Marine GPS, Chartplotters & Radar

Marine GPS & Radar Systems for Boat Navigation

Navigate with confidence using marine GPS and radar systems from West Marine. Whether you're fishing coastal waters, cruising offshore, or exploring inland lakes, modern marine navigation electronics help you plan routes, monitor your position, and identify potential hazards. Explore GPS chartplotters, multifunction displays, marine radar systems, and GPS/fishfinder combinations for a variety of recreational boats.

GPS chartplotters display your boat's position on electronic nautical charts, while marine radar detects surrounding vessels, shorelines, and other radar-reflective targets. Together, these technologies help improve situational awareness and support safer navigation.

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Marine GPS Chartplotters

Marine GPS chartplotters display your vessel's position on electronic navigation charts and help you plan routes, follow waypoints, and monitor your progress. Designed for marine environments, chartplotters offer sunlight-readable displays and navigation features for coastal, inland, and offshore boating.

Explore our marine GPS chartplotters or learn more in our West Advisor GPS selection guide.

Marine Radar Systems

Marine radar systems use radio waves to detect surrounding objects, including other boats, navigation markers, coastlines, and certain weather conditions. Radar is especially useful when visibility is limited by fog, rain, or darkness.

Shop marine radar systems or read our Marine Radar for the Recreational Boater guide.

Multifunction Displays & GPS/Fishfinder Combos

Multifunction displays (MFDs) combine multiple navigation and monitoring functions into one screen. Depending on the model, these systems may integrate GPS chartplotting, sonar, radar, AIS, engine information, and autopilot controls.

GPS/fishfinder combos are particularly popular with anglers who want to view navigation charts and underwater sonar information from a single display.

Explore multifunction displays and GPS/fishfinder combos.

Handheld Marine GPS

Handheld marine GPS devices provide portable navigation for small boats, kayaks, dinghies, and backup use aboard larger vessels. Many models feature rugged construction, waterproof designs, waypoint navigation, and battery-powered operation.

Shop handheld GPS devices for portable marine navigation.

How to Choose the Right Marine GPS & Radar System

Choose the Right Display Size

Consider your boat's helm space, viewing distance, and navigation needs when selecting a chartplotter. Smaller displays may be suitable for compact boats, while larger screens provide additional room for charts, sonar, radar overlays, and split-screen views.

Check Chart and Mapping Compatibility

Electronic charts provide information about coastlines, water depths, navigation markers, and potential hazards. Before purchasing a GPS chartplotter, confirm that it supports the chart coverage and mapping products you need for your boating area.

Learn more about marine mapping in our Selecting Electronic Charts guide.

Consider Radar Compatibility

Not every chartplotter supports radar integration. Many marine radar scanners require compatible multifunction displays from the same manufacturer and product ecosystem. Before upgrading your electronics, verify compatibility between the radar, display, software, and network connections.

For additional guidance, read our Selecting Networked Marine Electronics article.

Choose Between Radar Dome and Open Array Systems

Radar domes enclose the antenna in a compact housing and are commonly used on smaller powerboats, sailboats, and cruising vessels. Open array radar systems use larger exposed antennas that can provide improved angular resolution and target separation, making them popular on larger vessels and offshore fishing boats.

The right radar depends on your vessel, mounting location, power availability, and intended navigation conditions.

Plan for Electronics Networking

Modern marine navigation systems may connect GPS, radar, sonar, AIS, autopilots, and engine instruments through compatible networking technologies such as NMEA 2000 and marine Ethernet. Confirm the connection requirements of each component before purchasing or installing a new system.

Marine GPS vs. Marine Radar: What's the Difference?

Although GPS and radar are both important navigation tools, they serve different purposes. Marine GPS determines your boat's position using satellite signals and displays that location on electronic charts. Marine radar detects radar-reflective objects around the vessel, helping operators identify traffic and hazards.

GPS chartplotters help you understand where your boat is and where you're going. Radar provides additional information about surrounding conditions, particularly when visibility is poor. Many modern multifunction displays integrate both technologies to improve situational awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marine GPS & Radar

What is the difference between a marine GPS and a chartplotter?

GPS technology determines your location using satellite signals. A marine chartplotter combines GPS positioning with electronic nautical charts, allowing you to view your boat's location, plan routes, and navigate to waypoints.

Do I need radar if my boat has GPS?

GPS and radar perform different functions. GPS shows your position on a chart, while radar helps detect surrounding objects and traffic. Radar can be especially valuable for offshore navigation, busy waterways, and boating in reduced visibility.

Can marine radar work with any chartplotter?

No. Marine radar systems generally require compatible displays and networking equipment. Compatibility varies by manufacturer and model, so confirm the supported radar systems before purchasing.

What is the difference between a radar dome and open array radar?

Radar domes use enclosed antennas that are compact and suitable for many recreational boats. Open array systems use larger exposed antennas that generally offer improved angular resolution and target separation. Your boat's size, available mounting space, and navigation needs will help determine the right option.

Can a chartplotter also work as a fishfinder?

Yes, many chartplotters include built-in sonar capabilities or support compatible sonar modules and transducers. These GPS/fishfinder combinations allow boaters to view navigation information and underwater conditions on the same display.

West Advisor: Marine GPS & Radar Buying Guides

Explore our West Advisor articles for expert guidance on selecting, installing, and using marine navigation electronics.

• GPS for Boaters: Choosing the Right Receiver - Understand marine GPS features and navigation options.
• Marine Radar for the Recreational Boater - Compare radar technologies, antenna designs, and compatibility.
• Choosing Networked Marine Electronics - Learn how chartplotters, radar, sonar, and other electronics work together.
• Selecting Electronic Charts - Understand digital marine charts and mapping options.
• How to Interpret Marine Radar - Learn how to understand radar targets and displays.

Shop Marine GPS & Radar at West Marine

Find marine GPS chartplotters, boat radar systems, multifunction displays, and navigation electronics at West Marine. Explore navigation solutions for fishing boats, center consoles, sailboats, and offshore cruisers, with equipment designed to support route planning, navigation awareness, and safer boating.