The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv Chartplotter is a versatile and powerful tool designed for boaters, anglers, and sailors who demand precision and reliability on the water. Combining advanced sonar technology, detailed mapping capabilities, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, this chartplotter has earned a reputation as a top-tier device for both recreational and competitive use. Whether you’re navigating unfamiliar waters, hunting for fish, or racing sailboats, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv promises to enhance your experience with its robust feature set. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its key features, installation process, performance, pricing, user feedback, and alternatives to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Why Choose a Chartplotter Like the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv?
For years, traditional navigation relied on paper maps, handheld GPS devices, and keen observation. While these methods remain valuable, modern chartplotters like the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv offer a significant upgrade. They integrate GPS navigation, sonar imaging, and real-time data into a single device, providing a clearer picture of your surroundings both above and below the waterline. For anglers, this means pinpointing fish and underwater structures with ease. For sailors, it offers precise route planning and autopilot integration. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv stands out in this category due to its blend of affordability, advanced technology, and adaptability to various boating scenarios.
- Ultra HD Sonar: ClearVü and SideVü provide photo-like imaging of underwater structures and fish.
- Quickdraw Contours: Create custom fishing maps with 1-foot contours.
- Touchscreen Interface: Easy navigation with intuitive controls.
- Autopilot & Trolling Motor Compatibility: Works with Garmin Force trolling motors for hands-free navigation.
Key Features of the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch touchscreen (800×480 pixels) |
| Sonar Technology | CHIRP ClearVü, SideVü, and Traditional Sonar |
| Transducer | GT54-TM (included) |
| Preloaded Maps | LakeVü G3 (17,000+ U.S. lakes) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NMEA 2000/0183 |
| Waypoints | 5,000 |
| Max Depth | 2,300 ft (freshwater), 1,100 ft (saltwater) |
| Price | 849(MSRP),oftendiscountedto 849(MSRP),oftendiscountedto 650 |
1. Display and Touchscreen Interface
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv features a 7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Unlike some competitors that measure diagonally, Garmin specifies the horizontal width, ensuring a practical viewing area. The screen is bright and sunlight-readable, with an automatic backlight adjustment that adapts to ambient conditions—ideal for day or night use. The touchscreen is a standout feature, especially compared to smaller, button-operated models. It allows for intuitive zooming, panning, and menu navigation, mimicking the ease of a smartphone or tablet. Physical shortcut buttons (+/- zoom, power) complement the touchscreen, ensuring functionality even in wet conditions.
For sailors and anglers, the display supports split-screen layouts, letting you view sonar, maps, and other data simultaneously without sacrificing readability. At 7 inches, it strikes a balance between compactness and visibility, making it suitable for small boats while still legible from a distance.
2. Sonar Capabilities
Sonar is where the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv truly shines, offering a suite of advanced imaging options:
- Traditional CHIRP Sonar: Using a continuous sweep of frequencies (50/77/200 kHz), CHIRP provides superior target separation compared to single-frequency sonar. It can detect fish and bottom contours up to 2,300 feet in freshwater and 1,100 feet in saltwater.
- Ultra High-Definition ClearVü: This high-frequency mode (760-880 kHz) delivers near-photographic 3D images of the bottom and suspended objects, perfect for identifying rocks, weeds, and fish.
- SideVü: With a range up to 750 feet on either side of the boat, SideVü offers detailed lateral scans, helping anglers spot fish hiding near structures or along shorelines.
- Quickdraw Contours: A unique feature that lets users create custom topographic maps in real-time with 1-foot contour intervals. This is invaluable for uncharted lakes or updating preloaded maps.
The unit supports multiple transducers (sold separately or bundled in some packages), such as the GT54UHD-TM, which enhances UHD imaging. Setting the keel offset ensures depth readings account for your boat’s draft, improving accuracy.
3. Mapping and Navigation
Preloaded LakeVü G3 Maps
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv comes preloaded with LakeVü g3 maps, covering over 17,000 U.S. inland lakes with 1-foot contours for more than 13,000 of them. Coastal cruisers can opt for the 74sv variant with BlueChart g3 maps, while Canadian lake sailors might prefer the 75sv with Canada LakeVü g3. A worldwide basemap is available in the 72sv model. Additional maps can be purchased and loaded via a microSD card slot, including LakeVü HD Ultra or BlueChart g2 Vision, which offer features like auto-guidance and high-resolution relief shading.
- Covers 17,000+ U.S. lakes with 1-foot contours.
- Displays marinas, roads, and hazards.
GPS & Waypoint Management
The 5 Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver updates your position five times per second, ensuring smooth tracking and the ability to store up to 5,000 waypoints, 100 routes, and 50 tracks with 50,000 points each. This precision is a boon for navigation and marking fishing hotspots.
- 5,000 waypoints for marking hotspots.
- High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS for accurate positioning.
4. Sailing-Specific Features
When set to “Sailboat” mode, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv unlocks specialized tools:
- Starting Line Guidance: Helps racers time their start by calculating position and speed relative to the line, with a countdown timer and color-coded display (red for early, black for late).
- Laylines: Displays potential headings based on wind angles (requires a wind sensor).
- Wind Hold, Tack, and Gybe: Integrates with an autopilot to maintain heading or execute maneuvers (wind sensor and compatible autopilot required).
These features make it a favorite among competitive sailors, though some require additional hardware.
5. Autopilot Integration
The chartplotter supports NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 protocols, allowing it to connect with tiller autopilots or trolling motors like Garmin’s Force. This enables hands-free steering along pre-set routes, freeing you to focus on fishing or sailing tasks.
