Minn Kota X16 CHO Sonar & GPS Chartplotter (without transducer) – The 15.6-inch Full HD Large Display for Live Sonar and High-End Helm Stations

The Minn Kota X16 CHO (Control Head Only) is the absolute pinnacle of modern marine electronics and the direct technological successor to the Humminbird XPLORE 16 CHO. It is designed for demanding boat anglers, guiding companies and large boat owners who demand maximum visibility at the helm station and do not want to compromise on screen size. As a specialized version without a transducer the X16 CHO is designed precisely for those who are looking for a gigantic display for their Live Sonar, want to use the integrated transducer of their Minn Kota bow motor, or want to integrate the device as the dominant main display into an existing network. You are investing exclusively in state-of-the-art display and processor performance, without paying for transducer hardware that you do not need on board.

In the new X Series, Minn Kota's outstanding maneuverability technology and Humminbird Imaging's world-leading sonar clarity come together under one banner. With a huge screen diagonal of 15.6 inches (approx. 40 cm) and native Full HD resolution (1920 × 1080 pixels) the X16 CHO opens up completely new dimensions in water observation. Even demanding four-way split screens of digital charts, MEGA Side Imaging+, Down Imaging and Live Sonar appear so large, as if several independent sonars were standing next to each other on the console.

Why the Minn Kota X16 CHO is the pinnacle for Live Sonar

Anyone who fishes pelagically for large zander in open water with modern real-time sonars or has to keep every inch of the water column in view when fishing for catfish with a rod, benefits enormously from the huge projection area of the X16 CHO. In the solid, weather-resistant housing with integrated aluminum cooling fins the same ultra-fast Quad-Core processor as in the entire model range is at work. This chip processes the massive amounts of data from high-resolution Live Sonars (Minn Kota LIVE as well as Humminbird MEGA Live 1 & 2) absolutely lag-free and fluidly – and that completely without an external black box.

You simply plug your Live transducer directly into the rear Ethernet port and immediately have the unrestricted underwater action in front of you. For all those switching from Humminbird systems of the XPLORE, APEX or SOLIX G3 series, the conversion is incredibly easy: The X16 CHO uses the same proven PC-13 power cable, so that the existing onboard wiring can be reused one-to-one without time-consuming modifications.

Gigantic 15.6-inch Full HD Display with All-Weather CrossTouch Operation

The glare-free 24-bit color TFT display guarantees a razor-sharp, high-contrast image from every angle even in low-standing sun, direct backlight and with polarized sunglasses thanks to its extreme brightness and advanced anti-reflective coating. Thanks to the intuitive CrossTouch operation you are up to any weather. In calm conditions, you control menus, waypoints and map views smoothly via the multitouch surface. In rough seas, driving rain, frost or with wet, slimy hands, you seamlessly switch to the tactile buttons and the grippy rotary knob on the edge of the housing. Via the three freely programmable One-Boat Network hotkeys you lay out your preferred screen views or direct commands for the bow motor at your fingertips at the touch of a button.

Full Humminbird Sonar Performance via Your Individual Transducer Setup

Even though the Minn Kota X16 CHO is delivered without its own transducer, the device features the complete top-class Humminbird Sonar Module. As soon as you connect the sonar with a compatible transducer – such as the integrated MEGA DI or MEGA SI transducer of your Minn Kota bow motor, a transducer already mounted on the stern or via the Ethernet network with a partner system –, you tap into the full potential.

With frequencies of over 1 MHz in the MEGA range as well as the long-range 455-kHz frequency, the X16 CHO supports MEGA Side Imaging+ with up to 244 meters of total coverage as well as MEGA Down Imaging+ down to 61 meters. In addition, the high-precision Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D Sonar ensures razor-sharp target separation in open water and close to the bottom, so that you always keep individual fish and your bait clearly in view even during drift or current.

Wireless Boat Control via the Wireless One-Boat Network

With the Minn Kota X16 CHO, your boat becomes a networked high-tech control center without annoying cable clutter in the cockpit. Via the integrated Wireless One-Boat Network the sonar connects completely wirelessly with current Minn Kota bow motors with Dual-Band GPS as well as via a free software update with all Advanced GPS motors from the 2024 model year.

Thanks to the Draw and Navigate™ function, you no longer have to laboriously set individual waypoints in the menu. You simply draw your desired trolling or casting line with your finger directly on the 15,6-inch display, after which your coupled Minn Kota bow motor immediately drives this route fully automatically.

The protection function Intelligent Depth Control™ permanently monitors the water depth. If the boat threatens to enter shallower areas than your previously defined minimum depth, the X16 CHO warns immediately and can automatically anchor the motor in place via Spot-Lock® or lower compatible shallow water anchors like Raptor and Talon, even before the hull touches the bottom.

Smart Waypoint Handling, AutoChart Live and Rewind Recording

The organization of your fishing spots is particularly clear on the gigantic screen area. You can circle several waypoints with a simple finger gesture, mark them as a group or synchronize them wirelessly with your smartphone via the Minn Kota Fishing App. As soon as a 2D-capable transducer is integrated into the system, you draw your own, highly precise depth charts with AutoChart® Live during the trip, including the display of bottom hardness and vegetation. For this, you have 8 hours of internal memory available, which can be expanded arbitrarily via an optional Zero-Line SD card.

An absolute highlight for Live Sonar and big game anglers is the integrated Media Tool with Rewind Recording. If a big fish suddenly appears on the screen, you simply secure the past sonar sequence for up to 30 seconds retrospectively as a video file with the press of a button. Alternatively, pre-recordings of up to two minutes can be created, to analyze attacks and lure presentations afterwards or share them directly on social media via the smartphone app.

Technical Data of the Minn Kota X16 CHO (without transducer) at a glance

Scope of delivery of the Minn Kota X16 CHO

The delivery scope of the Minn Kota X16 CHO (without transducer) includes the Minn Kota X16 Sonar Display (Head Unit), the solid mounting bracket including robust knurled screws, the 1,82 meter long PC-13 power cable, a perfectly fitting silicone display protective cover for secure protection against scratches and UV radiation as well as all mounting material and documentation. A transducer is deliberately not included in this CHO version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Minn Kota X16 CHO (without transducer)

What advantages does the Minn Kota X16 CHO offer compared to the 12-inch model? With a screen diagonal of 15,6 inches, the X16 CHO offers over 64 percent more display area than the X12. On this gigantic screen area, even complex four-window split screens can be displayed so large, that you can effortlessly recognize details such as individual fish scales or bottom irregularities even from several meters away while standing.

Can I retroactively connect a standard transom transducer to the Minn Kota X16 CHO? Yes, without any problems. The X16 CHO features the same full-fledged sonar connection as the transducer complete package. You can at any time retroactively connect a suitable all-in-one transom transducer (such as the XM 14 HW CMSI T) and immediately use MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP.

Does the Minn Kota LIVE Sonar on the X16 CHO require an external black box? No. Both the new Minn Kota LIVE Sonar and Humminbird MEGA Live 1 and 2 are connected directly to the X16 CHO via an Ethernet cable. The entire image calculation is handled by the device's internal Quad-Core processor.

What power source is recommended for the Minn Kota X16 CHO? Due to the enormous screen area and the high brightness, the power consumption is 4,2 amperes. For a typical fishing day of 8 to 10 hours, a 12V LiFePO4 lithium battery with at least 50 Ah to 60 Ah is recommended. If a Live transducer and network hubs are additionally powered from the same battery, a capacity of 100 Ah is ideal.