A chartplotter fishfinder combines GPS navigation with sonar fishfinding in one display, so you can see your position and the fish below in a single screen.
If you’re shopping for marine electronics, “chartplotter fishfinder” is the term you’ll see on most modern units. A chartplotter fishfinder joins two separate tools into one display: a chartplotter for GPS navigation and mapping, plus a fishfinder for sonar-based fish detection. The main difference between models comes down to the hardware inside—and that’s where most shoppers get confused.
Many units work right out of the box, while others need extra gear like a sounder module. Read on to learn what each brand’s naming means, which models are truly all-in-one, and what to check before you buy.
What Does a Chartplotter Fishfinder Actually Do?
A chartplotter fishfinder shows your boat’s position on a navigational chart while simultaneously displaying sonar readings of the water below. The two core functions are navigation (the chartplotter side) and fishfinding (the sonar side), housed in one multifunction display mounted at your helm.
Lowrance describes its fishfinder/chartplotter units as having built-in sonar and navigation capability, with most models including a transducer and preloaded mapping. That means most Lowrance units are genuinely ready to use for both jobs.
Garmin takes a slightly different approach. Its chartplotter models without “xsv” or “xs” in the name require a Garmin sounder module plus a transducer to display sonar information. Models with “sv” in the name—like the UHD2 6″, 7″, and 9″ sv chartplotters—include an ultra-high-definition transducer and produce Garmin traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonar images.
Chartplotter vs. Fishfinder: What’s the Difference?
The difference is simple: a chartplotter handles navigation and mapping, while a fishfinder handles sonar. A combined unit does both on one screen. Lowrance notes its fishfinder/chartplotter displays come with built-in sonar and navigation, and its lineup ranges from 4 to 16 inches in screen size.
Garmin’s STRIKER Vivid fishfinders include a transducer, scanning and traditional sonar, and built-in GPS. Humminbird’s APEX Series GPS Chartplotters emphasize full-HD screens and chartplotter capability—the APEX 16 is described as a fishfinder CHIRP MSI+ GPS product. All three brands sell combined units, but the naming conventions differ enough to cause real confusion.
The “sv” and “xsv” labels are not decorative. They tell you whether a specific Garmin model can display sonar with just a transducer, or whether it needs extra hardware. If you see “xsv” or “xs” in the model name, that unit is sonar-capable with the right transducer. Without those letters, budget for a sounder module.
Which Chartplotter Fishfinder Do You Need?
Choosing the right unit comes down to your boat, fishing style, and how much hardware you want to install. Our tested chartplotter fishfinder combo roundup breaks down the top performers side by side. Before you commit, consider these factors:
- All-in-one convenience: Lowrance’s fishfinder/chartplotters typically ship with a transducer and mapping, so you’re ready to fish out of the box.
- Modular flexibility: Garmin separates navigation and sonar in some models, letting you add a sounder module later if you prefer to buy in stages.
- Screen size: A 4-inch unit is portable and simple; a 16-inch display like Humminbird’s APEX 16 gives you split-screen chart and sonar views without squinting.
Anglers who fish offshore or in unfamiliar waters should prioritize larger screens with preloaded maps. Lowrance’s Eagle 5, for example, includes SplitShot HD and preloaded high-resolution C-MAP Embedded inland charts for the US. This unit’s transducer and mapping make it a true all-in-one package.
Common Chartplotter Fishfinder Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent mistake: assuming every chartplotter can show sonar without extra hardware. Garmin explicitly states that non-xsv/non-xs models require a sounder module plus a transducer. Check the model name before you buy—it will save you a frustrating install day.
Another common error is confusing chartplotter-only navigation with fishfinder sonar. Lowrance distinguishes between units that include both functions and basic GPS plotter-only variants. Some models are available without a transducer and offer navigation only. Double-check the bundle before you order, and verify the transducer is included.
| Brand Family | Sonar-Ready? | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Lowrance Elite FS series | Yes—built-in | Transducer, preloaded maps, sonar and GPS in one unit |
| Lowrance Eagle 5 | Yes | SplitShot HD transducer, C-MAP inland US charts |
| Garmin UHD2 “sv” models | Yes | Ultra-HD transducer, ClearVü and SideVü sonar |
| Garmin non-sv/xsv models | Only with extra hardware | Requires sounder module and transducer |
| Humminbird APEX Series | Yes | Full-HD screens, CHIRP MSI+ sonar on select models |
| Garmin STRIKER Vivid | Yes | Transducer, GPS, scanning and traditional sonar |
Lowrance notes that Active Imaging HD requires an S3100 module, so even within “all-in-one” brands, premium sonar features sometimes need add-on gear. Always read the fine print on the model page before purchasing.
FAQs
Do I Need Both a Chartplotter and a Fishfinder?
No—a combined chartplotter fishfinder handles both jobs on one screen. If you already own a separate chartplotter and fishfinder, you can keep them, but a combined unit saves space, reduces wiring, and lets you overlay sonar data on the chart view, which many anglers find far more useful.
What’s the Difference Between an “sv” and a Standard Garmin Chartplotter?
The “sv” in Garmin model names indicates the unit supports scanning sonar—like ClearVü and SideVü—with a compatible transducer. Standard models without “sv,” “xs,” or “xsv” in the name cannot display sonar without adding a Garmin sounder module. It’s a naming shortcut for sonar capability.
Do Chartplotter Fishfinders Come With Transducers?
Many all-in-one models do, but not all. Lowrance’s Eagle 5 and most Elite FS units include a transducer, as do Garmin’s STRIKER Vivid and UHD2 “sv” models. However, some chartplotters are sold without a transducer for navigation-only use, so verify the bundle details before you order.
References & Sources
- Lowrance. “Fishfinders & Chartplotters.” Official category page describing sonar, navigation, and the Ultimate Fishing System.
- Humminbird. “APEX Series GPS Chartplotters.” Official US product page for APEX models with sonar and full-HD displays.
- Garmin. GPSMAP Touch Owner’s Manual. Official documentation covering transducer and sounder module requirements.