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.
You don’t need to spend thousands to get proper GPS mapping on the water. Every unit below sits under £500 and includes built-in GPS for waypoint marking, basic chart plotting and finding your way home — here’s how they compare.
The standout at this budget is the Garmin STRIKER Vivid 9sv with GT52HW-TM Transducer — a genuinely large 9-inch display for £436.99, well under the £500 mark and proof that you don’t need to spend flagship money to get a big, clear screen at the helm.
What You Give Up at This Budget
Advanced imaging sonar (MEGA Side/Down Imaging, live sonar) is generally reserved for higher-end units.
Preloaded detailed charts may be limited — check whether UK coastal charts are included or need a separate card.
Networking to add radar, autopilot or a second display is usually more limited on entry-level units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a budget GPS unit good enough for coastal sailing? For basic navigation and waypoint marking, yes — but check chart coverage carefully, and consider a fixed VHF radio and a backup handheld GPS for genuine offshore trips.
Can I upgrade sonar later on a budget unit? Some support swapping to a higher-spec transducer later, but the display’s processing power ultimately limits how advanced the imaging can get — check compatibility before buying if you plan to upgrade.
What’s the best value pick under £500? The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 9sv with GT52HW-TM Transducer stands out for giving a large 9-inch screen at a genuinely budget price point.
Want help picking the right budget GPS for your boat? Our team can talk through your options — browse the full range in our online shop.
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.
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
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.
