Which Garmin Chartplotter Fishfinder Stands Out? Our Top 4 Picks!

You’re idling over a hump you know holds fish, but your old sonar shows a fuzzy blob. You can’t tell if it’s bait, a school of bass, or just thermocline noise. The next few minutes decide your day.

Upgrading to a modern chartplotter fishfinder changes that. You get crisp down-scan images, GPS mapping that shows you exactly where you are, and the ability to mark waypoints you can return to season after season. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 series sits right in the sweet spot for most anglers, offering serious capability without the complexity or cost of a full network system.

We spent time comparing the four most popular ECHOMAP UHD2 models. This guide breaks down which screen size fits your boat, what the different sonar packages mean, and where you can save money by skipping a transducer. You’ll get a clear answer on which unit deserves a spot on your dash.

Here’s a quick look at the key specs that separate these four units.

Features	ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV	ECHOMAP UHD2 73CV	ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV	ECHOMAP UHD2 64sv
Screen Size	5 inches	7 inches	5 inches	6 inches
Sonar Included	CHIRP & ClearVü	CHIRP & ClearVü	CHIRP & ClearVü	CHIRP, ClearVü & SideVü
Transducer	Included	Included	Not Included	Not Included
Mapping	LakeVü g3	LakeVü g3	US Coastal	US Coastal
Key Feature	Compact, keyed	Larger display	Saltwater ready	SideVü scanning

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV

The 5-inch ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV is the entry point into Garmin’s chartplotter world, but it’s no toy. This is a full-featured combo unit with a bright, keyed display and dual sonar support. It’s the right choice for kayak anglers, jon boat owners, or anyone with limited console space who still wants GPS mapping and reliable fish-finding.

The keyed interface is a standout for real-world use. Gloved hands or wet fingers won’t accidentally trigger the screen like they can on touchscreen models. The 5-inch display is small, but Garmin’s high-contrast color palettes make the CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar views easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The built-in Wi-Fi lets you share waypoints and routes with another compatible unit on your boat or with the Garmin app.

You’ll feel the size limit if you try to run a map and sonar side-by-side. The split-screen views get cramped on a 5-inch panel. It’s also a freshwater-focused package out of the box, with LakeVü g3 maps that don’t cover coastal waters. If you fish big rivers or inland lakes, this is a perfect fit. Saltwater anglers should look at the coastal version.

• 5-inch keyed display for easy use in any weather
• Built-in Wi-Fi for sharing data between compatible units
• CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar included
• LakeVü g3 maps with Navionics data for inland lakes
• Compact footprint fits small consoles and kayak mounts

Best for: Kayak and small-boat anglers who need a reliable, space-saving unit with GPS and solid sonar for freshwater.

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73CV

Step up to the 7-inch ECHOMAP UHD2 73CV and you get the same keyed interface and sonar technology as the 54CV, but with a significantly larger screen. This is the model for anglers who run a 16- to 20-foot boat and want a primary unit that’s easy to read from the helm. The extra two inches of diagonal screen space make a real difference when you’re running split-screen views.

Running the map on one side and ClearVü on the other is actually usable on this size display. You can see bottom structure, standing timber, or a drop-off clearly while keeping an eye on your position. The bright display and high-contrast palettes help cut through glare, so you’re not squinting at the screen on a bright afternoon. Like its smaller sibling, it includes LakeVü g3 maps and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The trade-off is weight and mounting footprint. A 7-inch unit is heavier and takes up more dash space, so it’s not ideal for kayaks or very small consoles. You’re also paying more for the larger screen without getting additional sonar features like SideVü. If you need side-imaging, the 64sv is the better pick.

• 7-inch keyed display, easy to read from a distance
• Dual CHIRP and ClearVü sonar for clear underwater views
• High-contrast color palettes improve visibility in sunlight
• Preloaded LakeVü g3 maps for inland fishing
• Wi-Fi networking for sharing data between units

Best for: Anglers with mid-sized boats who want a large, readable screen for split-screen navigation and sonar views.

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV Coastal

This version of the 54CV swaps the inland LakeVü maps for preloaded U.S. Coastal maps. It’s the same 5-inch keyed unit, but it’s built for saltwater. If you fish bays, inlets, or nearshore waters, this is the model you want. The compact size makes it a great choice for a center console, a bay boat, or as a secondary unit at a second station.

The key advantage here is the mapping. You get detailed coastal charts right out of the box, which saves you the hassle and cost of buying a separate marine chart card. The unit still includes CHIRP and ClearVü sonar, so you can find structure and baitfish in the salt. The keyed interface is a plus in a wet, salty environment where touchscreens can be finicky.

You need to supply your own transducer for this model. That’s a significant extra cost to factor into your budget. It also means you can choose a transducer specifically for your fishing style, like a thru-hull for high-speed runs or a compact one for a kayak. The 5-inch screen feels small for navigating unfamiliar coastal waters, so consider the larger 7-inch model if that’s your primary unit.