6. Connectivity and App Integration
With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the device pairs with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app, letting you access maps, sonar data, and Quickdraw Community maps (user-generated content) from your smartphone. NMEA 2000 compatibility supports connections to radar, VHF radios, and other onboard systems, though it lacks an Ethernet port found in higher-end models.
Installation Considerations
Installing the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv requires planning, especially on smaller boats where space is limited.
Control Unit Mounting
The unit comes with a tilt/swivel mount and quick-release cradle, ideal for larger boats with cockpit pedestals. For flexibility, a swing arm like the RAM® Vertical 12″ Swing Arm Mount (8 lbs, cast aluminum) allows positioning in the cockpit or cabin. This setup, mounted high on a bulkhead, ensures visibility and accessibility without permanent alterations. A custom wedge may be needed to adjust for angled surfaces.
- Flush mount (for permanent installation).
- Tilt/swivel mount (adjustable for optimal viewing).
Transducer Installation
The included GT54UHD-TM transducer is transom-mounted, avoiding the risks of through-hull options that require hull penetration. Positioning it below the waterline, clear of the rudder, ensures consistent sonar performance. A custom bracket (e.g., made from StarBoard HDPE) can optimize placement on the centerline, keeping it submerged even when heeled. Routing the cable through a sealed transom hole to the control unit completes the setup.
- Transom mount (easiest installation).
- Through-hull mount (better for high-speed boats).
Performance in Action
Fishing Performance
Anglers praise the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv for its ability to locate fish quickly and accurately. The combination of CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar reveals bait schools, game fish, and bottom structures with stunning clarity. Users report spotting fish in shallow waters near docks or deep wrecks up to 120 feet, with SideVü excelling at covering wide areas. Quickdraw Contours enhances this by mapping uncharted spots, giving anglers an edge in remote locations.
Navigation and Sailing
For navigation, the high-refresh GPS and detailed maps provide reliable guidance. Sailors appreciate the starting line guidance for racing and autopilot integration for cruising. However, some note occasional GPS inaccuracies (e.g., lateral offsets of a few hundred feet), though this is rare and often map-related rather than hardware-driven.
Durability
Weighing 1.7 pounds, the unit is sturdy yet portable, with a protective cover included. It performs well in harsh sunlight, rain, and choppy waters, though cold climates may require extra care for the transducer.
Pricing and Value
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv’s MSRP is $849, but it’s often available for $650-$800 depending on the retailer and bundle (e.g., with GT54 transducer). Seasonal sales can drop it to $450-$550, as seen at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. Additional maps cost $99-$235, depending on the region and detail level. Compared to competitors like the Humminbird Helix 7 SI GPS ($699) or Lowrance Hook2 5X ($300-$400), it offers superior sonar and mapping at a mid-tier price, making it a strong value for serious users.
| Feature | Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv | Humminbird Helix 7 SI GPS | Lowrance Hook2 5X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7 inches | 7 inches | 5 inches |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels | Lower (unspecified) |
| Sonar | CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü | 2D, Down Imaging, Side Imaging | Basic CHIRP |
| Max Depth | 2,300 ft (freshVüTransmit Power | 500W RMS, 4000W Peak | 500W RMS, 4000W Peak |
| Preloaded Maps | LakeVü g3 (17,000+ lakes) | ContourXD | Basic maps |
| MSRP | $849 | $699 | $300-$400 |
User Reviews
Positive Feedback
- Steele (5/5): “The mapping is better than Navionics or Lakemaster, and the screen is super sharp. Best fishfinder I’ve owned.”
- Charles Carson (5/5): “Locates walleyes and smallmouths better than my previous units. Great job, Garmin!”
- Bevo81 (5/5): “Side scan is a game-changer. I can see barramundi in gutters and mackerel around pylons clearly.”
Critical Feedback
- Derek Hudson (3/5): “GPS and LakeVü maps are off by a couple hundred feet sometimes, making them less reliable near shorelines.”
- John Pickles (3/5): “The built-in maps are outdated. I expected more from the detailed fishing maps I bought.”
- Brian Latham (2/5): “Screen washes out in sunlight, and customer support was unhelpful.”
Overall, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv earns a 4.4/5 rating from 52 reviews on Amazon, reflecting its strong performance tempered by minor map and support issues.
Price & Alternatives
| Model | Price | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv | 650−650−850 | Best overall value |
| Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP | 700−700−900 | Mega Imaging, but no touchscreen |
| Lowrance HOOK2 7″ TripleShot | 600−600−800 | No touchscreen, simpler interface |
Best Deal?
- Bass Pro/Cabela’s: Frequent holiday sales (Father’s Day, Black Friday).
- Amazon: Often discounted to $650 (check latest price here).
Final Verdict: Is the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv Worth It?
Best For:
- Serious anglers who want Ultra HD sonar.
- Kayak & boat fishermen needing detailed mapping.
- Those who prefer a touchscreen interface.
Not Ideal For:
- Anglers who only need basic sonar.
- Those on a tight budget (consider the Striker 7sv instead).
Rating: 4.7/5
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you want the best mid-range fishfinder with mapping, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv is a top choice.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv Chartplotter is a powerhouse for anglers and sailors seeking advanced sonar, detailed mapping, and a user-friendly interface. Its 7-inch touchscreen, UHD sonar, and Quickdraw Contours make it a standout for fishing, while sailing features like starting line guidance appeal to racers. At $650-$849 (or less during sales), it offers professional-grade performance at a hobbyist price, though it lacks side imaging in some variants and an Ethernet port. For those needing simpler or cheaper options, alternatives like the Lowrance Hook2 5X or Deeper CHIRP suffice, but for serious boaters, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv is hard to beat. Whether you’re chasing trophy fish or navigating tricky waters, this chartplotter delivers the tools to succeed.
Happy Boating!
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