Garmin EchoMap Chirp 73cv vs Striker 7cv

[Junger]

I recently just bought a used 14' bass boat and it is in dire need of upgraded electronics, it came with 2 fish finders but they are just pixels in black and white. This is my first boat, and my first venture into marine electronics, so I apologize in advance for any noob questions.

 

The Striker is on sale for $300, and the EchoMap is $400. 

 

It seems like the difference between the two is that the EchoMap has ClearVu, comes pre-loaded with lake maps, and can do countour drawings for $100 more.

 

Is ClearVu that much better than what is on the Striker? Are those features worth the $100?

 

It seems like Garmin is clearing out these models for the Plus versions, which seem to just add wireless capability and compatibility with a phone app, is that right?

 

The Echomap Chirp 73sv is $500...$100 more for SideVu. Does SideVu only show side structure, not fish correct?

 

The boat I bought is mainly intended for recreational fishing with my 2 boys, and maybe some semi-serious fishing outtings with some buddies from time to time.

 

[12poundbass]

For $100 more it's a no brainer, get the 73sv. You get Sidevu, DownVu, 2d, mapping, and Quickdraw. 

Sidevu shows fish, they are clear like with 2d and you have to know what you're looking for but yes you can see fish on Sidevu. One thing you can do to help train your eyes is have 2d on as well. That way you go over a piece of structure with Sidevu you can look at it in 2d and that'll make those fish stick out.

[Junger]

8 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

For $100 more it's a no brainer, get the 73sv. You get Sidevu, DownVu, 2d, mapping, and Quickdraw. 

Was about to, but it's sold out.  Ended up getting the 73cv. 

 

I'll eventually need 2 units, so I guess I'll put the 73cv on the bow, and maybe get a SideVu for the console later.

[12poundbass]

That would be a good set up. Sales will pop up all the time so keep your eyes peeled. 

 

A Striker unit would be good and cheap. If you don't need mapping that would go good at the console. If you got a striker plus unit You'd gain Quickdraw so that could solve your lack of mapping.

[Junger]

26 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

That would be a good set up. Sales will pop up all the time so keep your eyes peeled. 

 

A Striker unit would be good and cheap. If you don't need mapping that would go good at the console. If you got a striker plus unit You'd gain Quickdraw so that could solve your lack of mapping.

Hmm...since Echomap 73cv has the contour stuff, if I wanted SideVu, I could just get a Striker 5/7sv (non plus), yeah?

 

If I went that route, which would you put on the bow and which on the console?

 

I'm just guessing that the SideVu would probably go on the console, and the contour on the bow...don't know though since I've never really fished with electronics like this before.

[12poundbass]

13 minutes ago, Junger said:

Hmm...since Echomap 73cv has the contour stuff, if I wanted SideVu, I could just get a Striker 5/7sv (non plus), yeah?

 

If I went that route, which would you put on the bow and which on the console?

 

I'm just guessing that the SideVu would probably go on the console, and the contour on the bow...don't know though since I've never really fished with electronics like this before.

To be honest I never have either. I've played around with them and I've researched like a mad man so I'm comfortable with my purchases when I make them. 

 

Here's what I'd do if this is the route you want to go. Put the Echomap up front. Get a Stryker Plus unit So you have Quickdraw. Even when you're up front fishing leave the Stryker unit on and Quickdraw running everywhere you go. After a day of fishing you'll have a very nice detailed map at your console unit. Also I believe the Stryker 7 and 9 can use Active Captain which you can look at maps and save waypoints from your phone, computer or and device and save it to your Plus unit. So even though it doesn't have mapping you can see the maps on Active Captain find good structure, mark it, and transfer it to your Stryker Plus unit (I believe). 

[shatam]

FYI on the contour mapping, when you run the mapping while fishing it eats battery pretty quick but It shuts its self off when it reaches about 10.5 or 11 volts. seems like I was getting about an hour and a half before it would shut its self off, I was worried had a bad unit till I realized what was happening. So now I use it while big engine is running that way it keeps enough power