Same sensor-fusion platform as the keyed GPSMAP 1242xsv, but built for the helm where touch is the expected interface and radar is a day-one requirement rather than a future add-on. The GPSMAP 1243xsv bundles a GMR 18 HD3 radome — 4kW of power out to 36 nautical miles — with a 12-inch touchscreen display.

Key Features

- 12″ IPS touchscreen — the touch-enabled counterpart to the 1242xsv’s rotary dial, same display size, different control philosophy.
- GMR 18 HD3 radar dome included, 4kW output, 36nm range — enough range and power for coastal and offshore use without hunting for a compatible dome separately.
- 1kW CHIRP with UHD ClearVü and SideVü — sharper structure detail than standard CHIRP alone.
- J1939 engine port plus 2x Garmin Network and NMEA 2000 — reads engine data directly and networks additional Garmin displays over dedicated ports rather than a single shared bus.
- Designed in the USA, made in Taiwan — stated directly by Garmin for buyers who weigh this in a purchase decision.

Who This Is For

Fits anglers and boaters who want touchscreen navigation and radar included in one purchase, without shopping for a compatible radome separately. It’s not the right pick if physical keyed controls matter more than touch — the 1242xsv covers that use case on the same sonar platform — or if you don’t need radar yet and would rather choose a dome later.

Compatibility

Confirmed compatible: NMEA 2000 devices, J1939 engine bus, and 2x Garmin Network ports for additional displays. The GMR 18 HD3 radome included here is matched to this bundle — this unit ships with no transducer, so sonar functions need a compatible unit connected separately from the radar, which is already included and pre-matched.

Technical Specifications

- Display: 12″ IPS Touchscreen, 1280×800 (WXGA)
- Radar: GMR 18 HD3 Radome, 4kW, 36nm range, included
- Sonar: 1kW CHIRP, UHD ClearVü/SideVü
- Transducer: Not included
- Networking: J1939 engine port, 2x Garmin Network, NMEA 2000
- Origin: Designed in USA, made in Taiwan

Warranty & Support

Covered by Garmin’s 2-Year Limited Consumer Warranty.

Against the GPSMAP 1242xsv covered earlier, the choice comes down to control philosophy and radar timing: touch plus radar included here, versus keyed physical controls and no radar on the 1242xsv. Both share the same underlying sonar processing — this isn’t a capability upgrade, it’s a different set of priorities.