Features
4.4/5
Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73cv 2020 Ultimate Review
By James Williams | November 24, 2020
4.77
4.75/5
OVERALL SCORE
Are you trying to get to a fishfinder that is both affordable and functional?
We tried and tested some of the best, worst, most expensive and cheapest fish-finders and this gem from Garmin stands out of the crowd so if you’re looking for a fishfinder that comes with plenty of features at a solid price, read further, because the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73cv offers precisely that and some more.
We’ve played with it, used it, overused it and below is what we found out about this new Garmin Echomap Plus 73cv.
Let’s jump in!
About Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73cv
Great View
A successful fishing adventure is not that easy to achieve as most people think it is. The crucial thing to think about is getting with yourself the right equipment. Due to the traditional Garmin CHIP and the ClearVü sonar combo, your echoMAP 73cv will provide you with the best possible imagery.
With a Wi-Fi connection and compatibility with your NMEA 2000 network, the device comes with maps of 17 thousand U.S. reservoirs, rivers, and lakes.
Precise Information
For the high wide CHIRP sonar and Garmin CHIRP ClearVü there comes a 73cv transducer. You’ll have a realistic image of what is present around your boat by using this highly-accurate scanning sonar package. It will give you the view of everything you need – you can see the fishes even if they are trying to hide behind some object.
7-Inch Touchscreen Display
This is a sophisticated GPS feature that helps you stay in touch with your position and orientation by non-stop refreshing. Your motion will look pretty sleek on the large screen. Due to the auto-tuning backlight, you can see the fishes in all lighting conditions possible. You will also have your way to the favorite fishing location saved on the fishfinder software.
Simple Key Point Check
With the GPX Waypoints Transfer, you can transfer often used routes, tracks, and waypoints from other manufacturer’s GPS. You may take them and transfer them to your new chartplotter device.
Option To Create Your Own Maps
Although loaded with useful maps of interesting locations, you can create your own high-quality charts. It is due to its excellent scanning abilities. Another convenience is that you can save and share them with whoever you wish.
You don’t have to be a tech genius to do it since Echomap Plus will do its work while you fish. If you want to receive alerts or share the scannings, it’s enough to pair your device with the Active Captain app.
Cutting-Edge Features For Boat Users
You can type in the destination of interest in the Auto Guidance software. It will look for the best solutions and display the best pathways on your screen. This will be of great help to reach the location without running across shallow water or low bridges. You can refine your pattern even further by embedding certain points of importance.
Cues In Multiple Colors
To differentiate the depth of the place you are fishing, this option gives the ability to assign different colors to ten different levels. This may be especially useful if you have used another model of chart plotter.
Comes With LakeVü HD Maps
We mentioned the exclusivity of containing maps of 17 thousand lakes, rivers, and reservoirs in the United States. Among them are one-foot contours from the shoreline to the shoreline of 67 hundred lakes in high-definition.
When it comes to the quality of the underwater features, it is pretty remarkable. Adding to this is the Safety Shading option which informs you about the depth. Also, getting information on the road network won’t be a problem either. Bridges, marinas, campgrounds and boat ramps will be of your greatest interest here.
It is more than probable that you’ll like to add more maps in your collection, so you can use micro SD cards for this. Transferring them via Wi-Fi with the ActiveCaptain options is also on.
Steady Network Of NMEA 2000
An extraordinary feature blending with your Echomap Plus 73cv, so you can manage autopilot, sensors and see engine data. Aside from providing HD-ID support for Minn Kota and Motor Guide, it also combines with the Panoptix LiveVu Forward Sonar.
Capable And Mobile
Its portability makes storing secure in situations when you are not on board. Plugging and unplugging wires will remain in the past since the Echomap Plus 73cv cords stick straight into the mount. It will be enough to turn the power off and put it in a decent place. Since the device is handy, you can also carry it with you wherever you want.
PROS
- Keypad and touchscreen layout merger
- It has more than a dozen thousand maps uploaded
- Make-A-Map-Yourself Possibility
- Display image of high quality
- Wi Fi Connection
CONS
- Side-imaging technology is not included
- In saltwater the offshore abilities are not optimal, images clear only up to 1,100 feet
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Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73cv Review
There is an obvious difference in the quality of the sonar when we are comparing the Echomap Plus 73CV with the Echomap UHD 93sv. The Plus 73cv doesn’t have a high-definition while the UHD version has.
The UHD might be a crucial option for your necessities in case you need a good picture. Yet, if your aim is to get a more affordable navigation & sonar device, this tool still has fantastic abilities.
Features
- The free ActiveCaptain App provides many possibilities.
- The charts will always get an update. The OneChart offers purchasing, downloading or updating new charts. Your smartphone will get Relevant Notifications on the device screen.
- Provision of Crystal Scanning. This comes with a combination of the down-scanning ClearVü with a Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar device.
- ClearVü CHIRP will bring you scanning images with almost photographic quality.
- The CHIRP sonar applies more energy to the targeted object than the traditional sonar.
- Packed with high-definition LakeVü Maps. You will get a batch of 17 thousand maps of reservoirs, rivers, and lakes in the United States.
- To create your own charts you may use the Quickdraw contours.
- SailAssist features included.
- NMEA 2000 connection backing – enables reinforcement for audio systems, autopilots, and sensors.
- Displacing ease for security reasons – the device plugs straight to the mount.
- 20-inch cable along 8-pin transducer included.
- Three CHIRP Modes: 150-240 kHz, 455 kHz & 800 kHz.
- Power transmission: 250W (traditional) and 350 (ClearVü)
- Girth of beam: 16-24 (traditional) & 2.0 @ 455 kHz
- Depth performance: 800’ (traditional) & 250’ (ClearVü)
Another convenience is that you have a manual with instructions published on the Garmin web-page. It will give you all the information on how to use the device which has a Wi-Fi connection, quick-release mount, and is portable.
The control panel will enable you to access the Sonar and Mapping capabilities. Together with the interactive touchscreen, they are on the right side. To access and download new maps, you can take over the AccessCaptain app from the internet.
In case you still are not able to, our advice to you is to learn how to read a sonar image. This is crucial for your capabilities of learning the usage of the Echomap Plus 73cv.
FAQs
Is this unit compatible with panoptic?
You can definitely attach it to a panoptic system.
What transducers will work with the new Echomap plus 73cv?
You probably won’t need any since the Echomap Plus 73CV device comes together with a CV22HW-TM Transducer.
Final Verdict
Speaking of excellent equipment and features, the Garmin Echomap Plus 73cv is our champion. You won’t face obstacles while working with it, while other models of this price point will bring more issues. It has a crucial component which is helping the fishers navigate through the lakes and rivers. It comes with more than 17000 maps and enables the creation of new ones.
Not sure if the Garmin Echomap 73cv is the right fish finder for you?
Consider our other picks for best fish finders.
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