When you're setting up marine electronics sonar navigation, the biggest question is how much of the job you want one device to handle. Do you need a full chartplotter to get you there and a large screen to show fish underneath, or is a dedicated fishfinder depth finder enough to tell you what's below the boat? These two Garmin units sit on opposite sides of that decision, and the gap in capability is just as wide, so your decision really comes down to what you expect from a single piece of gear.
Quick Verdict
If you want a do-it-all navigation and fishfinding screen for offshore trips, the Garmin GPSMAP 1222 is the obvious pick. If you just need a simple fishfinder to find fish and check depth, the GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 does that at a much smaller price, making it a sensible choice for a dedicated fishing setup.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 1222 | GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 1,300.00 | USD 65.00 |
| Device type | 12" marine chartplotter, GPS navigation, fishfinder display | Fishfinder depth finder with sonar |
| Key features | 12" display at 1280 x 800, internal GPS and GLONASS, chart plotting, network capable | Sonar sensors |
Where Each Product Wins
Garmin GPSMAP 1222: Pick this when you want a navigation-first marine electronics setup and you prefer to keep navigation and fishfinding on one large display.
GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80: Pick this when you want a straightforward depth and fishfinding tool and you already have your navigation handled elsewhere.
Product Notes
Garmin GPSMAP 1222 Chartplotter
This is the full marine electronics experience in a single display. The 12-inch color screen is designed for sunshine and has a 1280 x 800 resolution, giving you a sharp view of charts and sonar. The internal GPS and GLONASS receiver handles positioning, chart plotting covers route planning, and network capability lets it talk to compatible Garmin systems. The keypad controls make it easy to work through menus while you're moving. It's intended for offshore fishing, cruising, and marine navigation. The used unit is described as fully tested and functional, so it should be ready to install, but it also shows normal cosmetic wear from previous use. If you want a single screen that can guide a trip and show fish, this chartplotter is the more capable option.
GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80
This is the dedicated angler's tool. It comes with sonar sensors to locate fish and read depth, and it's built around the fishing side of boating. The used condition means it's a straightforward way to add fishfinding capability without taking over your boat's electronics. The tradeoff is that its focus is narrow: it's a dedicated fishfinder depth finder, built for fishfinding and depth. It's a no-nonsense add-on for boats that already have a way to navigate. For someone who just wants to know what's below and get back to fishing, it covers that job well.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 1222 if you're setting up a boat for offshore trips and want one integrated marine electronics display that covers both navigation and fishfinding.
Choose the GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 if you want a dedicated depth and fishfinding tool and plan to handle navigation separately.
