8 Best Marine GPS In 2023

In addition to being a top notch GPS tracking device, Garmin InReach Explorer+ handheld marine GPS is also a satellite communicator. It will allow you to send and receive text messages even where cell phone networks don't work. You will also be able to request marine weather reports and send an SOS message to the Coast Guard in the event of an emergency. The Explorer+ also has an incredible 100+ hours battery life.

Marine Navigation

The GPS tracking is accurate, as you can expect with a top rated boat GPS from Garmin. The device also comes pre-loaded with detailed topo maps of the US, and has a built-in electronic compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer. You will also be able to create routes and waypoints for navigation.

Design and Use 

One of the best things about the Garmin Explorer+ is the 100+ hours battery life. The screen is also easy to see even in bright sunlight. You will need a satellite subscription to use the satellite messaging service, but the price is accessible. As for durability, it has a robust, water resistant build that should last years.

Equipped with CHIRP digital sonar technology, Humminbird Helix 5 G2 marine GPS is the perfect GPS navigation/fish finder combo to mount on your fishing boat. The high-sensitivity internal GPS receiver and built-in GPS maps will aid with navigation while the CHIRP digital sonar will show you where the fish are. You will even be able to map the fishing spots you would like to revisit later. 

Navigation and Finding Fish

The GPS/WAAS receiver built into the Humminbird Helix 5 G2 provides fast position fixes accurate within 2.5 meters. With pre-loaded GPS maps, AutoChart Live chart plotting and Humminbird Basemap, finding your way will be easy and you will be able to map lucrative fish holding areas. CHIRP Digital Sonar will deliver an incredible view of the water beneath your boat, with details like fish, structure, and bottom. The device also gives depth, boat speed, and water temperature readings. 

Design and Use

For maximum visibility in direct sunlight, Humminbird Helix 5 GPS chartplotter is equipped with a wide color screen with backlight. You can see maps and views of the underwater world with stunning clarity. The package includes a transducer and mounting hardware, power cable, and gimbal mounting bracket for mounting the device on your fishing boat.

Offering a high-sensitivity GPS system and CHIRP sonar technology at an accessible price, Garmin Striker 4 marine GPS is the best fishing boat GPS for the money. The Garmin GPS has excellent sensitivity and accuracy, and the sonar gives near-photographic images of the fish and structure below your boat.

Navigation and Finding Fish

Equipped with a CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer, this GPS unit provides incredible detail for both baitfish and gamefish. Speed display lets you know if you’re trolling at the right speed for the lure you’re using and the fish species you’re targeting. The GPS comes in handy for marking fishing hot spots and creating waypoints so you can navigate to brush piles, stumps, and docks easily.

Design and Use

The color screen with great contrast and a simple keypad interface makes Garmin Striker 4 one of the easiest to use GPS for boats. The package includes a tilt/swivel mount, transducer with transom and trolling motor mounting hardware, and a power cable. A portable kit is also provided if you would like to use the Striker 4 in a kayak or canoe. You will need a 12-volt power supply to power the fish finder.     

A 66 channel WAAS GPS system and an IPX8 waterproof rating makes Standard HX870 GPS VHF radio one of the most reliable handheld marine GPS systems. The large and lightweight design enables it to float, and it can also survive submersion to a 4.92 feet depth. Unlike the other devices we feature here, this is a VHF radio equipped with marine survival features as well. 

Marine Navigation

A high-sensitivity 66 Channel WAAS GPS receiver enables it to lock onto satellites fast and offer reliable GPS location tracking. Since the HX870 is a survival marine radio, it’s also equipped with NOAA weather alerts, a water-activated strobe light, a group monitoring feature, a man overboard function, DSC calling, and a red emergency button for sending a distress call to the Coast Guard.

Design and Use

To ensure this marine GPS radio would be easy to use on the open water, Standard Horizon equipped it with an oversized full dot matrix display and an intuitive icon menu system. As for power, it has a rechargeable battery pack and can also take regular AA batteries. Build quality is bullet proof and it has the highest level of water resistance so you don’t have to worry about water damage.

