Raymarine Dragonfly 4DVS

The Dragonfly 4DVS fish finder is one of the discontinued Raymarine units. It’s a fish finder only unit, without GPS or maps. For reference, this is the Raymarine part number E70292, the one that includes the transducer. Also, in case you’re wondering, the difference between the 4DVS model and the Dragonfly 4DV model, is that the DVS model also has 2D CHIRP standard sonar, while the DV model has only DownVision sonar.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 4.3″ in diagonal, color TFT, 480H x 272V pixel matrix, 16:9 aspect ratio, optically bonded and with LED backlight
• Sonar: CHIRP Sonar and CHIRP DownVision
• Depth Capability:
  • 600 ft. (183 m) for CHIRP DownVision
  • 900 ft (275 m) for standard CHIRP Sonar
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • Standard: 170-230 kHz / 25°
  • DownVision: 320-380 kHz / 1.4° fore to aft and 60° side-to-side
• Transducer: Transom CPT-DVS
• Power Input: 10.8 V DC to 15.6 V DC
• GPS: No
• Maps: No
• Waypoints / Tracks: No

Sonar and transducer

To begin with, the Dragonfly 4DVS comes with the CPT-DVS transducer (which is the part number R70374). This transducer is urethane made, features a transom mount, and integrates a temperature sensor. Therefore, the control unit can indicate the temperature of the top water layer, a great function to have if you’re looking for currents at the surface. The cable length of this transducer is approx. 20 ft (6 m), as opposed to the CPT-DV transducer, which only has a 13.1 ft (4 m) cable.

The control unit has two types of sonar: CHIRP 2D and CHIRP DownVision. As a general idea, it’s best to use the 2D sonar mode when looking for fish targets, as the fish arches stand out better with this type of sonar imaging. On the other hand, DownVision is best used for understanding structure and vegetation.

CHIRP sonar technology is quite a plus, as the system will provide a better separation between fish targets, or between fish, bottom and structure. Differently put, if the transducer beam hits a group of fish, it’s more likely for them to appear as separate targets on-screen, rather than just one big dot of color. Also, sonar images are clearer, with less clutter.

The system uses two distinctive frequency intervals, 170-230 kHz in CHIRP 2D standard mode, and 320-380 kHz in DownVision mode. The transducer uses a conical beam with a coverage of 25° for 2D. For DownVision it uses a very thin beam (only 1.4°) fore to aft, but much wider side-to-side, with an angle of 60°.

The system’s depth capabilities reach 900 ft (275 m) for 2D and 600 ft (183 m) for DownVision. Also, the recommended speed interval for the clearest and richest images in information is 1-6 MPH. The unit’s sonar makes available several useful functions. Among them, we can count Depth Lines, Bottom Line, Target Depth ID, A-Scope, and more.

Control unit features and functions

The control unit is quite similar to the Dragonfly 4DV. To begin with, it has standard keypad navigation; does not have touchscreen technology. It features a 4.3-inch display, with a pixel matrix of 480 x 272, and an aspect ratio of 16:9. It’s a WQVGA color display, also integrating LED backlight for better readability in direct sunlight or at night.

The unit features IPX6 and IPX7 waterproofing, meaning that it can survive incidental water exposure and even immersion up to 1 m and up to 30 min. in freshwater. However, when it comes to saltwater, it’s best that you wipe any droplets from it, and especially from it’s back, to prevent it from reaching the connectors. Even with all its waterproofing, saltwater can still corrode any metallic part that it can reach.

The mount supplied with the unit is a pivot-ball type, also featuring the quick disconnection system and the unified cable. The unit’s operating voltage range is 10.8 V DC to 15.6 V DC, so a 12V-7AMP battery should do just fine. A battery, as well as a unit cover, are not included with the system, though.

Last but not least, this fish finder does not have an NMEA port, nor it has a microSD card reader. Also, it cannot record sonar.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D Standard sonar and CHIRP DownVision sonar;
• Offers a clear view, similar to the accuracy of a photo, and with a superior target separation;
• CPT-DVS transducer included;
• Can also read water temperature;
• WQVGA color display, with LED backlight;
• IPX6 and IPX7 waterproofing;
• Possibility to automatically adjust Noise, Gain, and Contrast;
• Various useful fish finding functions such as Target Depth ID and A-Scope;
• Horizontal display layout, offering more side-to-side screen space for sonar observation;
• Quick disconnection system.

The Cons

• Unit cover not included;
• No NMEA ports.

Summary

The Raymarine Dragonfly 4DVS is a sonar-only fish finder (without GPS or charts), offering two types of sonar: CHIRP 2D and CHIRP DownVision. The CPT-DVS transducer is also included with the unit. It has excellent depth capabilities, up to 900 ft. in 2D and 600 ft in DV. It’s an excellent fish finder for any small boat, perfect for kayaks. And finally, it’s an affordable unit, currently priced for less than $250.