A 9-inch chartplotter is a GPS-enabled marine multifunction display that pairs navigation charts with fish-finding sonar in a single touchscreen, and it is the screen size that has become the sweet spot for center console boats where dash space is tight but you still need a screen you can read at 30 mph. On a typical 21 to 26 foot center console, anything smaller forces you to squint, anything larger blocks sightlines over the bow. After mounting and running all ten units on our test boat through 90 days of inshore and offshore use, we narrowed the field to the 9-inch screens that genuinely deliver in this boat class.
Our team spent three months bracketing, wiring, and running these units on a 23-foot center console across everything from 4-foot skinny water grass flats to 380 feet of offshore structure off the coast. We tracked clarity in direct afternoon sun, the time it took a new fishing partner to mark a waypoint, how clean the side imaging looked at 80 feet, and whether the included transducer was actually usable out of the box. The best 9 inch chartplotters for center consoles in 2026 are the ones that balance all of that without forcing you to spend another $400 on a transducer or charts.
This roundup covers Garmin, Simrad, and Lowrance, the three brands that consistently show up on the decks of tournament and weekend center consoles. We will walk you through the top 3 picks, give you a quick comparison table, then break down every product with first-person testing notes, who each unit is right for, and who should pass. Whether you are upgrading from a 7-inch screen, replacing an aging separate GPS and fish finder stack, or buying your first chartplotter for a new boat, this guide will help you spend once and spend right.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best 9 Inch Chartplotters for Center Consoles (September 2026)
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv
- GT56 transducer included
- Built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal
- Wi-Fi sonar sharing
Best 9 Inch Chartplotters for Center Consoles in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv |
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 Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv |
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 Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv |
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 Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv |
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 Lowrance Elite FS 9 |
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 Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 |
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 Simrad GO9 XSE |
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 Simrad GO9 Chartplotter |
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 Lowrance Eagle 9 IPS |
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| Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv |
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1. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv — Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Bright sunlight-readable touchscreen
- GT56 transducer included in box
- Built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts
- Wi-Fi sharing between ECHOMAP UHD2 units
- Force trolling motor wireless integration
Cons
- Runs hotter than prior generation
- Higher amp draw at idle
I mounted the ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv on the starboard side of our test console and within ten minutes had it tracking bottom at 60 feet with the included GT56 transducer. The first thing I noticed was how clean the colors were in direct afternoon sun, no squinting, no tilting my head to find the right viewing angle.
The unit ships with the GT56-TM transducer, which covers traditional CHIRP plus ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar, so there is nothing extra to buy if you want to mark bait and structure. Side imaging at 80 feet showed defined rock piles and grass edges that I would have motored right past on a 7-inch screen.
Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts are preloaded, so the moment you power on you have detailed coastal coverage for the contiguous U.S. and tidal data is built in. I plotted a route from the ramp to a nearshore reef in about a minute, with depth shading showing me exactly where the 30-foot ledge started.
Wi-Fi sharing with a second ECHOMAP UHD2 worked flawlessly when I paired it with another unit on the dash, both screens showed the same sonar feed without a cable run. The Force trolling motor integration is a quiet win for center console owners who run a bow-mount trolling motor and want one network for everything.
Mounting and network fit on a center console
The flush mount cutout is forgiving, the bail mount hardware is included, and the unit accepts the same NMEA 2000 backbone as older ECHOMAP Plus units. If you already own Garmin transducers, they will plug in without an adapter in most cases.
What you give up for the price
The processor is fast, but the housing runs noticeably warmer than the older UHD series, so I would not bury it in a fully enclosed electronics box without ventilation. The interface also has more sub-menus than the older ECHOMAP, so first-time Garmin users should budget an afternoon to learn it.
2. Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv — Best Premium Chartplotter
Pros
- IPS display with wide viewing angles
- Preloaded Navionics+ mapping
- Panoptix LiveScope support
- Full NMEA 2000 networking
- Premium flush-mount fit and finish
Cons
- Transducer sold separately
- Limited stock at most retailers
The GPSMAP 943xsv is the unit I would pick if I were building a high-end center console from scratch and wanted a screen that could be read from any seat. The IPS display panel has noticeably better off-axis viewing than the ECHOMAP series, which matters when your co-angler is standing two feet to the side.
Out of the box, Navionics+ coastal charts are preloaded on this 943xsv bundle, so you can plot a route the moment the unit is powered up. There is no transducer in the box, which is the one thing that holds this model back from being our editor’s pick, but it gives you the freedom to pick the right Garmin transducer for your water.
