Multifunction Displays & Combos
Keep your products running from day-one with our perfromance guarantee.
Learn MoreShop Multifunction Displays and Combos at West Marine
On this page we offer multifunction displays manufactured by Raymarine, Lowrance, Simrad, and B&G. Among these displays, those that include built-in chartplotting and sonar (read "fishfinder") capability are considered to be "combo" units. Many of these "combo" units are offered with a transom-mount transducer. Sonar transducers, where not included are available as a separate purchase. We should stress that the "combos" referred to herein should not be confused with stand-alone fishfinder/GPS combos many of which have limited networking capability.
So, what is a multifunction display?
MFDs are designed to function as the central hub for a vessel's navigation and communication systems, allowing boaters to connect multiple devices and access data from various sources. Most include data interfaces such as NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. This enables integration with a wide variety of remote sensors and other devices, such as autopilots, VHF radios, satellite weather receivers, and sensors for engine data for example.
Should you purchase a stand-alone combo or a multifunction display?
Midsize and larger offshore fishing boats are ideal candidates for the MFDs on this page. With their advanced connectivity options and the ability to integrate with a wide range of devices, MFDs are a good choice for midsize and large offshore fishing boats or larger recreational boats that require a more complex navigation and communication system.
If you have a smaller fishing boat and only need fishfinding and navigational capability, a stand-alone combo unit is your best choice. After all, why pay extra for a MFD, when you most likely won't take advantage of all that it has to offer? Things like video surveillance, engine data, bilge sensors, stereo system control, radar and a whole host of other capabilities.