When you're setting up marine electronics sonar navigation, the first decision is whether you need a full chartplotter with a large screen or a dedicated fishfinder focused on sonar. These two Garmin units represent that fork in the road. The GPSMAP 1222 is a 12-inch chartplotter with GPS, GLONASS, and networking capability. The Fishfinder 160C is a sonar and echo sounder unit with a manufacturer part number. The price difference is large, and so is the difference in what they deliver on your boat.
Quick Verdict
If you want one display for navigation, chart plotting, and fishfinding, the GPSMAP 1222 is the complete package. If you already have a chartplotter and only need sonar, or you want to keep your initial spend low, the Fishfinder 160C is the direct route.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 1222 | Garmin Fishfinder 160C |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 1,300.00 | USD 175.00 |
| Condition | Used | New other |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan | Taiwan |
| Primary Function | Chartplotter with fishfinder display | Sonar and echo sounder fish finder |
Where Each Product Wins
- GPSMAP 1222 wins if you want a large 12-inch display, internal GPS and GLONASS receivers, and network capability for compatible Garmin marine systems.
- Fishfinder 160C wins if you want a dedicated sonar and echo sounder fish finder without the chartplotter price, and if new other condition is acceptable.
Product Notes
Garmin GPSMAP 1222 12-Inch Marine Chartplotter
The GPSMAP 1222 combines chartplotting, navigation, and fishfinding in a 12-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution. It includes an internal GPS and GLONASS receiver and can network with compatible Garmin marine systems, making it a strong centerpiece for offshore fishing or cruising boats. The unit is used, fully tested, and shows normal cosmetic wear, which is worth factoring into your decision. At $1,300, it's a significant investment, so you'll want to weigh whether the large screen and networking features justify the outlay for the time you spend on the water. If you run a single-display setup and want one screen to handle navigation and sonar, this is the one to consider. The used condition is the main drawback, but the functionality remains intact.
Garmin Fishfinder 160C
The Fishfinder 160C is a dedicated sonar and echo sounder fish finder, listed with a manufacturer part number and sold as new other, essentially an open box unit. At $175, it offers a low-cost way to add sonar without paying for chartplotting functions you might not need. This makes sense as a secondary display on a boat that already has GPS navigation, or as an entry-level fishfinder for a smaller vessel. The trade-off is that it doesn't provide chartplotting or a high-resolution display like the GPSMAP 1222, so it can't act as your primary navigation screen. For a simple, focused sonar tool, the Fishfinder 160C does the job without stretching your budget.
Final Choice by Use Case
- Offshore fishing, center console, or cruising: Garmin GPSMAP 1222. The 12-inch screen and networking options make it a central hub for navigation and fishfinding, especially if you want one display to tie everything together.
- Budget-minded sonar or secondary screen: Garmin Fishfinder 160C. At $175, it's an affordable sonar addition that doesn't duplicate a chartplotter you already own, and its compact role keeps the installation simple.
