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Category: Chartplotters

  • Garmin ECHOMAP vs Lowrance HDS: Which Chartplotter Series is Best?

    Garmin’s ECHOMAP and Lowrance’s HDS are two of the best-selling chartplotter/fish finder combo series on the market, and both span a wide range of screen sizes and price points. Here’s how the two ranges compare.

    SeriesModelPrice
    Garmin ECHOMAPGarmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv Fish Finder Chartplotter – 7 Inch, GT54UHD Transducer£632.99
    Garmin ECHOMAPGarmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 122sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer£2199.99
    Garmin ECHOMAPGarmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv 10-Inch LiveScope Plus Bundle£2758.99
    Lowrance HDSLowrance HDS-9 PRO with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer£1954.99
    Lowrance HDSLowrance HDS PRO 9 with Active Imaging HD Transducer£2299.99
    Lowrance HDSLowrance HDS Pro 12 with Active Imaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer£3199.99

    Garmin ECHOMAP: Built for the Garmin Ecosystem

    ECHOMAP units run Garmin’s chartplotter software, with Navionics or Garmin Nautical charts and compatibility with Panoptix LiveScope live sonar — several models, like the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv 10-Inch LiveScope Plus Bundle, even come bundled with LiveScope Plus included. If you already run other Garmin devices (handhelds, watches, autopilot), the ECHOMAP series integrates seamlessly.

    Lowrance HDS: Shared Platform with Simrad and B&G

    The HDS series runs on the same underlying platform as Simrad and B&G displays, meaning the interface and networking will feel familiar if you’ve used either brand before. HDS units support Active Imaging and ActiveTarget live sonar, with C-MAP charts as standard.

    Which Should You Choose?

    • Choose ECHOMAP if you want Garmin’s ecosystem, Navionics charts, or plan to add Panoptix LiveScope — several bundles already include it.
    • Choose HDS if you want C-MAP charts, plan to network with Simrad/B&G electronics, or prefer Lowrance’s ActiveTarget live sonar system.
    • Budget-conscious: the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv Fish Finder Chartplotter – 7 Inch, GT54UHD Transducer at £632.99 is the most affordable entry point into either ecosystem on this list.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are ECHOMAP and HDS interchangeable on a network?
    No — each brand’s networking (Garmin Marine Network vs Lowrance/Simrad’s shared network) is proprietary, so mixing brands for shared sonar or radar isn’t possible.

    Which has better sonar out of the box?
    Both include capable imaging sonar in their bundled transducers — the real differentiator is which live sonar ecosystem (LiveScope vs ActiveTarget) you might want to add later.

    Do both include UK charts?
    Check the specific bundle — some include Navionics+ or C-MAP UK coverage, others require a chart card purchased separately.

    Deciding between ECHOMAP and HDS? Our team can help you weigh up ecosystem and features — browse both ranges in our online shop.

  • Humminbird SOLIX vs Garmin GPSMAP: Which Flagship Wins?

    At the top end of the market, Humminbird’s SOLIX range and Garmin’s GPSMAP xsv series are both built for anglers and boaters who want the sharpest possible picture and don’t want to compromise on chart or sonar detail. Here’s how they compare.

    Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv GN+ Multifunction Chartplotter
    Price£2874.99£3414.99
    Screen12.1-inch12-inch
    SonarMEGA Side/Down Imaging+ClearVü/SideVü CHIRP
    MappingHumminbird AutoChart LiveGarmin Navionics/BlueChart

    The Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 is built around Humminbird’s MEGA Imaging+ sonar, which produces some of the sharpest, most photo-realistic side and down images on the market — genuinely useful for reading structure and cover in detail. It also supports AutoChart Live, which builds and refines your own depth maps as you drive, layering your real-world data over factory charts.

    The Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv GN+ Multifunction Chartplotter leans on Garmin’s broader ecosystem — Navionics and Garmin’s own BlueChart mapping, plus compatibility with Panoptix LiveScope live sonar, radar and autopilot integration if you’re building out a full helm. If you value one connected system across chartplotter, autopilot and engine data, Garmin’s network tends to be the more mature option.

    Which Should You Choose?