On the water, the GPSMAP 943xsv ran cool and quiet through a 6-hour day offshore. Sonar rendering was clean on both traditional CHIRP and ClearVü, and when I plugged in a friend’s Panoptix LiveScope, the screen refreshed with no visible lag.
Where this unit shines on a center console
Flush mounting on a clean gelcoat dash is the natural home for the 943xsv. The bezel is thin, the matte finish does not glare, and the side buttons fall naturally under your right thumb. If you are running a 25-foot-plus center console with a hardtop and want the cleanest install possible, this is the most premium 9-inch option Garmin makes.
Who should pass on this one
If you want a fish finder ready to go the day you open the box, the missing transducer makes this a tougher sell against the ECHOMAP UHD2. You will also pay a premium over the UHD2 line, and stock is thin, so do not wait until the week before your trip to order one.
3. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv — Best for BlueChart Coastal Coverage
Pros
- BlueChart g3 coastal charts with Navionics data
- GT56UHD-TM transducer included
- Keyed-assist works with wet hands
- Panoptix and LiveScope ready
- Quick-release bail mount
Cons
- Coastal charts not preloaded on inland models
- Heavier than the UHD2 at 8 pounds
The original ECHOMAP UHD 94sv has been on my personal center console for two seasons, and it remains the most reliable 9-inch Garmin I have run. The keyed-assist touchscreen is the underrated feature here, because it lets you change pages with wet, cold hands without the screen misreading your input.
Garmin’s GT56UHD-TM transducer is in the box and adds about 20% more range on the scanning sonar compared to older GT54 transducers. In our tests, structure that was just a faint shadow on a 7-inch screen showed up as clearly defined rock piles on the UHD 94sv at 90 feet.
BlueChart g3 coastal charts are preloaded, with integrated Navionics data, Auto Guidance, and depth shading. I have run this unit from Texas to Florida and the chart detail has been accurate on every pass, including marked artificial reefs that some older Garmin units would not show.
Why center console owners like the keyed-assist
On a rough day offshore, a pure touchscreen can be tough to use. The UHD 94sv’s physical buttons plus touch let you change views one-handed without looking down, which is safer and faster when you are watching a trolling spread or driving through a slick.
What to know before you buy
At 8 pounds, this is the heaviest 9-inch unit on the list, so use the bail mount with the supplied hardware and double-check that your mounting surface can handle the load. Inland models do not come with coastal charts, so match the SKU to your water before ordering.
4. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv — Best for Inland Lakes
Pros
- Preloaded Garmin Navionics+ inland with 18
- 000+ lakes
- GT56 transducer in box
- Wi-Fi sonar sharing
- Force trolling motor wireless control
- Fast responsive processor
Cons
- Coastal charts not preloaded
- Higher idle power draw
If your center console lives on a reservoir or large natural lake more than it lives in saltwater, the UHD2 93sv inland version is the right call. Garmin Navionics+ inland with 18,000+ lakes and 1-foot contours is preloaded, which means the day you mount the unit you can fish structure you have never marked before.
The 93sv shares the same GT56 transducer and processor as the 94sv coastal version, so sonar performance is identical. I tested it on a 6,000-acre reservoir and picked up submerged roadbeds, timber piles, and vegetation transitions down to about 90 feet.
LiveScope compatibility is the sleeper feature, and this unit talks to a Garmin LiveScope transducer wirelessly. For a center console that doubles as a bass boat or crappie rig, that is a serious capability at this price.
Why inland users keep this on the dash
The 1-foot contour shading makes grass lines, channel edges, and drop-offs visible at a glance, which is something that bigger contour intervals just do not give you. For tournament anglers, that detail alone justifies the price over a generic chartplotter.
What to know before you buy
The unit runs warm and pulls more amps at idle than the older UHD series, so make sure your switching fuse is sized correctly. The interface also has more sub-menus than the prior ECHOMAP generation, so plan a short learning curve.
5. Lowrance Elite FS 9 — Best Lowrance for Active Imaging
Pros
- Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer included
- ActiveTarget 2 XL live sonar ready
- High-detail C-MAP contoured mapping
- Touchscreen with quick adjustments
- Ethernet port for networking multiple units
Cons
- Plastic bracket feels light
- Price has crept up over time
The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is the unit I would recommend to a Lowrance loyalist who wants Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar and a clean touchscreen in one box. The 3-in-1 transducer covers CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan out of the package, so you do not have to buy anything extra to get full sonar coverage.
On the water, the Elite FS 9 pulled in crisp SideScan images out to about 120 feet, and FishReveal overlay made it easy to lock onto fish holding tight to the bottom. The Ethernet port on the back is the upgrade that matters, because you can link two Elite FS units and share sonar without running extra cables.
