6 Best Remote Control Keypads For Marine Chartplotters

Navigating through choppy seas while trying to tap a touchscreen can be an exercise in frustration that puts safety at risk. Remote control keypads offer the tactile precision needed to make critical adjustments without taking your eyes off the horizon or your hands off the helm. Adding this interface to a chartplotter setup transforms a basic navigation station into a professional-grade command center.

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Garmin GRID 20: Best for Vertical or Horizontal Use

The Garmin GRID 20 stands out because of its remarkable versatility, allowing for both vertical and horizontal mounting configurations to suit crowded consoles. It features a high-quality joystick and a dedicated rotary knob that makes scrolling through complex menus fluid and intuitive, even when the boat is pitching in heavy swells.

This controller is the definitive choice for those operating large Garmin glass-helm systems who want a seamless interface. Because it integrates directly into the Garmin Marine Network, it can control multiple displays simultaneously from one location. If your helm space is tight or oddly shaped, this unit’s flexible orientation ensures you never have to compromise on ergonomics.

Raymarine RMK-10: Top Choice for Axiom MFDs

The Raymarine RMK-10 is specifically engineered to bring full control to Raymarine’s Axiom and LightHouse 3 systems, acting as a wired extension of the MFD’s interface. It features a full-function keypad that mimics the touchscreen layout, ensuring that muscle memory built on the screen translates perfectly to the remote.

This keypad is ideal for captains who want a dedicated button-driven experience for their Axiom MFDs without sacrificing the power of a modern OS. Its compact footprint makes it perfect for flush-mounting near a secondary station or a captain’s chair armrest. For anyone committed to the Raymarine ecosystem, this unit is the most reliable way to maintain total control during rough conditions.

Simrad OP50: The Ultimate Wired Remote Controller

The Simrad OP50 serves as the gold standard for captains who prioritize physical interaction over touchscreen navigation. Its robust rotary dial and specialized keys provide instant access to chart zoom, waypoint marking, and autopilot control, effectively turning the keypad into the primary brain of the navigation station.

This unit is perfect for serious offshore anglers and cruisers who operate large, multi-screen glass-bridge systems. It works flawlessly with NSS evo3 and NSO evo3 processors, offering a level of tactile feedback that screens simply cannot replicate. If the goal is a professional, high-performance helm setup that handles any weather, the OP50 is an essential addition.

B&G ZC2 Remote Controller: Best for Sailing Systems

The B&G ZC2 is designed with the unique needs of sailors in mind, integrating closely with specialized sailing features like SailSteer and Layline calculations. Its intuitive interface allows for quick toggling between navigation data and tactical racing information, ensuring that vital sailing metrics are always just one click away.

This keypad is the go-to recommendation for dedicated sailors who need to monitor wind shifts and tactical data without constantly touching a screen. It can control up to six displays, making it an excellent choice for a nav station that includes both a cockpit chartplotter and a secondary station below deck. For the performance sailor, this controller is the best investment for keeping focus on the sails and the course.

Furuno MCU005: Pro-Level Control for NavNet TZtouch

The Furuno MCU005 is a compact, rugged controller that delivers industrial-grade performance for the NavNet TZtouch series. It utilizes a trackball and a dedicated set of function keys, which is the preferred interface for professional mariners who value precise cursor movement over standard scrolling.

This remote is recommended for captains who demand absolute reliability and prefer the familiar “mouse-style” interaction offered by a trackball. It is incredibly durable and built to withstand the harsh environments that Furuno users typically encounter. If you are operating a TZtouch system, this is the most effective way to manage heavy data loads and complex radar overlays.

Lowrance K10 Keypad: For HDS Gen2 & Gen3 Setups

The Lowrance K10 is a streamlined, purpose-built remote that provides essential button-only control for aging but reliable HDS Gen2 and Gen3 displays. It gives users a tactile way to mark waypoints and switch views without obscuring the screen with fingerprints, which is particularly helpful in high-glare environments.

This unit is the perfect upgrade for legacy Lowrance users who want to extend the life and utility of their current sonar and chartplotter setup. It provides a straightforward, no-nonsense interface that works every time, regardless of whether you are wearing gloves or dealing with saltwater spray. It is a cost-effective solution for those who want to keep their older HDS units feeling responsive and modern.

How to Choose the Right Keypad for Your Boat

Selecting the right keypad starts with assessing your existing navigation ecosystem and the available physical space on your console. Always ensure the controller is compatible with your specific MFD series, as remote communication protocols are generally proprietary and do not cross brands.

• Evaluate Mount Space: Measure the depth behind the helm to ensure the cables and mounting hardware fit properly.
• Identify Your Primary Task: Choose a trackball for chart-heavy navigation or a rotary dial for quick zoom and menu scrolling.
• Consider User Experience: If you wear gloves, prioritize units with larger, raised buttons rather than flat-profile touch-capacitive keys.

Wired vs. Wireless: Which Remote Is Best for You?

Wired keypads are significantly more reliable for primary navigation because they offer zero-latency response and do not rely on batteries. In a critical situation, such as navigating through a narrow channel in heavy fog, the consistent connection of a wired unit provides essential peace of mind.

Wireless remotes offer freedom of movement, allowing a captain to control the chartplotter from the bow or a fishing seat. However, they introduce the risk of interference, battery failure, or signal dropouts. For a helm station, a hardwired connection is almost always the superior choice for safety and consistent performance.

Keypad Installation Tips for a Clean Helm Setup

Proper installation is just as important as the hardware itself when it comes to maintaining a clean, functional helm. Always use a high-quality marine-grade sealant around the mounting gasket to prevent water intrusion, which can corrode internal electronics over time.

Consider the ergonomics of your natural hand position while sitting at the helm. Mounting the keypad within comfortable reach of your thumb while resting your arm on a throttle or console edge minimizes fatigue during long passages. Keep cable runs away from high-heat sources and secure them with zip ties to prevent vibration-induced wear.

Ensuring Keypad and Chartplotter Compatibility

Before finalizing any purchase, consult the manufacturer’s networking manual to confirm the keypad communicates over the correct bus protocol, typically NMEA 2000 or a proprietary Ethernet cable. Some keypads require a software update on the MFD to be recognized, so check for available firmware patches before beginning the installation.

Never assume that a remote from one generation will work with an older or newer display without verification. When in doubt, verify the specific hardware revision of your chartplotter, as even small internal changes can affect accessory compatibility. A few minutes spent verifying compatibility avoids the frustration of a controller that fails to “handshake” with the main unit after being mounted.

Investing in a dedicated keypad for your marine chartplotter elevates the safety and efficiency of every voyage by providing tactile, reliable control in any sea state. By choosing hardware that aligns with your specific navigation habits and existing electronics, you create a command station that works as hard as you do. Ensure your setup is secure, compatible, and well-positioned, and you will find that managing your boat becomes significantly more intuitive.