If you're using a CoastMaster VX or select LakeMaster VX chart cards in your Humminbird unit, staying current with updates ensures you're accessing the most accurate and reliable marine navigation data available. CoastMaster VX cards are updated regularly, so it's important to check for new versions yearly. LakeMaster VX cards can be updated as well, though updates are less frequent and may not be available for all regions. Here's what you need to know about updating your card—and why it matters.
Which Cards Are Currently Eligible for Updates?
The following VX cards are currently eligible for updates. Please also note the approximate date of the last update provided:
- CoastMaster France Coastal (Summer 2025)
- CoastMaster Australia East Premium (Summer 2025)
- CoastMaster Australia West Premium (Summer 2025)
- CoastMaster Australia Standard (Summer 2025)
- LakeMaster Sweden V1 (Summer 2025)
- CoastMaster Florida Premium V1 (Summer 2025)
- CoastMaster US Coastal V1 (Summer 2024)
NOTE: Cards purchased after the update date may not include the latest version by default. To ensure your card is up to date, we recommend verifying it using the instructions below.
Why Update Your VX Card?
VX cards contain ENC (Electronic Navigation Charts) sourced from official government data, enhanced with Humminbird’s unique styling. Updates ensure you are using the latest available data, such as daymarks and buoys, for accurate and reliable navigation.
How to Update Your Card
Updates are done using the ChartSelect Download Tool V2, available on the ChartSelect website. Here's how:
- The VX map card must be put into a Humminbird fish finder at least once before it can be updated. Plug your VX map card into your (powered up) HELIX, SOLIX, or APEX series fish finder. Wait one minute, then remove the card. This will ensure that the VX map card has an encrypt.txt file installed on it. This step is not necessary if you have previously viewed your map card in a Humminbird fish finder.
- On your Mac or PC, download and install the ChartSelect Download Tool v2 (Mac Download | PC Download)
- Log into the ChartSelect Download Tool using your ChartSelect or One-Boat account log in. (ChartSelect and One-Boat are the same account. You can use the same account you use to log into https://chartselect.humminbird.com/?locale=en, or the One-Boat Network app. If you don’t have an account you can create one from the login screen of the ChartSelect Download Tool.)
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Click on the VX Updates tab.
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Insert your unlocked VX map card into the SD card reader on your Mac or PC.
NOTE: Before you insert the VX map card into your computer, confirm the SD card is unlocked. The lock switch should be in the Up position.
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Click Select SD Card in the bottom right hand corner of the ChartSelect Download Tool.
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Browse to the encrypt.txt file which will be on the VX map card, select and click Open.
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The ChartSelect Download Tool will indicate if there is an update available. It will either state Update Available or Up to Date.
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If an update is available, click the Update button at the bottom of the screen. A progress bar will show the download status. You may pause/cancel the download at any time and resume later.
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When the progress bar gets to 100%, the process is finished and a dialog box will display a successful download message. Click Okay. You can now take the SD card out of your computer and put it back into your Humminbird fish finder.
How Often Will Updates Be Released?
Updates will be released as needed, but at minimum once per year for eligible cards.
