Chartplotter
A chartplotter is an electronic navigation display that overlays GPS position, heading, and speed onto an electronic navigational chart, doubling as the multifunction display hub for radar, AIS, autopilot, depth, and sonar. Recreational chartplotters are categorised as Electronic Chart Systems (ECS); commercial yachts above 500 GT require type-approved ECDIS under SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19.
What is a chartplotter?
A chartplotter is the screen-and-software system that turns a GPS fix into usable navigation. It renders a vector or raster electronic navigational chart (ENC), plots the yacht's position, course, and speed on it, and overlays the feeds from every other bridge sensor - radar, AIS, depth, wind, sonar, and increasingly thermal cameras. On a modern superyacht bridge it is the captain's primary working surface, not a standalone gadget.
The terms "chartplotter" and multifunction display (MFD) are now used interchangeably. An MFD is a chartplotter that also acts as a system hub, linking sensors, autopilot, and switching across the boat. A modern superyacht helm typically runs three to six networked MFDs side by side, glass-cockpit style, sharing data over a hybrid NMEA 2000 and proprietary Ethernet backbone.
Recreational chartplotters fall into the Electronic Chart System (ECS) category. They are distinct from ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), the type-approved equivalent fitted to commercial vessels. The principal manufacturers in the superyacht segment are Furuno, Raymarine, Simrad, Garmin, and B&G for sailing yachts, with charts supplied by Navionics, C-MAP, or UKHO Admiralty.
Why it matters for yacht owners
For a buyer, the chartplotter network is effectively the central display of the bridge - and a direct read on the yacht's overall build quality. A current, well-integrated installation signals a well-maintained vessel; a fragmented mix of legacy heads, NMEA 0183 wiring, and expired chart cards signals deferred capex.
Two issues land at the purchase stage. First, the regulatory split. A yacht above 500 GT operating commercially under SOLAS or the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code must carry type-approved ECDIS, not a recreational chartplotter - even if the screens look identical. Confirm scope with the broker and class society before signing. Second, the S-100 transition. New ECDIS must be S-100 compatible from 1 January 2029, and chartplotters from 2027. Pre-S-100 hardware bought in 2026-2028 is buying obsolescence, and surveyors are already pricing it in.
Key facts
- Combines GPS, electronic charts, and multi-sensor data - radar, AIS, autopilot, depth, sonar - on one display.
- A recreational chartplotter is an ECS and does not satisfy SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19; commercial-charter yachts need type-approved ECDIS.
- ECDIS performance standards are set by IMO MSC.232(82) and tested under IEC 61174.
- Modern superyacht bridges run three to six networked MFDs from 9-inch to 24-inch, on a hybrid NMEA 2000 and Ethernet backbone.
- Principal manufacturers in the superyacht segment: Furuno (NavNet TZtouchXL), Raymarine (Axiom 2 XL), Simrad (NSO 4), Garmin (GPSMAP 9000), and B&G Zeus 3S for sail.
- Chart libraries are subscription products: Navionics and C-MAP for recreational use; UKHO AVCS, Primar, and IC-ENC for ECDIS-grade ENCs.
- The IHO S-100 framework went operational in 2026; new ECDIS must be S-100 compatible from 1 January 2029.
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View moreFAQ
What is the difference between a chartplotter and ECDIS?
A chartplotter is a recreational Electronic Chart System (ECS) and does not satisfy SOLAS chart-carriage rules. ECDIS is the type-approved Electronic Chart Display and Information System defined by IMO MSC.232(82) and tested to IEC 61174, using official ENCs. Commercial-charter superyachts and most vessels above 500 GT on international voyages must fit ECDIS; private cruisers can typically run a chartplotter.
What is the difference between a chartplotter and GPS?
GPS provides the position fix - latitude, longitude, and time from satellites. A chartplotter is the screen-and-chart system that interprets that fix, displays it on an electronic navigational chart, and overlays radar, AIS, depth, and routing data. Every modern chartplotter contains a GPS receiver, but a bare GPS unit cannot plot charts, run routes, or fuse sensor data.
Is a chartplotter the same as a multifunction display?
In practice, yes - the terms are used interchangeably on modern yachts. Technically, a multifunction display (MFD) is a chartplotter that also acts as the bridge hub, networking radar, sonar, autopilot, AIS, video, and switching into one screen. Most current flagship MFDs from Furuno, Raymarine, Simrad, and Garmin are marketed as both chartplotter and MFD.
Which chartplotter is best for a superyacht?
There is no single best chartplotter - the right choice depends on existing radar, autopilot, and AIS hardware, since brands network most cleanly within their own ecosystem. On yachts above 30 m the platforms most commonly specified include Furuno NavNet TZtouchXL, Raymarine Axiom 2 XL on LightHouse OS, Simrad NSO 4, and Garmin GPSMAP 9000; B&G Zeus 3S is the Navico sailing-specific platform. Selection should be co-ordinated with the yacht's electronics integrator and captain.
The Superyacht Partners
For any owner, the choice of who will be personally in charge of your relationship with Superyacht Partners, is just as important as the company and the team as a whole. With extensive experience in managing, operating, and building superyachts, our team excels in all aspects of yacht brokerage. We offer comprehensive legal, commercial, and operational expertise, ensuring every angle of the sale, purchase, and operation is meticulously evaluated.
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