Premium 16" GPSMAP marine chartplotter, chartplotter only, no built-in sonar. Worldwide Basemap. Priced at $4899.

Garmin GPSMAP 1623 16" Premium Marine Chartplotter

The Garmin GPSMAP 1623 is premium large-display helm territory, a step up from the GPSMAP 10"/12" tier (1022, 1222, 1223, 1243) and a step below the GPSMAP 8000-series flagship marine tier (8610, 8612, 8616, 8624). This one ships with a basic worldwide basemap, no regional Navionics+ or BlueChart pre-loaded. Most buyers at this tier add premium cartography chips (BlueChart g3 Vision, Navionics Vision+ Premium, or region-specific LakeMaster VX / CoastMaster Premium). The "non-sonar" designation means this unit is a chartplotter ONLY, no CHIRP, ClearV, or SideV sonar processing. Common in multi-display helm setups where one unit handles sonar (typically an xsv variant or GPSMAP 8000-series) and this unit handles navigation, charts, radar overlay, and secondary displays.

Where this fits in the GPSMAP line: The 1500/1600 series is the large-display mid-premium tier. Below it: the GPSMAP 1022/1222/1242 series ($1,500-$2,600) for 10"/12" displays. Above it: the GPSMAP 8000-series ($2,600-$12,300) which has an even higher-tier processor, more sophisticated radar/camera/autopilot integration, and premium sportfisher build quality. The 15"/16" GPSMAP 1500/1600 tier is the sweet spot for sportfishers 30-40 ft, charter boats, and serious offshore rigs that need large-display chartplotting but don't require the 8000-series' premium processor tier.

GPSMAP vs ECHOMAP: GPSMAP is Garmin's premium marine chartplotter line, designed primarily for offshore, charter, commercial, and serious sportfishing applications. ECHOMAP is Garmin's mainstream fishfinder line, designed for bass boats, pontoons, and recreational anglers. At the 15"/16" tier, GPSMAP is the only option, ECHOMAP tops out at 16" in the Ultra 2 series ($4,600-$4,800) but GPSMAP at this size is specifically built for offshore/marine use cases ECHOMAP doesn't fully address (full Marine Network, premium radar/autopilot integration, BlueChart g3 Vision support).

Understanding the model number: "15" or "16" = screen size (15" or 16"). "2" or "4" = map region (2 = Worldwide basemap, 4 = U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 pre-loaded; 1543 is a unique variant with inland + coastal combined). "3" = generation (current). "xsv" (if present) = CHIRP + ClearV + SideV sonar support. So "1623xsv" = 16" GPSMAP with Worldwide basemap and sonar capability.

Key Features

• 16" Ultra-Bright IPS Touchscreen, solar-readable in direct sun, edge-to-edge glass, premium marine construction
• Worldwide Basemap
• No Built-In Sonar, chartplotter-only variant for multi-display rigs where dedicated sonar runs on another unit
• Full Garmin Marine Network (Ethernet), radar (GMR Fantom, xHD), cameras (GC series), autopilot (Reactor series), multi-display networking
• NMEA 2000 + NMEA 0183, engines, fuel, tanks, sensors, marine instruments, depth sounders
• Wi-Fi + ActiveCaptain App, wireless software updates, waypoint sharing, smart notifications
• Premium Cartography Support, BlueChart g3, BlueChart g3 Vision, Navionics+, Navionics Vision+ Premium, LakeMaster VX, CoastMaster Premium, C-MAP Genesis Edge
• Dual microSD Card Slots, expand mapping across multiple regions simultaneously
• Panoptix Compatible, PS22, PS31 direct connection; LVS32/LVS34 LiveScope via GLS 10 black box
• Reactor Autopilot Compatible, integrated autopilot control at the helm
• Thru-Hull Transducer Support, premium Airmar CHIRP, P66/P79 series, Garmin GT52HW-THF
• Multi-Display Networking, primary helm, secondary console, flybridge, cabin simultaneously
• Marine-Specific Features, tide stations, currents, sunrise/sunset, fish forecasts, bottom contour overlays
• Flush-Mount Compatible, clean dashboard integration for premium sportfisher installations

Who This Is For

This unit is best for large sportfisher owners (35+ ft), offshore charter operations, commercial fishing vessels, and flybridge helm installations, particularly captains running multi-display helms where dedicated sonar is on a separate primary unit, flybridge-primary installations, and commercial operators who network sonar across displays. International boaters, multi-region operators, and captains who prefer to spec premium cartography chips specific to their cruising grounds. The 16" GPSMAP is premium helm territory, fits center consoles 30+ ft, sportfishers, and commercial vessels with substantial dashboard real estate.

Choose This If...

• You're running a sportfisher 30-40 ft, center console 30+ ft, or offshore charter boat, GPSMAP 15"/16" is designed for this tier of boat.
• You need large-display chartplotting at the helm, 15"/16" is where split-screen views become genuinely usable for simultaneous chart + radar + sonar + camera display.
• You want full Garmin Marine Network integration, radar (GMR Fantom/xHD), cameras (GC), autopilot (Reactor), multi-display networking.
• You run a multi-display rig with dedicated sonar on another unit, non-sonar variant saves $200 when another unit handles sonar.
• International travel, multi-region use, or spec-your-own cartography, this variant's Worldwide Basemap is ideal. For pre-loaded U.S. coastal BlueChart g3 maps, pick the 1643 variant.
• Your budget is around $4899, premium 15"/16" tier, below the GPSMAP 8000-series flagship.

