Choosing a marine chartplotter usually comes down to how you use your boat. Do you want a single screen that handles both navigation and sonar, or are you building a networked helm with cameras, instruments, and engine data? The Garmin GPSMAP 2010 and the Garmin GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta sit at opposite ends of that spectrum, and their prices reflect it: a lower-priced used color fishfinder/chartplotter versus a higher-priced touchscreen chartplotter with an extensive connection suite.
Quick verdict
For most recreational boaters, the Garmin GPSMAP 2010 is the smarter money move. It combines GPS chartplotting with fishfinding in a single color MFD and includes a suncover. If you have a larger boat with multiple video sources and network devices, or you're committed to a Volvo Penta integrated helm, the Garmin GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta delivers the touchscreen control and connectivity you need.
Price and feature comparison
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 2010 | Garmin GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 | $699.95 |
| Type | Chartplotter with fishfinder | Touchscreen chartplotter |
| Display | Color MFD | Touchscreen |
| Included | Suncover | Unit as shown |
| MPN | 2010 | 2VD000078 |
Where each wins
The GPSMAP 2010 wins for affordability and all-in-one simplicity. You get a chartplotter and fishfinder in one used head unit, plus a suncover, for $169.99. It makes sense if you don't need a network of devices.
The GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta wins for display and expandability. The touchscreen interface is fast to navigate, and the connections include NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, engine and house links, four network ports, DVI-I video, and two CVBS inputs.
Garmin GPSMAP 2010 Color Marine GPS Chartplotter Fishfinder MFD
This used Garmin unit pairs chartplotting with fishfinding, making it a practical standalone display for anglers. The included suncover protects the screen when the boat is tied up, but the power cord is not included, so you'll need to supply one. It's also a used unit, so the physical condition matters. If you want a single-screen setup without the complexity of a networked helm, this model gives you the basics at a price that's much lower than the touchscreen option.
Garmin GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta Touchscreen Chartplotter
This Garmin touchscreen chartplotter is built for a complex helm. The large touchscreen makes map panning and menu navigation easier, and the connectivity is extensive: NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, engine and house connections, four network ports, DVI-I video, and two CVBS video inputs. It also has six mounting holes and measures roughly 7.5 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches. The trade-off is the cost: this unit sits at the top of the price range here, and the focus is on navigation and networking rather than integrated sonar. For a full integration project, this is the expandable choice.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 2010 if you want a lower-priced way to get both chartplotting and fishfinding on one used color screen, and you can handle the missing power cord. Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta if you're outfitting a networked helm with video cameras, engine monitoring, and multiple marine instruments, and you want a large touchscreen to anchor the system.