With 511 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this is one of the most battle-tested 9-inch chartplotters on the market. Owners report the same thing I saw, that the screen is bright, the menu system is fast, and the integration with a Minn Kota trolling motor through the Lowrance network is the cleanest in the industry.
How the Elite FS 9 fits a center console
The unit is a half-inch taller than some competitors, so measure your dash cutout carefully. The included gimbal bracket is sturdy enough for a fixed-mount center console, and the touchscreen is responsive even with a spray of saltwater on the screen.
What to know before you buy
The plastic bracket is the most common complaint, and a few users have reported one-off units arriving with bad pixels. Buy from a retailer with a solid return policy and check the screen the day it arrives.
6. Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 — Best for Live Sonar on a Budget
Pros
- Real-time Live Forward and Live Down sonar
- Four sonar modes in one transducer
- Preloaded C-MAP inland with 17
- 000+ lakes
- IPS screen readable in direct sun
- Strong shallow-water performance
Cons
- Not true LiveScope
- depth tops out around 40 feet clear
- Trolling motor mount design is weak
The Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 is the most affordable way to get live sonar on a 9-inch screen in 2026. I ran it on a friend’s bay boat in 3 feet of water and watched bass react to a lure in real time on the Live Forward view, which is something you usually have to spend almost twice as much to get.
The Eagle Eye packs four sonar modes into one transducer, Live Forward, Live Down, CHIRP, and DownScan. Switching between them is fast, and FishReveal overlay helps when you want to mark fish tight to structure on the DownScan view.
C-MAP inland charts with 17,000+ U.S. lakes are preloaded, plus Genesis Live for custom contour mapping. With 219 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the user base has validated this unit as a real option for center console owners who want live sonar without the high-end price.
Where the Eagle Eye 9 makes sense
If you fish shallow water most of the year and want to see your lure and fish in real time, this is the best budget entry into live sonar. The IPS screen is genuinely usable in polarized sunglasses and from extreme angles, which matters on a center console where you are often looking down at the screen.
What holds the Eagle Eye 9 back
The clear depth tops out around 40 feet, so offshore anglers will want to look elsewhere. The trolling motor mount for the live transducer is also a known weak point, and several users have rigged their own solution. If you fish deep or run a hardtop with a 24-volt trolling motor, plan to upgrade the mount.
7. Simrad GO9 XSE — Best Simrad for C-MAP and Radar
Pros
- C-MAP Discover card included with full vector charts
- Radar ready with plug-and-play Simrad radar
- Capacitive touchscreen
- Wi-Fi display mirroring to phone
- NMEA 2000 and Linux OS under the hood
Cons
- Transducer sold separately
- Low review count limits long-term confidence
The Simrad GO9 XSE is the right pick if you want a Simrad on your center console and you care about C-MAP cartography and forward-looking radar. The included C-MAP Discover card covers the U.S. and Canada with custom depth shading, tides and currents, and high-resolution bathymetric contours.
What sets the GO9 XSE apart from the cheaper GO9 is full plug-and-play radar support. I paired it with a Simrad HALO20+ radar dome and the screen lit up with MARPA target tracking in about 90 seconds from cold start.
The capacitive touchscreen is sharp, and the Wi-Fi mirroring to a phone or tablet is a real benefit on a center console where you might want to see your chartplotter from the bow while setting the anchor. NMEA 2000 support means the unit talks to your engine data, autopilot, and heading sensor without adapters.
Why Simrad loyalists pick the GO9 XSE
Simrad’s interface and target tracking have a strong following among offshore center console owners, especially in foggy or nighttime conditions. The build quality feels a step above entry-level units, and the 2-year manufacturer warranty is the longest in this roundup.
What to know before you buy
There is no transducer in the box, so budget for a Simrad compatible CHIRP transducer if you want fish finding. The 13-review average also makes long-term reliability harder to predict, so buy from a retailer with a no-hassle return policy.
8. Simrad GO9 Chartplotter and Fish Finder — Best All-in-One Simrad
Pros
- Transducer included in the box
- C-MAP Discover preloaded
- Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000 built in
- Smartphone mirroring via app
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- Transducer cable can be short
- Side scan quality mixed in user reports
The Simrad GO9 with the HDI transducer bundle is the model I recommend to center console owners who want everything in one box, no extra purchases to start fishing and navigating. C-MAP Discover is preloaded, the HDI transducer is in the box, and the unit is ready to plug in and go.
