Garmin GPSMAP 5212
The Garmin GPSMAP 5212 is one of the best chartplotters because it's easy to use and has a good battery life, which means you won't have to charge up or replace the batteries on a longer trip. The GPS unit comes preloaded with maps of waters surrounding the United States and you can purchase an optional package that includes international waters. It also comes with a fish finder and gets good reception.
Humminbird 997c
The Humminbird 997c is highly rated by customers because it gives you the chance to see two maps side by side on the large 12-inch color screen. You'll also note that it has better detail than some other models and clearly shows water, land, animals and other landmarks in the area. The device works well on larger and smaller boats, as well as for fishing expeditions in lakes or trips in saltwater.
Garmin GPS 5212 With Touch Screen
The Garmin GPS 5212 is highly similar to the GPSMAP 5212, but it also features a touch screen. This lets you quickly touch the screen and immediately shift between different screens or features, which is helpful in the case of an emergency. You can also shift between the fish finder and maps with just the touch of a button. The brightness of the screen makes it easy to see and read the information no matter what the weather is like.
Humminbird 798CI
The Humminbird 798CI is highly rated because it comes with a side-by-side screen that actually places two screens on top of each other, which gives you the chance to use two features at once. When using the fish finder, you can mark fish in the area from over 100 feet and it also identifies landmarks and hazards underneath the water. The full color screen and large buttons make this marine chartplotter a little easier to see and read than some other models.
