Score 9 / 10
Garmin
Garmin EchoMap UHD2 93sv
If your boat doesn't have a chartplotter yet — or your 5-inch unit is getting cramped — this is the upgrade you won't outgrow.
$1,299 Read review →
Cast & Cruise · Boating
Boating gear, honestly reviewed.
Boating reviews cover the gear that actually rides on a center console or runabout: chartplotters and VHF radios, anchors and ground tackle, deck gear, safety gear, and the small accessories that make a boat feel finished. We focus on the family-and-recreational tier — Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird, Mustang, ACR — not pro racing or commercial.
The short answer
What to look for in boating gear
For most recreational boaters, the right setup is a 7"–9" Garmin or Lowrance chartplotter with built-in sonar, a fixed-mount VHF (DSC + GPS), and one good lithium starter battery. That trio handles 90 percent of what a family boat needs without overspending on electronics most owners never use.
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Right-sized chartplotter
A 9-inch screen is the sweet spot for most center consoles under 25 feet — readable in glare, big enough for split-screen, not so big it forces a dash rework.
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Fixed-mount VHF with DSC
Handhelds are backups. A fixed-mount VHF with DSC + GPS is the boat-safety upgrade that pays off the day you actually need it.
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PFDs the kids will wear
A Type III PFD that fits is worn. The most reviewed safety gear is the cheapest one in the box and nobody puts it on. Buy ones the family will actually keep on.
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One good battery > two okay ones
A single quality lithium starter battery outlasts and outperforms two flooded lead-acids. Verify alternator compatibility before you upgrade.
Start here
If you only read one boating review.
The Garmin EchoMap UHD2 93sv is what we recommend when someone asks "what should I actually buy?" without a long preamble — score 9.0 out of 10.
All boating reviews
Filterable directory → 2 boating reviews.
Score 9 / 10
Garmin
Garmin EchoMap UHD2 93sv
If your boat doesn't have a chartplotter yet — or your 5-inch unit is getting cramped — this is the upgrade you won't outgrow.
$1,299 Read review →
Score 8.8 / 10
Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon GX1400G
If your boat doesn't have a fixed-mount VHF with DSC and GPS yet, this is the radio to install this weekend.
$199 Read review →
Boating guides
All guides → When you need the full answer.
Guide boating
Best Fish Finder for a Small Boat (2026) — A Buyer's Guide for Center Consoles Under 25 Feet
Choosing a fish finder for a small boat is mostly about not overspending. Here's the right size, sonar tier, and brand for the typical 18–25 ft recreational center console — and what to skip.
Read the guide → Boating FAQ
Quick answers.
Do I need radar on a small recreational boat?
Almost never. For day-trip family boating inshore and in protected waters, a chartplotter with a good sonar and a clear VHF handles weather, navigation, and traffic. Radar is worth it for offshore or fog-prone routes, otherwise it is a budget trap.
What's the most underrated boat upgrade?
A fixed-mount VHF with DSC connected to a GPS. It costs less than a new t-top accessory, dramatically improves safety, and is what the Coast Guard expects you to have. Far more impact per dollar than another speaker upgrade.
Is a lithium starter battery worth the price?
Yes — for most recreational boats, a quality lithium starter battery (LiFePO4) lasts 3–5x longer, weighs about a third as much, and reliably starts the engine cold after months stored. Check alternator output rating before installing.
Garmin or Lowrance for a first chartplotter?
Both are excellent at the 7–9 inch tier. Garmin generally has cleaner cartography and a slightly more refined interface; Lowrance offers a better sonar value at the same price point. Pick the brand whose dealer is closest to you.