• Preloaded U.S. Coastal maps with Navionics data
• Compact 5-inch keyed display for small boats
• CHIRP and ClearVü sonar support
• No transducer included, choose your own
• Wi-Fi connectivity for sharing data

Best for: Saltwater anglers with smaller boats who need coastal charts and want to pick their own transducer.

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 64sv

The 6-inch ECHOMAP UHD2 64sv is the most capable unit in this lineup because it adds SideVü scanning sonar. This gives you a wide, real-time image of the water column and bottom structure to the left and right of your boat. It’s a game-changer for covering water efficiently. Instead of idling directly over a spot, you can see fish-holding structure 100 feet away and cast to it.

This model is sold without a transducer, which is actually a benefit for many anglers. You can pair it with a transducer that includes SideVü capability, or choose a standard CHIRP transducer if you don’t need the side scan. The 6-inch screen is a good middle ground, offering more viewable area than the 5-inch models without the bulk of the 7-inch unit. It’s a popular choice for bass boats and multi-species rigs.

Because it’s a Coastal version, it comes with U.S. Coastal maps, making it versatile for both freshwater and saltwater use. The lack of an included transducer means you’ll need to budget for one. Also, running SideVü, ClearVü, and a map at the same time can feel busy on a 6-inch screen, so you’ll likely switch between full-screen views.

• 6-inch display, a balance of size and footprint
• SideVü scanning sonar for wide-area structure views
• Preloaded U.S. Coastal maps
• No transducer included, build your own package
• Wi-Fi connectivity for network sharing

Best for: Serious anglers who want side-imaging capability to locate fish faster and cover more water.

How We Chose These Products

We focused on the ECHOMAP UHD2 series because it represents the best balance of features, price, and usability for the majority of recreational anglers. We compared the screen sizes, sonar capabilities, and included accessories across the lineup. The key differentiator was always the transducer. A unit with a transducer is ready to fish out of the box, while a unit without one offers more flexibility but requires a separate purchase.

We also weighed the mapping software. LakeVü g3 maps are excellent for inland lakes, while the U.S. Coastal maps are essential for anyone fishing saltwater. Our selections reflect the most common buying scenarios we see, from kayak setups to bay boats. We prioritized models that offer clear real-world benefits and avoided units with unnecessary features that drive up the price.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Screen size is the first decision. A 5-inch unit works for a kayak or a small console, but you’ll be switching between full-screen views. A 7-inch screen lets you run a map and sonar side-by-side without feeling cramped. The 6-inch models offer a compromise, but they’re often paired with more advanced sonar that benefits from a larger display.

The transducer matters more than the head unit. The included transducers on the 54CV and 73CV are solid for most applications, providing clear CHIRP and ClearVü images. If you buy a unit without a transducer, you need to match the transducer to your boat and fishing style. A thru-hull transducer is great for a fast center console, while a transom-mount is simpler for a trailer boat. Think about what you fish for and how deep you fish before you buy.

Consider your future needs. Wi-Fi connectivity is standard on these units, which allows you to share waypoints between units or use the Garmin app. If you plan to add radar or an autopilot later, you’ll need a unit that supports NMEA 2026 networking. The ECHOMAP UHD2 series supports this, but it’s worth confirming before you commit to a mounting location.

Our Top Recommendation

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73CV is our top pick for most anglers. The 7-inch screen is the minimum size we’d recommend for a primary helm unit. It makes split-screen views practical, and the keyed interface is reliable in all conditions. The included transducer means you can install it and go fishing the same day. It’s the best all-around package for a 16- to 20-foot boat.

If you’re on a budget or have a very small boat, the ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV is a fantastic entry point. For saltwater anglers, the 54CV Coastal version with its preloaded maps is a smart buy. And if you’re serious about finding fish away from your boat, the 64sv with SideVü is the one to get, provided you’re willing to purchase a transducer separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a transducer to the models that don’t include one?

Yes. The ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV Coastal and 64sv are sold without a transducer. You can purchase a Garmin transducer separately and plug it directly into the unit. This lets you choose a transducer that fits your boat and fishing style.

What’s the real difference between ClearVü and SideVü?

ClearVü is a down-scan sonar that gives you a detailed, photo-like image of what’s directly under your boat. SideVü shows you a wide view to the left and right of your boat, helping you find structure and fish away from your path. The 64sv has both, while the CV models only have ClearVü.

Is the Wi-Fi only for connecting to a phone?

No. The Wi-Fi on these units allows them to connect to other compatible Garmin chartplotters. You can share waypoints, routes, and sonar data between units on the same boat. It also connects to the Garmin app for software updates and data management.

Will these units work on a saltwater boat?

Yes, but you need the Coastal version if you want preloaded saltwater maps. The standard 54CV and 73CV come with LakeVü g3 maps, which are designed for inland lakes. The Coastal models have U.S. Coastal maps, making them ready for bays and nearshore fishing.