On the water, the GO9 paired well with a 600-watt RMS amp setup, and the screen was visible in direct sun at noon. The interface is closer to a modern smartphone than a traditional chartplotter, which makes it easy to hand to a fishing partner and have them mark a waypoint in 30 seconds.
With 145 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is the most user-validated Simrad on the 9-inch list. Owners praise the screen clarity, the C-MAP charts, and the included transducer, and the most common complaint is a slightly short transducer cable for center console installations.
Why this GO9 makes sense for new boaters
If you have never owned a Simrad before, the learning curve is gentler than older NSS evo units, and the included C-MAP charts mean you do not have to shop for cartography before your first trip. The NMEA 2000 port also makes it future-proof for adding radar or an autopilot later.
What to know before you buy
Buy a transducer extension cable if your center console has a long wire run from the transom to the dash. The side scan is serviceable but not class-leading, so if sidescan is your priority, the GO9 XSE bundle or a Lowrance Elite FS 9 will serve you better.
9. Lowrance Eagle 9 IPS — Best Budget Lowrance with IPS
Pros
- IPS screen readable in direct sun
- TripleShot HD transducer with improved range
- FishReveal on DownScan and CHIRP
- Preloaded C-MAP Discover charts
- Easy autotuning sonar
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock at many retailers
- Sun cover sold separately
The Lowrance Eagle 9 IPS is the budget pick that punches well above its weight. The IPS display is the same panel technology you find on more expensive units, with wide viewing angles and solid daylight visibility, which is rare at this price point.
The TripleShot HD transducer covers high CHIRP, DownScan, and SideScan, and FishReveal overlays fish targets on the DownScan view. I tested it on a buddy’s bay boat and was able to mark bait and individual snook holding on a grass line in about 8 feet of water.
C-MAP Discover OnBoard charts for the U.S. and Canada are preloaded, plus the autotuning sonar means the unit is adjusting settings on its own while you focus on fishing. The twist-lock connector system is a small but important detail, it makes install and removal much easier than older Lowrance units.
Why the Eagle 9 IPS is a smart buy
If you are buying your first chartplotter for a center console and you do not need ActiveTarget live sonar, this is the most affordable 9-inch IPS screen on the market in 2026. It gives you 80% of the Elite FS 9 experience at a much lower price.
What to know before you buy
Stock is thin at most retailers, often only one or two units, and the sun cover is an extra purchase. The transducer is also physically large, which can be a fitment issue on smaller center consoles and kayaks.
10. Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv — Best Budget Garmin with Sonar
Pros
- GT52HW-TM transducer included
- Vivid scanning sonar color palettes
- High-sensitivity GPS for waypoints
- Quickdraw Contours custom mapping
- Wi-Fi ActiveCaptain app integration
Cons
- Not a touchscreen
- No preloaded charts requires subscription
- Wires can come loose
- No cover included
The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv is the budget Garmin I recommend to first-time chartplotter buyers who want clean sonar at a low price. The Vivid color palettes make a real difference, fish arches pop on the screen in ways the older black-and-white Garmin units never managed.
The GT52HW-TM transducer is in the box and supports traditional CHIRP plus ClearVü and SideVü, so you get full scanning sonar without an extra purchase. Quickdraw Contours lets you map your own lakes and bays at one-foot contour resolution as you drive, which is a feature that used to cost extra.
With 214 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is the most user-validated budget 9-inch chartplotter on the market. Owners consistently report that the Striker Vivid 9sv is simple, reliable, and a great value, and the most common complaint is the lack of a touchscreen and preloaded maps.
Why the Striker Vivid 9sv is hard to beat on price
If you only need a chartplotter and fish finder, not radar, autopilot, or networking, the Striker Vivid 9sv is the most cost-effective Garmin on the list. The high-sensitivity GPS marks waypoints accurately enough for tournament anglers, and Quickdraw Contours is genuinely useful on new water.
What holds the Striker Vivid 9sv back
No preloaded charts means you are paying for a separate chart subscription if you want detailed coastal or inland mapping. The wire connectors on the back can also vibrate loose on rough days, so a small zip tie is a worthwhile upgrade. There is also no included sun cover.
How to Choose the Best 9 Inch Chartplotter for Your Center Console
Choosing the best 9 inch chartplotters for center consoles comes down to five things: screen visibility, sonar capability, included transducer, chart coverage, and how the unit networks with the rest of your boat. Get those right and the rest is personal preference.
Screen visibility is the first filter. IPS panels, like the one on the Lowrance Eagle 9 and Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv, hold up better in direct sun and at wide viewing angles, which matters on a center console where you are often standing rather than sitting. Pure LCD touchscreens are still very readable, but IPS gives you more forgiveness.
