10 Best Marine Handheld Gps Devices 2025 in the United States

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a robust handheld GPS device designed for marine and outdoor use. Its 3-inch sunlight-readable color display ensures clear visibility, which is crucial for navigating in bright conditions. The device's accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GNSS support, ensuring reliable location tracking. Durability is a strong suit with this handheld, boasting a rugged build and a good waterproof rating suitable for marine environments. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 165 hours in tracking mode and up to 425 hours in expedition mode, making it ideal for long trips without frequent recharges.

Mapping capabilities are extensive, with preloaded TopoActive maps and the option to view satellite imagery. The device also supports a variety of premium mapping content through an Outdoor Maps+ subscription. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB, allowing for seamless integration with other devices. The user interface is straightforward, with buttons that are easy to use even with gloves on, and the device pairs with your smartphone for additional features like weather forecasts and geocaching.

One notable feature is the inReach satellite technology, which allows for two-way messaging and emergency SOS, though this requires a subscription. On the downside, the device's larger size and weight (8.1 ounces) may be cumbersome for some users, and the need for a subscription for satellite services adds to the overall cost. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin GPSMAP 67i stands out for its robust feature set and reliability, making it well-suited for marine enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers looking for a dependable navigation tool.

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a robust and feature-rich marine GPS device that caters well to serious anglers. One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which provides detailed views of underwater structures using CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan technologies. This makes it highly accurate in locating fish and understanding underwater terrains. The device supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar, offering real-time, high-resolution images of fish and how they react to your lure, enhancing your fishing strategy effectively.

The 9-inch multi-touch LCD screen is another strong point; it is large, high-resolution, and user-friendly, ensuring readability even in bright sunlight and ease of operation during fishing activities. Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts give detailed mapping of over 8,900 U.S. lakes, aiding in precise navigation and fishing spot identification. Durability is also well-managed with a solid build and waterproof design. The connectivity options are extensive, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet, allowing integration with additional devices like radar and autopilot systems, and sharing data between displays, which is convenient for those with a more complex setup.

However, it operates on a 12 Volt DC power source which might limit usage to certain types of boats or require additional battery management solutions. The user interface is generally intuitive but may require a learning curve for complete mastery, particularly for those new to advanced fish finders. Additionally, its bulkier size and weight could be a consideration for portability. This device is well-suited for avid anglers looking for advanced features and high-quality imaging but may be slightly overkill for casual users or those new to fish finding technology.

The Garmin GPSMAP 65 is a robust marine-handheld GPS device that offers several strengths ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. One of its key advantages is the high accuracy achieved through expanded GNSS and multi-band technology, making it reliable in challenging environments like dense forests and urban canyons. Its 2.6-inch color display is sunlight-readable, providing good screen readability even in bright conditions, which is crucial for marine applications.

The device also includes preloaded TopoActive maps and public land boundaries in the U.S., enhanced by the Garmin Explore app for better route management and tracking stats, which adds to its mapping and charting capabilities. However, the device could be more user-friendly; it is button-operated, which might not be as intuitive as touchscreen models for some users.

With a battery life of 16 hours on 2 AA batteries, it offers decent usage time but carrying spare batteries is recommended for longer trips. Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth and ANT+ support, allowing for smart notifications and other wireless functionalities. At 7.7 ounces, it is fairly lightweight and portable, suitable for various outdoor activities like hunting, camping, and hiking. The Garmin GPSMAP 65 is a great option for those needing high accuracy and robust mapping capabilities in a handheld GPS device, though it may require some adaptation due to its button-based interface.