Combining GPS with side-imaging sonar and detailed mapping, Garmin has created a fishfinder unmatched by any rivals in its price range. With the Garmin echoMAP 93sv, the challenge of guessing where the fish are is virtually at an end, and the fisherman can focus on the real sport of getting the fish to take the bait.
Physical Assets
The fishfinder itself has impressive measurements of nearly a foot wide by just over half a foot high and two inches thick. It’s needed to hold a high-resolution screen that’s nine inches. The screen is perfect for displaying images of both what’s beneath and what’s to either side in separate panels with sharp details. The screen also automatically brightens or dims the backlight level for optimal viewing at all times. The device provides a microSD slot to allow importing additional maps beyond the included 17,000 freshwater bodies contained in the LakeVu HD package. Two mounts for the 2.3 pound device are included – one swivels while the other provides a flush profile. Both make rapid installation and removal easy. The sonar data is supplied by a GT40 transducer that can be attached to the transom or a trolling motor.
Projecting An Image
Using 500 watts, the GT40 transducer generates 77/200 kHz dual sonar beam for the widest amount of coverage. The DownVu technology provides an accurate picture of the underwater scene directly underneath the boat. Complimenting this feature is SideVu sonar which adds wide-angle viewing reaching up to 750 feet on either side of the craft. Together with HD-ID capabilities, these sonar beams operate in unison to create a comprehensive image with both side and overhead viewing angles of the fishing area on the screen that leaves no doubt about what’s going on below. Also, the sonar data can be stored and transferred to a computer for closer analysis with HomePort planning freeware.
Follow The Map
The Garmin echoMAP 93sv provides the LakeVu HD suite of freshwater maps. This feature offers 17,000 maps of the most popular lakes and rivers in the U.S. The competition doesn’t even come close to this number. 5,700 of these maps provide one foot contour resolution. The maps offer the option for the operator to enter a minimal depth setting to avoid areas and obstacles above the watercraft’s draft. The maps work with GPS tracking that reads the boat’s location five times a second to realistically portray its position on a given map at any time. If this isn’t enough, enhancement software like LakeVu HD Ultra, Bluechart g2, and Bluechart g2 Vision are available for sale on microSD card.
Conclusion
The new 93sv is a very impressive fishfinder. Comparable side-imaging units with a 9 inch screen from Lowrance and Humminbird are much more expansive. This unit will be a very popular choice among those looking for a big screen and a complete set of sonar features. You can get a great deal on Garmin echoMAP 93sv here.
| Lowrance Elite 9 CHIRP | Garmin echoMap 93sv | Humminbird 999ci HD SI | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |  | |
| Screen Size | 9 in | 9 in | 8 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color TFT | WVGA | 16:9 Color |
| Imaging | 2D, DownScan, StructureScan, Downscan Overlay | 2D, Down Imaging, Side Imaging | 2D, Down Imaging, Side Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | Max 250W RMS, 30000W Peak- to-Peak | 500W RMS 4,000W peak to peak | 1,000W RMS 8,000W Peak-to-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 455/800 kHz Down Imaging 50 kHz / 83kHz / 200kHz CHIRP | 77/200 kHz 2D (50/200 kHz transducer included with the 94sv version) 455/800 kHz Down Vu/Side Vu | 83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Side Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 300 ft Down Imaging 1,000 ft at 83 kHz 3,000 ft at 50 kHz | 2,300 ft freshwater 1,100 ft saltwater | 1500 ft 2D 150 ft Side Imaging |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal high-sensitivity WAAS | Internal only | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 3000 | 5,000 | 3000 |
| Routes | 100 | 100 | 50 |
| Plot Trails | 100 trails, 10,000 points / trail | 50,000 points; 50 saved tracks | 50 tracks, 20,000 points |
| Default Maps | 3000 US lake maps US coastal maps | LakeVu HD (inland maps) | Humminbird ContourXD |
| MSRP | $1299 | $1199 | $1499 |
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