When deliberating over the choice of a Garmin chartplotter, a common query arises: "Is the XSV necessary?" To address this, it's essential to understand what XSV signifies. XSV denotes a unit equipped with a built-in sounder, allowing direct attachment of a transducer. In contrast, units without XSV requires connection to another display with sonar via a network cable or it will need an external sounder like a GSD25 or GSD28.
Take, for instance, the 1243xsv versus the 1243. These units are nearly identical, differing primarily in the presence of a sounder. Ensuring at least one display on your boat