Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 42cv

Along with the 43cv and 44cv, the ECHOMAP Plus 42cv is one of the smallest Garmin fish finders and chartplotters. This unit is not particularly dedicated to the U.S. and North America waters like the other 4xcv models; it is preloaded with the Worldwide Basemap. It also does not include a transducer. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01884-00. Also, a better version was released in 2020, this being the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 62cv.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 4.3″ diagonal, 272H x 480V pixel resolution, WQVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: CHIRP 2D, CHIRP ClearVü
• Frequency and Coverage: Depends on transducer
• Depth Capability: Depends on transducer
• Transducer: Not included
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: U.S. LakeVü HD
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Sonar features

As we’ve mentioned above, the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 42cv does not include a transducer. However, it is compatible with a wide array of transducers from Garmin and Airmar. The list includes the classic GT20-TM or the CV20-TM, the GT21-TM for deepwater use, the GT22HW-TM for High Wide CHIRP and ClearVü, the GT23M-TM, or the ice transducer GT8HW-IF.

The unit has two built-in sonar technologies, 2D CHIRP traditional sonar, and CHIRP ClearVü. It supports 50/77/200 kHz for 2D and 455/800 kHz for ClearVü, with the specific CHIRP pulse modulations. Needless to say, it can support High Wide CHIRP, Mid-Range CHIRP, and Low CHIRP for deepwater use. And if paired with a 50 kHz capable transducer, it offers a depth capability of 2,300 ft (701 m).

The unit offers a pretty impressive range of standard sonar features. For example, it has Bottom Lock, Fish Symbols, A-Scope, several alarms, and even Sonar Recording and Sonar History Rewind. Plus, if the transducer that you opt for has a built-in temperature probe, it can also indicate the water temperature.

Navigation features

Even though it’s a small unit, the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 42cv offers a wide array of navigation features. To begin with, it is equipped with a 5 Hz internal GPS receiver which can provide position updates up to 5 times per second. Evidently, it can show the coordinates of any point of interest or created waypoint, and also has a GPS speed function (it can calculate and display the speed of your boat via GPS).

Waypoints, routes, and trackplotting functions are also available with this Garmin unit. It can save up to 5,000 waypoints in its memory and up to 100 routes. The trackplotting feature allows you to record your trail and save up to 50 recorded trails. Each trail can have a maximum of 50,000 points.

The unit is preloaded with the Garmin Worldwide Basemap. These charts only provide basic navigation information, including international and political boundaries, city point coverage, and oceans, seas, major lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. However, the unit is compatible with off-shore charts such as BlueChart g2 HD and BlueChart g2 Vision HD, or inland lake charts, such as LakeVü HD or LakeVü HD Ultra. It does not support Navionics or C-MAP charts, though. 

The unit is also equipped with the Quickdraw Contours software. This application uses the 2D sonar and GPS information in order to reveal and draw the depth contours of your lake. Therefore, you can scan your favorite fishing area and create a personalized fishing map with 1′ contours which you can save and re-use. You can also upload your created maps on the Garmin Quickdraw Contours Community. However, this can only be done via a data microSD card and a PC. The unit does not have built-in Wi-Fi, like the wider units, such as the ECHOMAP Plus 93sv, for example.

Last but not least, the unit supports AIS data and can display position data from DSC-capable VHF radio units.

Control unit features

The ECHOMAP Plus 42cv features a full-color, 4.3″ diagonal display, with a pixel matrix of 480V x 272H. It has adjustable LED backlight and provides an excellent readability in direct sunlight, even from sharp angles. It is also IPX7 waterproof; in other words, it can survive incidental water exposure and even immersions in freshwater.

The unit is keypad operated. It has a user-friendly interface and also has a split-screen function which allows you to view and use up to two application at a time, in horizontal or vertical format.

Despite the fact it is a small unit, it offers networking possibilities. It has NMEA 0183 ports and can communicate either with other Garmin units for data sharing or with AIS and VHF devices. It is also equipped with a microSD card reader with one slot. Therefore, you can upgrade its internal chart base, record sonar, backup your waypoints, or get software updates via microSD card.

Last but not least, the unit includes the tilt-and-swivel mount with the quick-release cradle which allows you to easily disconnect it and take it with you. A unit cover is not included, though.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar and CHIRP ClearVü
• Supports 50/77/200 kHz standard sonar frequencies, and 260/455/800 kHz ClearVü frequencies;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Multiple standard sonar features such as Bottom Lock, Fish Symbols, Split-Zoom, A-Scope, Circular Flasher, Alarms, etc;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Fast 5 Hz internal GPS;
• Preloaded with the Garmin Worldwide Basemap;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Compatible with various other charts, such as BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• Tilt-swivel mount with quick-release cradle included;
• NMEA 0183 ports;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• Transducer not included;
• Not compatible with Navionics or C-MAP charts;
• No unit cover.

Summary

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 42cv is a fish finder and chartplotter which includes 2D CHIRP and ClearVü sonar, GPS, and the Worldwide Basemaps. It does not include a transducer, but it is compatible with various transducers from Garmin and Airmar. It’s an excellent unit for a small boat, for inland or off-shore fishing and navigation.