplotter changes navigation from guesswork into confidence, turning every trip into a safer and more enjoyable voyage.
| Marine Chartplotters & GPS | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Gps Location Garmin 723 7 | kr. 8.330,- |