Three features make Lowrance Hook Reveal 5X SplitShot GPS one of the best GPS fish finders and chart plotters to install on a fishing boat: a high-sensitivity internal GPS receiver, a wide-angle CHIRP sonar, and DownScan imaging. It offers the best views of what is below your boat and you can see everything with stunning clarity on the 5-inch color display.  

Fish Finding and Navigation 

The broadband CHIRP sonar returns a lot of details making fish very easy to find. The sonar also adjusts itself to suit the fishing conditions, ensuring you get the best view every time. With DownScan imaging, this fish finder displays high resolution images making fish targets easy to identify. The integrated GPS allows you to create waypoints so you can find your way back easily. You can also mark your favorite fishing spots.

Design and Use

This Lowrance GPS fish finder is also equipped with a large 5-inch screen that shows crisp and clear views even in direct sunlight. A simple menu layout and a dedicated keypad make it easy to operate one-handed while fishing. A quick-release tilt and swivel bracket enable you to adjust the device’s position for the best view. 

With a Quad Helix antenna, a high-sensitivity receiver, and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo), Garmin GPSMAP 64x handheld marine GPS is one of the best handheld boat navigation systems. The sunlight-readable display and a water resistant design also make it perfect for boating. The battery can last up to 16 hours in GPS mode.  

Marine Navigation

A top notch antenna and GPS receiver with multiple global navigation satellites support mean the GPS on the GPSMAP 64x is excellent. It offers quick and precise tracking even in challenging conditions. You get the device preloaded with TopoActive maps of the US and Australia. With 8 GB of onboard memory and a card slot for expanding the memory, you can also add detailed marine maps. This nautical GPS also has a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter built-in.

Design and Use

With its compact design, the GPSMAP 64x Garmin boat GPS will fit perfectly in the palm of your hands. A simple push-button operation makes it extremely easy to use and the screen is easy to read in direct sunlight. It runs on rechargeable batteries and will also take 2 AA batteries. The rugged, water resistant construction ensures it will hold up well on a boat.

Garmin eTrex 20x handheld GPS navigation system features a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, HotFix, and GLONASS satellite support. This means its GPS functionality is fast and spot on. This is an upgraded version of the highly popular eTrex 20. It features a higher screen resolution for ease of reading in direct sunlight, and a larger memory for adding your own maps. 

Marine Navigation

The WAAS-enabled GPS with HotFix and GLONASS support will give you a fast and accurate reading of your location and maintain a good satellite lock for accurate tracking. The eTrex 20x comes equipped with worldwide basemap, and the 3.7 GB memory and an SD card slot allow you to load it with detailed BlueChart g2 charts. This device also supports geocaching GPX files and works great as a boat GPS speedometer.

Design and Use

The enhanced transflective 65K color screen displays vibrant colors and is easy to read in direct sunlight. The rugged build with an IPX7 water resistance rating can withstand boating conditions to offer long lasting service. This nautical GPS uses two AA batteries - alkaline or rechargeable.

Garmin GPSMAP 78sc handheld marine GPS comes pre-loaded with BlueChart g2 coastal charts of the US and the Bahamas, making it the best GPS marine Chartplotter. It also has a built-in worldwide basemap, and a high sensitivity GPS. All these features make marine navigation a breeze. Other features sailors and water sports adventurers will appreciate include a dedicated man over board button, a waterproof design, and the ability to float.   

Marine Navigation

Since it’s equipped with a high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS and HotFix satellite prediction, you can count on the GPSMAP 78sc ocean GPS to locate your position quickly and help you find your way without fail. The built-in marine charts offer details like shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors, and marinas. You can also read direction with the 3-axis tilt-compensated compass, and pinpoint altitude and monitor the weather with the barometric altimeter.

Design and Use

Molded rubber side grips make this handheld marine GPS easy to hold. If it slips accidentally and falls into the water, it will remain on the water surface so you can retrieve it easily. It’s water resistant to IPX7 so it can resist water damage. Maps are easy to read in direct sunlight on the bright 2.6-inch 65K color display with a 160x240-pixel resolution. This GPS device runs on two AA batteries and they can last a 20-hour voyage.