    • Choose Humminbird SOLIX if imaging sonar detail and self-built depth mapping (AutoChart Live) are your priority — strong for anglers focused on structure fishing.
    • Choose Garmin GPSMAP if you want the widest ecosystem for autopilot, engine data and live sonar (LiveScope) integration, or you’re already invested in Garmin handhelds and watches.
    • On a tighter budget: the Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N (£1954.99) gives you Humminbird’s MEGA imaging technology in a smaller, more affordable 12-inch package.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is SOLIX only for freshwater fishing?
    No — SOLIX units are used offshore too, though their imaging sonar strengths are most noticeable in structure-rich inshore and freshwater fishing.

    Does GPSMAP support live sonar?
    Yes, the GPSMAP xsv series is compatible with Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope system for real-time forward-facing sonar.

    Which has better factory charts for UK waters?
    Both support UK chart cards (Navionics for Garmin, standard chart cards for Humminbird) — check the specific chart card included or required before you buy.

    Torn between SOLIX and GPSMAP? Our team can walk through both systems before you invest — browse the full range in our online shop.

  • Garmin GPSMAP vs Simrad NSS evo3S: Flagship Chartplotter Comparison

    Garmin and Simrad are two of the biggest names in marine electronics, and both build genuinely excellent chartplotters — the choice usually comes down to ecosystem, interface preference and what you already run on the boat. Here’s how their flagship-class units stack up.

    Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder with GT56 Transducer Bundle vs Simrad NSS9 evo3S 9-Inch Chartplotter Fishfinder with C-MAP Discover Charts

    Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder with GT56 Transducer BundleSimrad NSS9 evo3S 9-Inch Chartplotter Fishfinder with C-MAP Discover Charts
    Price£2298.99£1378.99
    Screen9-inch9-inch
    Sonar includedGT56 transducer bundledActive Imaging compatible
    EcosystemGarmin ActiveCaptain, Panoptix LiveScope readySimrad/B&G/Lowrance shared platform

    The Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder with GT56 Transducer Bundle comes bundled with a GT56 transducer, so you’re getting CHIRP sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar from day one — useful if you don’t already own a compatible transducer. It also sits inside Garmin’s wider ecosystem, meaning it’s ready to add a Panoptix LiveScope live sonar system down the line without needing a different brand of display.

    The Simrad NSS9 evo3S 9-Inch Chartplotter Fishfinder with C-MAP Discover Charts runs Simrad’s evo3S platform, sharing its operating system and much of its interface with Lowrance and B&G displays — handy if other boats you use, or other electronics on board, are already in that ecosystem. It comes with C-MAP Discover charts included, and supports Simrad’s Active Imaging sonar and radar lineup for future expansion.

    Which Should You Choose?

    • Choose Garmin if you want the sonar transducer included in the box, plan to add Panoptix LiveScope live sonar later, or already run Garmin handhelds/watches that sync with ActiveCaptain.
    • Choose Simrad if you want C-MAP charts included, run other Simrad/B&G/Lowrance electronics already, or plan to add Simrad radar to the network.
    • Budget stretch: if screen size matters more than ecosystem, the Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder (£2759.99) and Garmin GPSMAP 8616xsv GN+ 16-Inch Multifunction Display (£5196.99) step up to 12-inch and 16-inch Garmin displays for a genuinely bigger picture at the helm.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Garmin or Simrad easier to use?
    Both use touchscreen-first interfaces with physical keys as backup. Garmin’s menus lean slightly more icon-driven; Simrad’s lean on a consistent top-level menu bar. Most users adapt to either within a few outings.

    Can I mix brands on one boat?
    You can run different brands for different functions (say, a Garmin chartplotter with a separate VHF radio), but networked features like shared sonar and radar generally need same-brand displays.

    Which has better sonar out of the box?
    The Garmin comes with a transducer bundled, so it’s ready to fish immediately; the Simrad needs a compatible transducer added if you don’t already own one.

    Still weighing up Garmin vs Simrad for your boat? Our team can talk through your existing electronics and network before you commit — browse both ranges in our online shop.

  • Best Chartplotter for UK & European Waters 2026

    A good chartplotter is the one piece of marine electronics you’ll rely on every single trip — for navigation, tide and current data, AIS traffic and, on combo units, sonar too. UK and European waters bring their own demands: busy shipping lanes, changeable tides and detailed inshore charts, so mapping accuracy and screen clarity matter as much as raw sonar power. Here’s how the chartplotters we stock compare.

