When you're shopping for marine electronics sonar navigation, choosing between two Garmin chartplotters at wildly different price points can feel like a fork in the water. The Garmin GPSMAP 1222 12-inch marine chartplotter asks $1,300 and promises a fully functional navigation display. The Garmin GPSMAP 740s, meanwhile, goes for just $150 but is listed for parts or not working, with sun damage to its screen. The real question isn't which brand is better - both are Garmin - but how much risk you're willing to take on.
Quick Verdict
If you need a chartplotter that's ready to hit the water immediately, the Garmin GPSMAP 1222 is the clear pick. Its 12-inch sunlight-readable display, internal GPS/GLONASS receiver, and network compatibility make it a dependable navigation center. The GPSMAP 740s is a project unit: it turns on and functions but the screen has sun damage, the power cable is cut, and it's sold as-is for parts. Unless you're planning to repair or harvest components, go with the 1222.
Comparison Table
| Detail | Garmin GPSMAP 1222 | Garmin GPSMAP 740s |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 1,300.00 | USD 150.00 |
| Condition | Used, fully tested | For parts or not working |
| Display | 12-inch color, 1280 x 800 | Screen damaged by sun |
| Key features | Chart plotting, internal GPS/GLONASS, network capable | Sun cover included, power cable (cut) |
| Origin | Taiwan | United States |
| Price bar |
Where Each Product Wins
- Garmin GPSMAP 1222 wins if you want a working chartplotter with a large screen and full navigation features. It's tested and functional, and it comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Garmin GPSMAP 740s wins only if you're shopping for a repair project or spare parts. The $150 price includes a sun cover, but the screen damage and cut cable make it unsuitable for navigation as-is.
Product Notes
Garmin GPSMAP 1222 12" Marine Chartplotter
This is the straightforward choice if you're after a marine chartplotter you can rely on while on the water. The 12-inch color display at 1280 x 800 resolution is described as sunlight-readable, and the internal GPS and GLONASS receiver means you don't need an external antenna to find your position. Keypad controls and chart-plotting features make it easy to work with, and network capability lets it connect to other compatible Garmin marine gear. Listed at $1,300, it's used but fully tested and functional, with only normal cosmetic wear. The included 1-year manufacturer warranty adds peace of mind. The downside is the price: it's a serious investment, and the used condition means you may see some blemishes. For a fully equipped, working display, this is the one.
Garmin GPSMAP 740s Chartplotter
The GPSMAP 740s is the budget project for anyone comfortable with marine electronics repair. It's listed at $150 and includes a sun cover and a power cable, but note that the cable is cut. The unit turns on and functions, yet the screen has sun damage, and the listing makes clear the display issue is known and visible in the photos. With a "for parts or not working" condition and no warranty, this isn't a drop-in replacement for a working chartplotter. If you're handy with repairs or just need a spare housing, keypad, or other internal components, the low price might make sense. But if your plan is to mount this on a boat and navigate, the sun-damaged screen and cut cable make that risky - and likely impossible.
Final Choice by Use Case
- For a ready-to-run navigation display on a fishing boat, center console, or offshore vessel: choose the Garmin GPSMAP 1222. It's the only one of the two you can actually navigate with, and it includes a warranty.
- For a repair or parts donor at a bargain price: choose the Garmin GPSMAP 740s. As long as you're prepared to replace the screen and cable or scavenge parts, the $150 asking price matches its condition.
- For anyone who just wants a functioning chartplotter with no surprises: the GPSMAP 1222, despite the higher price, is the safer investment.
