Top 5 Editorial Picks
Five current fishfinders chosen for distinct buyer needs—from compact value to a premium expandable system. These are editorial selections, not Amazon or reader ratings.
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Best Compact Value
A straightforward sonar and GPS unit for kayaks, jon boats, and small boats.
Best All-Around 7-Inch Fishfinder
A capable sonar-first choice for anglers who want a useful 7-inch display without moving into a full chartplotter system.
Best GPS & Chartplotter Upgrade
The mapping step-up for buyers who need confident navigation as well as high-quality scanning sonar.
Best Side-Imaging Upgrade
A current 9-inch imaging platform for anglers ready to build around serious side imaging and boat integration.
Best Premium Expandable System
A larger-boat platform for buyers who want premium sonar, mapping, networking, and a serious expansion path.
The Furuno FM3000 has a rather large front panel that measures 6.5 inches wide by 4.3 inches high. We rated the display on this Furuno VHF good, though it is not as big as some we’ve seen recently. It is quite functional with 7 levels of backlighting adjustment, the ability
The Furuno FCV627 dual frequency color fish finder is the latest incarnation of this mid-level Furuno sounder. Like its siblings, it retains a rotary knob for gain control. A top feature found on few recreational fishfinders these days. In our opinion, using a rotary knob to make quick and fine
The Furuno FCV620 dual frequency color fish finder is the smaller sibling of the brawny Furuno FCV582 sounder. Like its big brother it features a rotary knob for gain control. In our opinion, using a rotary knob for making quick and easy fine adjustments to the gain is a necessity
The Furuno FCV587 is the second follow-on fully updated version of the venerable Furuno 582L dual-frequency color sounder to be released by Furuno. This new release fishfinder keeps all the best features of its older siblings while adding more to the mix. Fine-tuning gain as needed for the specific situation
The Furuno FCV585 is a follow-on and updated version of the well-respected Furuno 582L dual-frequency color sounder. This fish finder is one of the few pieces of marine electronics on the market today that still uses a rotary knob for control of certain functions. Fine-tuning the gain control remains a
The Furuno DFF1 black box sounder is an add-on network sonar designed to provide data to any of the Furuno NavNet multifunction display units. We used a Furuno NavNet 3D 12-inch MFD coupled to an Airmar B44V thru-hull transducer to test the DFF1 black box sounder. This unit is capable
The Fujinon Techno Stabi binoculars in this test are 3rd generation and feature a magnification factor of 14x coupled with 40mm objective lenses. Black rubber armor coating in combination with a polycarbonate case offers a high degree of impact protection for the lenses and electronics. The rear case panel holds
Here’s how to flush mount marine electronics with the new panel mounted on the outside of the console or dashboard. Flush mounting electronics not only looks good, it increase the value of your boat, and keeps everything on the same plane for easy viewing and switch handling. You’ll Need Five
Using the Flir Navigator II to see through the dark—recreational boaters, light commercial operators and on-the-water law enforcement units have been using this thermal imaging night vision technology to turn night into day. It was only about 10 years ago that earlier generations of thermal imaging systems began helping Coast
The Flir First Mate MS 324 puts the same night vision technology into the hands of recreational boaters that the Coast Guard uses to catch bad guys—all in a compact self-contained handheld device that is ready for action on a moment’s notice. First Mate is actually a thermal imaging device
Having useful fishing electronics on your boat will help you catch more fish. So you’ve bought yourself a boat and you want to become a decent fisherman. You’ll want to be armed with an arsenal of marine electronics. Sonar and Global Positioning System (GPS) stand out as the primary weapons
The fish finder transducer available for your machine may vary from a manufacturer selected unit packaged with the display to a variety of optional units. You’ll likely find transom mounts, thru-hulls, and possibly a shoot-thru unit as options. Transom mounts are normally constructed from plastic while a thru-hull unit can
We fully tested and reviewed seven electric bilge pumps from three different makers in the 700 to 1250 GPH size range. We tested the Attwood V750, V900, and V1250, from Rule the 800, model 20R, and the 1100, model 27D, with two Shurflo Piranha pumps, the 700 and 1000, filling
The DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is a powerful full-mapping handheld GPS has a 32-channel WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, onboard electronic compass, and barometric altimeter. There is currently one other Earthmate model available, the two units are identical except the newer PN-30 model costs less and doesnt have the electronic compass or altimeter.
The DeLorme Earthmate PN-30 is a powerful full-mapping handheld GPS that uses a 32-channel WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and has 1-GB of internal memory. Two Earthmate models are currently available, though they are similar in both hardware and software the PN-40 model adds a digital compass with accelerometer and a barometric
Coursemaster Hydrive loaned us the Coursemaster CM80i autopilot for a year-long review as part of our continuing program of testing and rating small boat marine autopilots. Four components make up the standard Coursemaster CM80i autopilot system: the control/display head, junction box, hydraulic pump/drive, and a fluxgate compass. Another optional component,
The Cobra HH475 is a mid-sized floating marine handheld VHF radio with 6-watts of power output, Bluetooth® wireless capabilities, and a few other unique features. The black and orange case, made from UV-stable ABS plastic, is solidly constructed and measures approximately 5-inches high, 2.6-inches wide, and 1.5-inches thick. Overall height
The Cobra HH425 LI is a mid-sized dual-band marine handheld VHF radio that operates on the marine and general mobile service radios bands. It is solidly constructed on an aluminum die cast frame and weighs in at 13.3 ounces. Buy this Cobra handheld marine VHF radio here. The HH425 comes
The Cobra HH330 is the company’s entry level floating marine handheld VHF radio. It has all the needed operational features you’d expect in a handheld plus a maximum power output of 6-watts. Its grey and orange case is solidly constructed from UV stable ABS plastic. The radio measures approximately 5-inches
The Cobra HH325 is a mid-sized marine handheld that is solidly constructed on an aluminum die cast frame. With an all up weight of 15.5 ounces it is certainly no lightweight. The HH325 comes from the factory packaged with an AC charger that requires 14 hours to fully charge the