Humminbird APEX 13 With Transducer vs CHO: Which Package Should You Buy?
Humminbird APEX 13 Buying Guide
With Transducer vs CHO: choose the package that fits your sonar plan
The display may look the same, but the buying decision is not. This guide explains what “with transducer” and “CHO” mean, who each configuration suits, and what to verify before ordering a Humminbird APEX 13.
Shop Humminbird APEX 13 Ask Before You OrderShort answer: choose the APEX 13 transducer package when you want the listed all-in-one sonar bundle and its included transom-mount transducer suits your boat. Choose APEX 13 CHO—control head only—when you already own a compatible sonar source or need to select a different transducer. Never assume CHO is installation-ready without checking every required component.
What does CHO mean on a Humminbird APEX 13?
CHO means control head only. In practical terms, the CHO configuration does not include the transducer supplied with the complete sonar package. It is designed for a buyer who wants the APEX 13 display and system capabilities but intends to use a compatible existing transducer, shared network sonar or a separately selected transducer.
That distinction matters because the control head is only one part of a working sonar installation. Transducer type, connector compatibility, mounting location, sonar frequency support, cabling and network architecture all affect the final result. When comparing Humminbird APEX 13 with transducer vs CHO, compare the complete installed system—not just the price shown for the display.
APEX 13 package comparison
Included sonar hardware
With transducer: the current APEX 13 MEGA SI+ VX package listed by Humminbird includes an XM 14 HW MSI T transom-mount transducer.
CHO: no transducer is included. Confirm the exact transducer, adapter and cables needed for your installation.
Best fit
With transducer: a straightforward choice for a new installation when the included transom transducer and its MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP functions match the boat and fishing style.
CHO: better suited to a planned custom system, a compatible through-hull or Airmar installation, a multi-display network, or an upgrade that can use existing compatible sonar hardware.
Planning risk
With transducer: confirm that transom mounting is suitable, the cable route reaches the helm, and the exact package contents match the product page.
CHO: confirm sonar-source compatibility before purchase. A lower initial package price can lead to extra cost if a transducer, adapter, extension cable or network component is still required.
Current APEX 13 reference points
Display: 13.3-inch Full-HD touchscreen, 1920 × 1080 pixels, with Cross Touch control.
Package item: Humminbird currently identifies the APEX 13 MEGA SI+ VX transducer package as product code 411470-1VX.
CHO reference: the current APEX 13 CHO VX product code is commonly listed as 411470-1VXCHO; match the full item number on the selected listing.
Core networking: dual Ethernet ports, built-in NMEA 2000 support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HDMI In/Out.
Choose the transducer package if these statements are true
Choose APEX 13 CHO if these statements are true
The hidden cost question: what else could CHO require?
An APEX 13 CHO can be the more precise choice, but it is not automatically the cheaper installed choice. Depending on the system, your plan may still require a compatible transducer, Ethernet cable, Ethernet switch, adapter cable, NMEA 2000 backbone components, external GPS or heading sensor, mounting hardware, circuit protection and professional installation.
Build a component list before checkout. If any link in the sonar chain is uncertain, send Mariners Warehouse the complete APEX item number, existing display and transducer models, connector details, desired sonar views, boat type and mounting plan through the Contact Us page.
Five checks before ordering
Do not rely on “APEX 13” alone. Confirm the full MPN and whether the listing is the VX transducer package or VX CHO.
Decide whether sonar comes directly from an included transducer, a separately purchased transducer or a compatible networked source.
Check gimbal or in-dash space, rear clearance, cable bends, service access and the transducer mounting location.
List every Ethernet, NMEA 2000, HDMI and wireless device you intend to connect. Compatibility does not mean every accessory is included.
Package contents and product revisions can change. Treat the live product page and manufacturer documentation as the final pre-purchase reference.
Important in-dash note
Humminbird states that an external GPS antenna is required when an APEX is installed in-dash to maintain accurate positioning and navigation. Include that requirement in the budget and rigging plan rather than discovering it after the dash has been cut.
Frequently asked questions
Does APEX 13 CHO include a transducer?
No. CHO means control head only. Verify the exact listing for every other included component and identify the compatible sonar source before purchasing.
Which transducer comes with the APEX 13 MEGA SI+ VX package?
Humminbird currently lists the XM 14 HW MSI T transom-mount transducer with product code 411470-1VX. Confirm the live product page before ordering.
Can I use CHO as a second network display?
That is a common use case, but data sharing depends on the exact connected units, accessories, software and network design. Verify the planned architecture rather than assuming every sonar source or feature will share automatically.
Where can I compare available APEX 13 models?
Browse the Humminbird APEX 13 chartplotter collection, open the exact product listing and compare the full MPN, included hardware and availability.
Ready to choose your APEX 13 package?
Compare current Humminbird APEX 13 chartplotters, then ask for help before checkout if the transducer, MPN or network plan is unclear.
Compare APEX 13 Models Contact Marine SupportProduct features, compatibility and box contents can change. Verify the exact manufacturer part number, current product listing and installation requirements before purchase. Professional marine-electronics installation is recommended where appropriate.