Garmin GPSMAP 1243 Chartplotter GN+

The Garmin GPSMAP 1243 is a 12-inch Garmin chartplotter for boats where the skipper needs more room to keep charts, radar, and engine data open together. Garmin Navionics+ US and Canada mapping is preloaded, and the larger screen makes a real difference when working from a standing helm on an offshore boat, cruiser, or larger center console.

The 1280 x 800 IPS touchscreen gives split-screen pages more breathing room than the 9-inch GPSMAP 943. Two Garmin Marine Network ports make it easier to build out a bigger system, while NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, J1939, WiFi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ cover common data and wireless connections. This is a non-xsv chartplotter, so sonar comes from external GSD or GCV equipment rather than the display itself.

Who Is This For?

This large Garmin chartplotter suits offshore fishing boats, cruisers, and multi-display center consoles. It is not the right product for a compact helm or a buyer wanting built-in sonar; use compatible GSD or GCV modules for fishfinding.

Warranty & Support

Garmin provides a 2-year standard warranty. The supplied specifications do not state exclusions or service procedures.

The GPSMAP 1243 is the better choice over the GPSMAP 943 when chart and system pages need more room. The practical trade-off is dash space: the 12-inch screen is easier to work from, but it needs a larger cutout and still relies on external GSD or GCV hardware for sonar.