Electronics Technology
12/12/2025

Motorcycle GPS Turned into a Marine Chartplotter: The Cheapest and Toughest Plotter We’ve Ever Built 🚤📍

By admin

In this video, we show you how to turn a motorcycle GPS (costing just €60–80) into a fully functional marine chartplotter, resistant to sunlight, rain, and harsh marine conditions.

This is probably one of the most powerful and cost-effective projects we’ve ever built on The Low Cost Sailor: a real alternative to expensive, premium-brand marine chartplotters — at a fraction of the price.

🎥 Video: Turning a Motorcycle GPS into a Marine Chartplotter

In the video, we guide you step by step through the entire process: from choosing the hardware to installing it on board and testing it during real navigation.

⚓ Why Use a Motorcycle GPS as a Marine Plotter?

Motorcycle GPS units are surprisingly well suited for marine use because they are designed to:

  • Work under direct sunlight
  • Be waterproof and rain-resistant
  • Operate with gloves
  • Survive vibrations and harsh conditions
  • Offer large 7-inch touchscreens

All these features make them a perfect base for a low-cost marine chartplotter.

🧭 What Can You Do with This Chartplotter?

Beyond basic navigation, this setup can also be used as a multi-function display (MFD), ideal for mounting at the mast base or in the cockpit:

✔ Marine navigation with charts
✔ View onboard cameras
✔ Control a Raspberry Pi from an outdoor touchscreen
✔ Use it with gloves and in heavy rain
✔ Share navigation data with the entire crew
✔ Coastal sailing and racing applications

All powered by a device originally designed for motorcycles — but surprisingly effective at sea.

🔧 Installation and Real-Life Testing on Board

In the video, you’ll see:

  • A detailed look at the motorcycle GPS hardware
  • Physical installation on the boat
  • Adaptation for marine use
  • Real navigation tests
  • Pros and limitations compared to traditional marine plotters

🛍 Equipment Purchase Links

These are the models we tested or recommend.
👉 Using these links supports the channel at no extra cost to you ❤️

✔ Model We Used (Android 13 – approx. €76)

🔵 AliExpress:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c42Ru3nF

✔ Alternative Option (approx. €82)

🔵 AliExpress:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3uXOJ3X

✔ Another Available Alternative (approx. €88)

🔵 AliExpress:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2xa4mwt

💡 Final Thoughts

This project proves that you don’t need to spend thousands of euros to get a reliable, sunlight-readable, waterproof navigation system on your boat.

If you’re looking for:

  • A low-cost chartplotter
  • Sunlight and waterproof performance
  • Multi-function capabilities
  • Easy installation
  • Extreme versatility

👉 This motorcycle GPS conversion is a fantastic solution.