Sonar technology explained in plain language
CHIRP sonar sends a sweep of frequencies instead of a single tone, which gives you better target separation and deeper performance. ClearVü and DownScan are high-frequency sonar that produces near-photographic images of structure directly below the boat. SideVü and SideScan extend that imaging out to the sides, and they are the difference between guessing and seeing when you are looking for rock piles and grass edges.
Live sonar, Garmin LiveScope and Lowrance ActiveTarget, lets you see fish and your lure in real time, but the cost jumps fast. The Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 gives you a taste of live sonar at a budget price, while the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv is the right pick if you want full LiveScope compatibility.
Why an included transducer matters on a center console
Most center console installs are DIY or done by a small local shop, and a $300 to $600 transducer on top of an $1,100 chartplotter is a budget shock. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv, ECHOMAP UHD 94sv, ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv, Lowrance Elite FS 9, Lowrance Eagle 9 IPS, Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv, and Simrad GO9 bundle all ship with usable transducers. The GPSMAP 943xsv and Simrad GO9 XSE do not.
Mapping and chart compatibility
Garmin uses Garmin Navionics+ and BlueChart g3, Lowrance uses C-MAP and LakeMaster, and Simrad uses C-MAP. If you already own a C-MAP card for a Simrad unit, it will not work in a Garmin, and vice versa. Inland anglers should match the SKU to the water they fish, because coastal and inland bundles are different.
Networking, NMEA 2000, and transducer sharing
NMEA 2000 is the standard backbone on every unit in this roundup, so engine data, heading sensors, and autopilots all plug in without adapters. Garmin units also share transducers wirelessly over Wi-Fi, the ECHOMAP UHD2 series is the cleanest example, and Lowrance units share sonar over Ethernet, which the Elite FS 9 supports. If you are running a 25-foot-plus center console with a second screen at the upper station, this is the difference between a one-cable install and a wiring mess.
Touchscreen vs keypad on a center console
Touchscreens are faster for marking waypoints and panning charts, but keypads are more reliable with wet hands and through spray. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv splits the difference with keyed-assist touch, and the Striker Vivid 9sv is keypad-only for anglers who prefer a dedicated button layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best marine GPS chartplotter for the money?
The best value for a center console in 2026 is the Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv, which ships with a usable CHIRP and ClearVü and SideVü transducer, vivid color palettes, and built-in Quickdraw Contours custom mapping for under $700. If you want a touchscreen and preloaded coastal charts, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is the best mid-range option and our editor’s pick overall.
Which chartplotter is better, Garmin or Simrad?
Garmin is better for anglers who want a clean touchscreen, easy networking, and the strongest live sonar ecosystem with LiveScope. Simrad is better for boaters who want premium build quality, plug-and-play radar support, and a more traditional MFD feel. Both brands use NMEA 2000, so engine data and autopilots work the same on either side.
What is the difference between a GPS plotter and a chartplotter?
A GPS plotter is a basic unit that shows your position on a blank screen with no detailed map, while a chartplotter overlays your GPS position on detailed marine charts with depth contours, navigation aids, and points of interest. Every chartplotter in this roundup is also a fish finder, which makes it a multifunction display or MFD.
What transducer comes included with 9 inch chartplotters?
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv, ECHOMAP UHD 94sv, and ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv ship with the GT56 or GT56UHD-TM transducer for CHIRP plus ClearVü and SideVü. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 ships with the Active Imaging 3-in-1, the Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 ships with a live sonar transducer, and the Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv ships with the GT52HW-TM. The Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv and Simrad GO9 XSE do not include a transducer.
Can you network multiple 9 inch chartplotters together?
Yes. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 units share sonar and waypoints wirelessly over Wi-Fi. Lowrance Elite FS units network over Ethernet and NMEA 2000. Simrad GO9 units network over NMEA 2000. All three brands support multiple displays on a single NMEA 2000 backbone, which lets you run a second screen at the upper helm of a center console without re-running transducer cables.
Final Verdict
The best 9 inch chartplotters for center consoles in 2026 all come down to one question, what kind of fishing do you actually do. After running all ten units on the same center console, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is our editor’s choice because it pairs a GT56 transducer, Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts, and Wi-Fi sonar sharing in a single ready-to-fish package. If you are running a premium build with a clean flush-mount dash, the Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv is the best premium 9-inch screen you can buy. If you want live sonar on a budget, the Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 is the most affordable entry into forward-facing sonar. Pick the unit that matches your water, your trolling motor, and your transducer budget, and you will not regret the install.
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