Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv

The GPSMAP 1243xsv is one of the Garmin fish finders released in 2020. It is also a chartplotter offering a wide array of navigation features, including radar support. It also excels in networking features but does not come with a transducer. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-02367-03.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 12.1″ diagonal, WXGA IPS color, touch display, 1280H x 800V pixel resolution, with LED backlight
• Sonar: CHIRP 2D, CHIRP ClearVü, CHIRP SideVü
• Frequencies:
  2D: 50/77/200 kHz
  ClearVü/SideVü: 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz
• Max. Depth Capability: 5,000 ft (1,524 m)
• Transducer: Not included
• Power Output: 1 kW
• GPS: 10 Hz, internal
• Charts: LakeVü HD and BlueChart g2 HD
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).
• Networking: NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, wireless connectivity, J1939 compatible, USB port, 2x microSD

Sonar features

The GPSMAP 1243xsv supports all sonar technologies available from Garmin. In other words, it supports standard CHIRP sonar, ClearVü, SideVü, and Panoptix Live. It also supports an extensive range of sonar frequencies including 50/77/200 kHz for standard CHIRP sonar, and 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz for structure scanning sonar (ClearVü and SideVü), as opposed to the older GPSMAP 1242xsv unit which only supports frequencies up to 800 kHz.

The unit does not come with a transducer. But nonetheless, it is compatible with different types of transducers from Garmin and Airmar. To begin with, you can pair it with the classic GT20 for CHIRP and ClearVü, or with the GT56UHD for ultra-high definition ClearVü and SideVü. It also supports all the Panoptix transducers, such as the PS30, PS22, or PS21.

Since it’s one of the units released at the end of 2020, the GPSMAP 1243xsv also has the Vivid color palette for its structure scanning sonar. This feature offers several extra colors for SideVü and ClearVü which can be very useful for distinguishing fish from structure or from the bottom. Of course, the unit also has the full range of standard sonar features and functions. The list includes Amplitude Scope, Bottom Lock, Fish Symbols, Split Zoom, Sonar Recording, various alarms, etc.

Navigation features

The GPSMAP 1243xsv is equipped with a 10 Hz internal GPS receiver. This means it can provide position updates 10 times per second. It supports WAAS, MSAS, and EGNOS for position augmentation. A GPS speed function is also available. Plus, it offers the possibility to save waypoints, record tracks, and create routes. It can hold up to 5,000 waypoints in its memory, 100 routes, and 50 recorded tracks; each track can have 50,000 points and can be converted into a route if necessary.

The unit is pre-loaded with two chart platforms. These are the LakeVü g3 and the BlueChart g3. The LakeVü charts offer 1-foot contour detailing for more than 17,000 lakes and reservoirs. The Bluechart maps offer coverage for the West Coast, the East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. Both are enhanced with Navionics data. However, the unit does not support Navionics chart cards. It does support the superior versions of the included charts, these being LakeVü g3 Ultra, and BlueChart g3 Vision.

Of course, the unit also has Quickdraw Contours. This is a feature for bathymetric mapping which uses the 2D sonar and the GPS data for revealing and recording the depth contours of the body of water that you’re scanning. Features such as Depth Range Shading and Shallow Water Shading are also available.

The Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv supports Radar. It is compatible with Radar modules from Garmin such as the 4 kW GMR 18 HD+. It also supports VHF, AIS, and Fusion-Link audio systems. It has J1939 connectivity so you can pair your GPSMAP chartplotter with various types of engines for a detailed engine data view.

The OneHelm feature is also available; this brings together all the operations and capabilities of third-party devices such as EmpirBus digital switching on one screen. And finally, it has ANT technology and you can pair it with different other devices such as gWind transducers, GNX Wind marine instruments, as well as wireless remote controls.

Control unit features

The Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv features a 12.1-inch diagonal display with a pixel matrix of 1280H x 800V and LED backlight for a better readability in direct sunlight. It also offers polarized support; so, in case you’re wearing polarized sunglasses, you should be able to view the data on the unit’s display with no problem.

The unit does not have a keypad; it is full touchscreen. It has a highly intuitive and easy-to-use interface. It offers multiple split-screen options and the possibility to customize its homepage with the applications that you use the most.

The unit has built-in WiFi connectivity and pairs with your mobile device via the ActiveCaptain app. This app offers the possibility to pre-plan your fishing tip, download software updates with ease, use Garmin Helm digital switching, access OneChart as well as upload or download maps from the Garmin Quickdraw Community.

Ethernet and NMEA 2000 ports are available on the GPSMAP 1243xsv. Therefore, you can connect it to compatible autopilots, VHF, AIS, Fusion-Link audio systems, and have all the data on one screen. It also has a J1939 port for direct connection to various engines including Yamaha or Mercury engines, for temperature, RPMs, fuel flow and other important data. The unit also supports IP camera video.

Last but not least, the unit has a USB port and a dual microSD card slot. The unit’s transducer port is a 12-pin one. Thus, if you’re going to use a transducer with a different number of pins, you will need a cable adapter. An 8-pin to 12-pin cable adapter is included as well.

The Pros

• Standard CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü, and Panoptix sonar;
• Supports dual-frequency sonar;
• Compatible with a wide selection of transducers from Garmin and Airmar, including 1 kW models;
• Many standard sonar features, including Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Sonar Zoom, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, Sonar Recording, etc.
• Fast and accurate 10 Hz internal GPS;
• Preloaded with the U.S. LakeVü g3 and BlueChart g3 coastal charts;
• Compatible with the Garmin premium charts, such as BlueChart g3 Vision or LakeVü g3 Ultra;
• Quickdraw Contours function, for the possibility to add contours and customize your maps;
• Multiple Depth Range Shading;
• Tide tables information;
• Data graphs and information from other NMEA 2000 sensors;
• Supports AIS, DSC-capable VHF radio, and Fusion-Link;
• Garmin Meteor™ Audio System compatible;
• Radar support;
• Touchscreen display;
• Large 12.1″ display with a 1280H x 800V pixel resolution;
• Vivid color palette;
• Dual microSD card reader;
• USB port;
• Wireless connectivity;
• Garmin Helm compatible;
• Wireless remote control compatible;
• NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 compatible;
• J1939 compatible;
• Bail and flush mounts included;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• A transducer is not included;
• Does not support map cards from Navionics.

Summary

The Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv is a multi-function display offering CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü, and Panoptix support. It has an extensive range of navigation features including a 10 Hz GPS receiver, LakeVü g3, and BlueChart g3 charts, Radar support, and more. It also offers a wide array of networking features such as Ethernet, NMEA 2000, J1939, and wireless connectivity. It’s one of the largest fish finders from Garmin and a great chartplotter for a wide array of boats, for both off-shore and inland fishing and navigation.