Premium 12" GPSMAP prior generation marine chartplotter with full CHIRP + ClearV + SideV sonar capability. U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 Pre-Loaded. Priced at $2299.

Garmin GPSMAP 1242Xsv 12" Premium Chartplotter with Sonar Support

The Garmin GPSMAP 1242Xsv is part of Garmin's premium GPSMAP marine chartplotter line, This is the prior-generation GPSMAP. Still fully supported, still receiving software updates, and significantly more affordable than the current 1223/1243 series while sharing most of the same feature set. This one ships with BlueChart g3 U.S. coastal cartography pre-loaded, full Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coast coverage. The Xsv designation means the head unit supports full sonar capability, CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearV down imaging, and SideV side imaging.

Understanding the model number: "12" = screen size (10" or 12"). "4" = map region (2 = Worldwide, 4 = U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 pre-loaded). "2" = generation (2 = prior generation, 3 = current generation). "Xsv" (if present) = CHIRP + ClearV + SideV sonar support.

Why pick the prior generation? The 1022/1042/1222/1242 series is still fully supported by Garmin with regular software updates. Feature parity is close to the 1223/1243 series, radar integration, Panoptix/LiveScope support, Marine Network, autopilot control, premium cartography. You save $500-$800 vs the current-generation equivalent. For anglers expanding an existing 1022/1222 rig or building on a tight budget, this is a reasonable call. For new builds with open budget, the newer 1223/1243 series is typically preferred.

GPSMAP vs ECHOMAP: GPSMAP is Garmin's premium marine chartplotter line, designed primarily for offshore, charter, commercial, and serious sportfishing applications. Full Garmin Marine Network support includes radar (GMR Fantom/xHD), cameras (GC series), Reactor autopilot integration, thru-hull transducer support, and premium multi-display networking. ECHOMAP is Garmin's mainstream fishfinder line, designed primarily for bass boats, pontoons, and recreational anglers. If your boat is a center console 22+ ft, sportfisher, or charter rig, GPSMAP is the right family. If your boat is a bass boat or pontoon, consider ECHOMAP UHD2 or Ultra 2 instead.

This variant does NOT include a transducer. Buyers at this tier typically spec a premium thru-hull transducer (GT52HW-THF, P66/P79 series, or Airmar premium thru-hulls) rather than relying on a transom-mount. Thru-hull transducers work better at higher speeds and on larger offshore boats.

Key Features

• 12" Premium Marine Display, high-contrast sunlight-readable IPS touchscreen
• U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 Pre-Loaded
• Prior Generation (1022/1042/1222/1242 series)
• Xsv Sonar Capability, CHIRP + ClearV + SideV when paired with compatible transducer
• Transducer NOT Included, spec your own thru-hull or GT-series transom-mount
• Full Garmin Marine Network (Ethernet), radar, cameras, autopilot, multi-display, premium marine integration
• NMEA 2000 + NMEA 0183, engines, fuel, tanks, sensors, marine instruments
• Wi-Fi + ActiveCaptain App, wireless updates, waypoint sharing, smart notifications
• Premium Cartography Support, BlueChart g3, Navionics Vision+, LakeMaster VX, CoastMaster, C-MAP Genesis Edge
• Dual microSD Card Slots, expand mapping for any region
• Panoptix Compatible, PS22, PS31, LVS32, LVS34 live sonar support (with GLS 10 for LiveScope)
• Reactor Autopilot Compatible, integrated autopilot control
• Thru-Hull Transducer Support, GT52HW-THF, P66/P79 series, Airmar premium thru-hulls
• Marine-Specific Features, tide stations, currents, sunrise/sunset, fish forecasts

Who This Is For

This unit is best for offshore charter captains running full tournament rigs, commercial fishing operations, large sportfisher owners, and professional multi-display installations, particularly anglers, tournament bass pros, multi-species offshore anglers, and captains who want sonar and chartplotter in a single display. U.s. coastal anglers, offshore captains, charter operators, and boaters who fish atlantic/gulf/pacific waters. The 12" GPSMAP is premium helm territory, fits 25+ ft center consoles, sportfishers, and offshore tournament rigs with serious helm real estate.

Choose This If...

• You're running a center console 22+ ft, sportfisher, or charter boat, GPSMAP is designed for this buyer. Bass boat anglers are typically better served by ECHOMAP.
• You want prior generation (1022/1042/1222/1242 series), prior-generation savings while keeping full feature set.
• You need full Garmin Marine Network integration, radar, cameras, autopilot, multi-display.
• You want sonar capability, Xsv supports CHIRP + ClearV + SideV with compatible transducer.
• U.S. coastal fishing, this variant's U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 Pre-Loaded is ideal. For Worldwide basemap without regional pre-loading, pick the 1222Xsv variant.
• Your budget is around $2299, prior-generation mid-tier pricing.

