Optimizing Your Sportsman Boat with Garmin MFDs

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Open

9 Models • 21' → 40'

Built for families who want serious offshore capability, premium comfort and the freedom to fish, cruise or entertain.

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Open 402

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Open 352

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Open 322

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Open 302

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Open 282

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Open 262

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Open 252

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Open 232

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Open 212

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Heritage

4 Models • 23' → 32'

A refined crossover lineup designed for coastal cruising, ample seating, family days and some fishing when the moment calls for it.

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Heritage 321

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Heritage 261

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Heritage 251

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Heritage 231

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Masters

6 Models • 22' → 28'

Shallow-water performance, fishing-focused layouts and everyday comfort built for family life and fishing.

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Masters 287

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Masters 267

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Masters 267OE

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Masters 247

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Masters 247OE

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Masters 227

 
Blog > Optimizing Your Sportsman Boat with Garmin MFDs

Discover how to enhance your Sportsman boat with Garmin MFDs. Learn about the benefits of adding a second screen, the latest upgrades, and tips for maximizing your boat's capabilities with these tools.

July 18, 2024
What's New For 2025
Cover image for the post Optimizing Your Sportsman Boat with Garmin MFDs
  • Upgrade to a second Garmin MFD to view more data and control the boat while underway
  • For 43xsv upgrades you may need an adaptor plate to fit the new size into the existing second hole cutout
  • A Garmin MFD is central to operating the boat, displaying engine data and trim tab information

Chase Schelble
Technical Sales Representative

One of the most important features of your Sportsman boat is your Garmin MFD. This device allows you to see and use most all the components on the boat, which is what makes it such a vital tool for operating your boat. At Sportsman we offer a variety of Garmin MFD’s ranging from 9” to 22”. On most all our models 1 screen comes standard with the boat leaving the second screen optional, you also have the option of moving up in size from the 1 standard screen or both if you choose to go that route in some models. We highly recommend you do so when ordering a boat as the MFD’s have become more and more capable there are more and more devices controlled by them as well as vital operating information such as engine data and trim tab placement.

In most cases 1 screen is not enough to view all the data, even though it has the capability, having a second so you can view more information and have more control while underway is preferable. This is one of the most common upgrades you can make to your boat, and we’ve made your boat ready to accommodate it. On every boat we cut the hole for the 2nd screen as the same size as the standard or upgraded single screen and simply fill it with an acrylic filler piece.

template marking.

Over the years Garmin has made some changes and upgraded their 9” and 12” screens, two of our most commonly used sizes from 42xsv’s to 43xsv’s. The new 43 models are slightly smaller than their 42 predecessor so in order to fit them in your second precut hole or both if you’d like to upgrade all the way around you’ll need to purchase the adaptor plate. This plate fits on the border of the unit making it exactly the same size as the older 42.

Click the links below to get yours today! Happy Boating!

GPSMAP® 9x2 to 9x3 Series Adapter Plate

GPSMAP® 12x2 to 12x3 Series Adapter Plate