Choosing between two used Garmin chartplotters for your marine electronics and sonar navigation setup comes down to one big decision: do you want a unit you can mount and use today, or are you open to a repair project? The Garmin GPSMAP 440S and Garmin GPSMAP 740s sit at opposite ends of that trade-off. Both are Garmin GPSMAP-series units, but their conditions and packages are very different.
Quick Verdict
If a working chartplotter that includes the mount, power cord, and suncover is what you need, the Garmin GPSMAP 440S is the straightforward pick. It's listed as a used unit, not as a repair donor. If you're willing to deal with a sun-damaged screen and a cut power cable, the Garmin GPSMAP 740s is the repair path-lower-priced, but not ready to mount.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 440S | Garmin GPSMAP 740s |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $150.00 |
| Condition | Used | For parts or not working |
| Included | Suncover, mount, power cord | Sun cover, cut power cable |
| Custom bundle | No | Yes |
Where Each Product Wins
- Garmin GPSMAP 440S wins if you want a used chartplotter with the mount and cable ready to connect, and you'd rather avoid the risk of a damaged screen.
- Garmin GPSMAP 740s wins if you're on a tight budget, you're comfortable with a screen-damaged unit, or you need a parts donor.
Product Notes
Garmin GPSMAP 440S
The Garmin GPSMAP 440S is the ready-to-use option in this pairing. It's a used chartplotter and arrives with a suncover, mount, and power cord, so you have the essentials to get it mounted and connected. Its condition is plain 'used' rather than 'for parts,' which makes it the more straightforward choice for someone who wants to set up navigation without disassembling their purchase. The limitation is that you're paying for that convenience-this is the more expensive of the two, and you're still buying a used unit, not a new one. For a boater who values simplicity and a complete package, this is the one to grab.
Garmin GPSMAP 740s
The Garmin GPSMAP 740s is the less expensive unit, but it comes with strings attached. It's sold as 'for parts or not working,' and it turns on and functions but has screen damage from the sun. You'll also get a sun cover and a cut power cable, meaning you'll need to source a replacement cable and likely address the screen before trusting it on the water. It's configured as a custom bundle, and no warranty is included. If you're handy with repairs or specifically need components from a Garmin chartplotter, the 740s gives you a lower-priced starting point. The limitation is that this is a damaged unit that won't be a drop-in nav screen.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 440S if you need a used chartplotter with the mount and power cord included and you'd rather not gamble on a damaged screen. Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 740s if you're after a lower-priced Garmin unit to repair, if you need replacement parts, or if you have a spare cable and a plan for the screen. For most boaters seeking a turnkey navigation setup, the 440S is the reliable buy. For a dedicated tinkerer, the 740s offers a repair path at a lower price.
