When you shop for marine electronics sonar navigation, the biggest fork in the road is between a dedicated fishfinder and a touchscreen chartplotter. You are choosing not just a screen size but a whole approach to how you gather information while boating. One of these Garmin units is built for anglers who want depth and sonar; the other is a large display built for GPS navigation and charting. This side-by-side comparison looks at what each Garmin unit actually offers in the context of your time on the water.
Quick verdict
If you need the essentials and want to keep the investment minimal, the GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 handles sonar and depth at USD 65.00. If you want a large chartplotter with touch control and GPS, the Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv is the more complete navigation display at USD 1,897.00. For anglers who fish familiar waters, the fishfinder is enough. For boaters who want one display for navigation and charting, the chartplotter is the stronger buy.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Listed price | Price bar | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 Marine Boat Sonar | USD 65.00 | Dedicated fishfinder with sonar sensors, Decimal & Imperial measurement, plastic build | |
| Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Touch Chartplotter Marine GPS Display | USD 1,897.00 | Touch chartplotter with GPS display, cover and power cable, clear bright screen |
Where each product wins
- The GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 wins when your priority is low-cost sonar and a simple depth reading. It is centered on fishing use and gives you both Decimal and Imperial units.
- The Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Touch Chartplotter wins when you want a large touchscreen that can act as the navigation hub, with GPS display and chartplotter capability in one unit.
Product notes
GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 Marine Boat Sonar
This is the straightforward choice if you want a purpose-built angling tool. The fishfinder/depth finder is built around sonar sensors, and the measurement system can be read in Decimal or Imperial, which helps when you switch between charts and local conventions. The plastic housing keeps it a lightweight, practical piece of gear for a boat. The reason to choose it is the focus: it is a sonar device designed for fishing. The practical limitation is that the unit is used and made of plastic, so it is best viewed as a functional entry into Garmin sonar rather than a flagship unit. For a first fishfinder or a backup depth sounder, it covers the basics.
Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Touch Chartplotter Marine GPS Display
This is the larger, more capable option. The listing describes a used display that was recently removed from service, tested, and fully functional, with a clear and bright screen. It comes with the cover and power cable, so the main pieces are there for your boat. The reason to choose it is the combination of touch operation, chartplotter capability, and GPS display in one marine screen. This is the unit that can serve as the center of your marine electronics navigation setup. The trade-off is the higher listed price, and the fact that this is a more involved system than a simple fishfinder. It makes the most sense for boaters who want one display to handle navigation duties rather than juggling separate devices.
Final choice by use case
For a low-cost fishing setup, go with the GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80. It gives you a dedicated sonar/depth tool without the heavy investment. For a full navigation station, choose the Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Touch Chartplotter. It pairs a large touchscreen with GPS display and chartplotting, making it the more complete marine electronics navigation solution. Think about whether you need GPS route planning or just a depth sounder for spot fishing; the answer points to one of these two.
