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Tag: boat navigation system UK

  • Best 16-Inch Chartplotter UK 2026: GPSMAP 8616 vs HDS Pro 16

    Best 16-Inch Chartplotter UK 2026: GPSMAP 8616 vs HDS Pro 16

    best 16 inch chartplotter UK Garmin GPSMAP 8616 vs Lowrance HDS Pro 16

    A 16-inch screen at the helm changes how you fish and navigate — more chart detail, room for split-screen sonar and radar, and genuinely easier reading from a distance. The two mainstream options in this size are the Garmin GPSMAP 8616 GN+ and the Lowrance HDS PRO 16. Here’s how they stack up.

    Display-only vs bundled sonar

    Both are available as a display-only “head unit” (no transducer), which suits anyone adding a second station or already running a black box sonar system elsewhere on the boat. Our Garmin GPSMAP 8616 GN+ 16-Inch Display Unit and the used Lowrance HDS PRO 16 head unit are both popular choices for exactly this reason — the used HDS PRO 16 in particular is a strong budget route into a 16-inch screen.

    Networking and ecosystem

    At this size, these displays are almost always the hub of a wider network — radar, autopilot, engine data, and multiple sonar sources. Garmin’s network is deep and mature; Lowrance’s ties into the wider Simrad/B&G ecosystem, which matters if you’re running B&G autopilot or Simrad radar elsewhere.

    Budget tip

    Buying a 16-inch display new is a serious investment. A professionally inspected used head unit — like our HDS PRO 16 — can save you well over £1,000 versus new, with the same 90-day used-goods warranty as our other refurbished stock. Worth considering if this is a second station rather than your primary helm display.

    Not sure which fits your network? Get in touch — we’re happy to talk through compatibility before you buy.

  • Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 vs Lowrance HDS Pro: 12-Inch Chartplotter Showdown

    Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 vs Lowrance HDS Pro: 12-Inch Chartplotter Showdown

    Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 vs Lowrance HDS Pro 12 inch chartplotter

    If you’re shopping for a 12-inch chartplotter, the shortlist almost always comes down to two names: Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 and Lowrance HDS Pro. Both are LiveScope/ActiveTarget-ready, both come in similar price bands, and both have loyal followings. We’ve sold and fitted plenty of each, so here’s how they actually compare.

    Screen and interface

    The ECHOMAP Ultra 2 runs Garmin’s familiar touchscreen UI with physical keypad backup — handy in rough conditions or with gloves on. The HDS Pro uses Lowrance’s SolarMAX HD display, which is noticeably brighter in direct sun, plus a hybrid touch/keypad layout of its own. In side-by-side testing on a bright afternoon, the HDS Pro’s screen held a very slight edge for glare; the ECHOMAP’s menus felt a touch more intuitive for first-time users.

    Sonar and live imaging

    Garmin pairs the ECHOMAP with GT-series transducers and is LiveScope-ready — arguably the most established forward-facing sonar on the market, now in its second generation with LiveScope 2. Lowrance counters with Active Imaging and ActiveTarget 2, which many bass anglers rate just as highly for real-time target tracking. Neither is a wrong choice; it often comes down to which ecosystem your local fishing community already runs, since shared knowledge and settings help.

    FeatureGarmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 126svLowrance HDS PRO 12
    Display12-inch touchscreen + keypad12-inch SolarMAX HD touch + keypad
    Live sonarLiveScope-readyActiveTarget-ready
    ChartsNavionics+ preloadedC-MAP Discover OnBoard preloaded
    NetworkingGarmin Marine NetworkLowrance/Simrad NMEA 2000 ecosystem

    Our verdict

    Both units are excellent, genuine, well-supported chartplotters and you won’t go far wrong either way. If you already run other Garmin electronics or want the deepest LiveScope ecosystem, go ECHOMAP. If brightness in direct sun is your priority or you’re already invested in the Lowrance/Simrad/B&G network, the HDS Pro is the stronger pick. Browse the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 126sv Bundle or the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Bundle — both genuine stock with UK & Europe delivery.

    FAQs

    Can I mix Garmin and Lowrance electronics on one boat? Yes, but they won’t share sonar/network data across brands, so most anglers standardise on one ecosystem per boat.

    Which has better resale value in the UK? Both hold value well; Garmin has a slight edge in the UK secondhand market currently. Unsure which is right for you? Get in touch and we’ll talk through your setup.

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

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

    Garmin ECHOMAP vs Lowrance HDS chartplotter series comparison

    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.

  • Garmin GPSMAP vs Simrad NSS evo3S: Flagship Chartplotter Comparison

    Garmin GPSMAP vs Simrad NSS evo3S: Flagship Chartplotter Comparison

    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.