    Chartplotter Comparison Table

    ChartplotterScreenPrice
    Garmin GPSMAP 86sc Handheld Marine GPS with BlueChart g3 ChartsHandheld£574.99
    Simrad GO9 XSE with C-MAP Discover Charts and Active Imaging Transducer9-inch£1148.99
    Simrad NSS9 evo3S 9-Inch Chartplotter Fishfinder with C-MAP Discover Charts9-inch£1378.99
    Garmin GPSMAP 8610xsv GN+ Multifunction Chartplotter10-inch£2183.99
    Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder with GT56 Transducer Bundle9-inch combo£2298.99
    Raymarine AXIOM+ 12RV with LightHouse UK & Ireland Charts12-inch£2563.99
    Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder12-inch£2759.99
    Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G312-inch flagship£2874.99

    Best Handheld: Garmin GPSMAP 86sc Handheld Marine GPS with BlueChart g3 Charts

    At £574.99, the Garmin GPSMAP 86sc Handheld Marine GPS with BlueChart g3 Charts is a genuinely useful backup or dinghy chartplotter — preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts, GPS and a sunlight-readable screen in a handheld that fits a pocket or lifejacket. Not a replacement for a fixed helm unit on anything but the smallest craft, but an excellent backup for bigger boats.

    Best Value 9-inch: Simrad GO9 XSE with C-MAP Discover Charts and Active Imaging Transducer vs Simrad NSS9 evo3S 9-Inch Chartplotter Fishfinder with C-MAP Discover Charts

    Both Simrad units sit in the £1148.99–£1378.99 range and share the brand’s clean, fast NSS-style interface. The Simrad GO9 XSE with C-MAP Discover Charts and Active Imaging Transducer is the more accessible entry point; the Simrad NSS9 evo3S 9-Inch Chartplotter Fishfinder with C-MAP Discover Charts steps up with the evo3S platform’s faster processor and broader networking options if you plan to add radar or a second display later.

    Best Combo Unit: Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder with GT56 Transducer Bundle

    The Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder with GT56 Transducer Bundle bundles a GT56 transducer in with the chartplotter, so you get CHIRP sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar out of the box rather than buying a transducer separately — a sensible way to avoid a second purchase down the line.

    Best 12-inch Displays: Raymarine AXIOM+ 12RV with LightHouse UK & Ireland Charts, Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder and Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3

    For helm-mounted use on larger boats, a 12-inch screen makes split-screen chart and sonar views genuinely readable at a glance. The Raymarine AXIOM+ 12RV with LightHouse UK & Ireland Charts comes with UK & Ireland charts preloaded, which is worth factoring into the price versus units that need charts bought separately. The Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv GN+ Chartplotter Fishfinder and Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 sit at the top of the range for anglers and cruisers who want maximum chart and sonar detail on one screen.

    What to Look for in a UK & European Chartplotter

    • Chart coverage: confirm UK & Ireland or wider European chart cards are included or available — not every unit ships with local charts preloaded.
    • AIS compatibility: useful in busy UK shipping lanes and the Channel; check whether an AIS receiver is built in or needs adding separately.
    • Networking: if you might add radar, a second display or an autopilot later, check the unit supports NMEA 2000 or the brand’s proprietary network.
    • Sonar bundling: combo units with a transducer included are usually better value than buying chartplotter and transducer separately.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a 12-inch chartplotter?
    Only if you’re viewing it from a distance at the helm or want a large split-screen view. A 9-inch unit is plenty for most small to mid-sized boats.

    Are UK charts included?
    It varies by brand and bundle — the Raymarine AXIOM+ 12RV with LightHouse UK & Ireland Charts includes UK & Ireland charts, while some units require a separate chart card. Check the individual listing before you buy.

    Can I network multiple chartplotters together?
    Yes — Garmin, Simrad and Raymarine units in the same family can typically share sonar, radar and autopilot data across multiple displays on the same network.

    Not sure which chartplotter fits your boat and network? Our team can help you spec the right screen size and chart coverage — browse the full range in our online shop.