Specifications

• Display: 12" sunlight-readable IPS touchscreen
• Generation: Prior generation. Replaced by the 1223/1243 series but still in active production and sale.
• Head Unit Dimensions: 13.3" W x 8.5" H x 2.5" D
• Head Unit Weight: 8.1 lbs
• Power: 12V DC
• Connectors: NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Garmin Marine Network (Ethernet), Wi-Fi, dual microSD slots
• Sonar: Supports CHIRP + ClearV + SideV with compatible transducer. 8-pin sonar port included.
• Transducer: transducer NOT included (purchase separately)
• Cartography: U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 Pre-Loaded
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• SKU: 010-01741-50

Compatibility Reference

The GPSMAP 1242Xsv integrates with the full Garmin premium marine ecosystem:

• Transducers: GT20, GT22, GT52HW (transom and thru-hull variants), GT54UHD, GT56UHD, Panoptix PS22/PS31, premium Airmar/P-series thru-hull transducers
• Live Sonar: LiveScope Plus / XR / Original (via GLS 10 black box), Panoptix PS22/PS31
• Radar: GMR Fantom series (solid-state), GMR xHD series (magnetron), full integration
• Autopilot: Garmin Reactor series (40/Hydraulic/Mechanical), integrated control
• Cameras: GC series marine cameras, multi-camera networking
• Trolling Motors: Garmin Force, Force Pro, Force Kraken (for bay boat / inshore offshore applications)
• Networking: NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Garmin Marine Network (Ethernet), Wi-Fi
• Cartography: BlueChart g3, BlueChart g3 Vision, Navionics+, Navionics Vision+, LakeMaster VX, CoastMaster Premium, C-MAP Genesis Edge
• Apps: ActiveCaptain, Garmin Quatix marine smartwatches

Warranty

Covered by Garmin's 1-year limited warranty. GPSMAP installations at this tier are almost always done by marine electronics professionals, Carolina Sportsman Outfitters can help coordinate with qualified installers in the Carolinas. Call 252-431-6001 for pre-purchase rig-spec questions, installer referrals, or post-purchase setup guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 22 and 23 series (e.g., 1222 vs 1223)?

The 1222/1242 is the prior generation. The 1223/1243 is the current generation, newer processor, brighter display, refined user interface. Both are actively supported by Garmin with software updates. Current generation is typically $500-$800 more than prior generation at the same screen size.

What's the difference between GPSMAP and ECHOMAP?

GPSMAP is Garmin's premium marine chartplotter line (offshore, charter, commercial). ECHOMAP is Garmin's mainstream fishfinder line (bass boats, recreational). GPSMAP has full Marine Network and premium marine features; ECHOMAP gets limited Marine Network. Price is roughly 2x ECHOMAP at comparable sizes.

What does Xsv mean?

Xsv means CHIRP + ClearV + SideV sonar support (with compatible transducer). Non-Xsv units are chartplotter-only.

What does the "4" vs "2" in the model number mean?

"2" = Worldwide basemap. "4" = U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 pre-loaded. Same hardware, different pre-installed maps.

Do I need the Xsv variant or the non-sonar version?

If this is your ONLY display, get the Xsv variant. If you're running multi-display rigs where another unit handles sonar, the non-sonar version saves $200-$300.

Is LiveScope supported?

Yes. LiveScope Plus, LiveScope XR, LiveScope Original via GLS 10 black box. Panoptix PS22/PS31 directly supported.

Do I need professional installation?

Strongly recommended. At this tier, most rigs involve multi-display networking, radar/camera/autopilot integration, and thru-hull transducer placement. Budget $800-$2,000 for professional installation depending on complexity.

Is this used in offshore tournaments?

Yes, commonly. The 10"/12" GPSMAP tier is standard equipment on IGFA offshore tournaments, major billfish tournaments (Mid-Atlantic, Gulf), kingfish circuits, and large-boat offshore operations. Full Marine Network integration with radar and autopilot is typical for tournament sportfishing.

Can I use this with a Force trolling motor?

Yes. Integrates with Garmin Force, Force Pro, and Force Kraken trolling motors, more common on bay boats and inshore-offshore hybrid rigs than on traditional offshore sportfishers.

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Carolina Sportsman Outfitters has been outfitting anglers with Garmin marine electronics since 2015. For 10"/12" GPSMAP installations, we often work with customers on multi-display rig specification, head units, transducers, radar, autopilot, networking. Call 252-431-6001 for pre-purchase rig planning.