When you're choosing marine electronics for sonar navigation, the big fork in the road is price versus screen. Do you want a GPS navigator that handles both marine and land use, or a touchscreen chartplotter built specifically for the helm? Two used Garmin units illustrate that split: the Garmin GPSMAP 478 Marine Land GPS Navigator Chartplotter Receiver and the Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Touch Chartplotter Marine GPS Display. Both are used units from Taiwan, but they sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum.
Quick Verdict
The Garmin GPSMAP 478, at $99.90, is the lower-cost choice for anyone who wants one marine and land navigation device without spending four figures. The Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv, at $1,897.00, is the touchscreen chartplotter for boaters who want a dedicated display with a cover and power cable included. Pick the 478 for flexibility and lower price; pick the 1242xsv for a touch interface and a clear, bright screen.
At a Glance
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 478 | Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.90 | $1,897.00 |
| Display | Marine land GPS navigator chartplotter receiver | Touch chartplotter marine GPS display |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan | Taiwan |
Where Each Product Wins
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 478 for:
- Combined marine and land GPS navigation from a single unit.
- A much lower initial cost when you just need a functional used navigator.
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv for:
- A touchscreen chartplotter display that feels like a dedicated helm unit.
- A tested, fully functional unit with a clear and bright screen.
- A cover and power cable included at purchase.
Product Notes
Garmin GPSMAP 478 Marine Land GPS Navigator
The Garmin GPSMAP 478 pairs marine navigation with land GPS in a single receiver, which makes it a versatile companion for boaters who also drive to the launch or explore on land. This is the unit for you if you want a used navigator that covers both environments without needing a separate device. The seller describes it as fully tested and in great working condition, so the main reliability concern is addressed. The limitation is that the included accessories are not clearly spelled out; the description says not to assume cables, adapters, chargers, or other accessories are included. Figure out what you need before buying, and be ready to source cables separately.
Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Touch Chartplotter
The Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv is the touchscreen chartplotter in this pairing, a marine GPS display aimed at the helm rather than the truck. It comes as a used unit that was recently removed from service, tested and fully functional, with a clear and bright screen. A cover and power cable are included, so you have two key pieces of the setup in hand. This is the option for boaters who want a dedicated on-water navigation display with a touch interface and don't mind paying more for those capabilities. Its limitation is the price: it is the higher-priced of the two by a wide margin, so it makes sense only if the touchscreen and included accessories matter to you.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your priority is keeping the initial spend low and you want one GPS navigator that works for both marine and land use, buy the Garmin GPSMAP 478. If you want a bright touchscreen chartplotter for the helm, and you prefer to start with a cover and power cable included, choose the Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv.