Specifications

• Display: 16" ultra-bright IPS touchscreen, edge-to-edge glass
• Head Unit Dimensions: 15.7" W x 10.3" H x 2.9" D
• Head Unit Weight: 10.5 lbs
• Power: 12V DC
• Connectors: NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Garmin Marine Network (Ethernet), Wi-Fi, dual microSD slots
• Sonar: NOT supported. No sonar port. Pair with networked sonar unit (xsv variant or GPSMAP 8000-series).
• Cartography: Worldwide Basemap
• Mounting: Flush-mount, bracket mount, or bail mount options
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• SKU: 010-02919-00

Compatibility Reference

The GPSMAP 1623 integrates with the full Garmin premium marine ecosystem:

• Transducers: Not applicable, non-sonar unit (pair with networked sonar source)
• Live Sonar: LiveScope Plus / XR / Original (via GLS 10 black box), Panoptix PS22/PS31 direct
• Radar: GMR Fantom series (solid-state), GMR xHD series (magnetron), full integration at the helm
• Autopilot: Garmin Reactor series (40/Hydraulic/Mechanical/Steer-by-Wire), integrated helm control
• Cameras: GC series marine cameras, multi-camera networking (bow, stern, engine room)
• Trolling Motors: Garmin Force, Force Pro, Force Kraken (for bay boat / inshore offshore hybrid applications, uncommon at this boat tier)
• Networking: NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Garmin Marine Network (Ethernet), Wi-Fi, multi-display MFD networking
• Cartography: BlueChart g3, BlueChart g3 Vision, Navionics+, Navionics Vision+ Premium, LakeMaster VX, CoastMaster Premium, C-MAP Genesis Edge
• Apps: ActiveCaptain, Garmin Quatix marine smartwatches, Garmin Drive

Warranty

Covered by Garmin's 1-year limited warranty. At the 15"/16" tier, installations are universally done by marine electronics professionals, the networking, cable routing, thru-hull transducer placement, and multi-display integration require experienced hands. Carolina Sportsman Outfitters can help coordinate with qualified installers in the Carolinas for sportfisher and charter boat installations. Call 252-431-6001 for pre-purchase rig spec, installer referrals, or post-purchase setup guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPSMAP 1600-series compare to GPSMAP 8000-series?

The GPSMAP 8000-series (8610, 8612, 8616, 8624) is Garmin's flagship marine chartplotter tier, newer processor, premium build quality, more sophisticated radar/camera/autopilot integration, larger sizes up to 24". The 1500/1600-series is mid-premium. The 8616Xsv ($6,300) vs the 1643xsv ($5,100), that $1,200 delta buys the premium 8000-series processor, flagship-grade Marine Network bandwidth, and sportfisher build quality. For most 30-40 ft sportfishers and charters, the 1643xsv delivers what's actually needed. For 40+ ft sportfishers, flagship yachts, and top-tier commercial marine, the 8000-series is the better choice.

What's the difference between GPSMAP and ECHOMAP?

GPSMAP is premium marine chartplotter (offshore, charter, commercial). ECHOMAP is mainstream fishfinder (bass boats, recreational). At 16", ECHOMAP Ultra 2 maxes out but GPSMAP is built specifically for offshore/marine, full Marine Network, premium radar/autopilot, BlueChart g3 Vision support, flush-mount helm integration.

What does xsv mean?

xsv = CHIRP + ClearV + SideV sonar support (with compatible transducer). Non-xsv = chartplotter only.

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

"2" = Worldwide basemap. "4" = U.S. Coastal BlueChart g3 pre-loaded. Same hardware, different pre-installed maps. The 1543xsv uniquely combines inland + coastal in a single package.

What transducer should I buy?

At the 15"/16" tier, most buyers spec premium thru-hull transducers rather than transom-mount. Popular choices: Airmar CHIRP P66 ($500-$800, bronze thru-hull), Airmar B265LH/LM ($1,200-$2,000, premium CHIRP), Garmin GT52HW-THF (bronze thru-hull). For LiveScope, add an LVS32 or LVS34 + GLS 10 separately. Call us at 252-431-6001 to spec the right transducer for your hull material and boat speed.

Is LiveScope supported?

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

Do I need professional installation?

Yes, essentially always at this tier. The 15"/16" GPSMAP typically goes into a multi-display helm with radar, autopilot, cameras, and thru-hull transducers, all requiring professional installation. Budget $1,500-$4,000 depending on complexity.

Is this used in offshore tournaments?

Yes, commonly. The 15"/16" GPSMAP tier is standard at the helm of 30-40 ft sportfishers competing in IGFA billfish tournaments, Mid-Atlantic tournament circuits (White Marlin Open, Big Rock), Gulf tournament circuits (Blue Marlin Grand Championship), kingfish tournaments, and offshore charter operations. Multi-display helms with the 16" as the primary and a 12" as secondary are a common configuration.

Can I flush-mount this?

Yes. GPSMAP 1500/1600 series is designed for flush-mount installation in premium sportfisher helms. Garmin provides flush-mount templates; most professional installers have experience with this specific integration. Bail-mount and bracket-mount options also available.

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Carolina Sportsman Outfitters has been outfitting anglers with Garmin marine electronics since 2015. For GPSMAP 15"/16" installations, we work with customers on full rig specification, head units, thru-hull transducers, radar, autopilot, multi-display networking. Call 252-431-6001 before you commit to a rig to make sure all the pieces work together.