Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 62cv

The ECHOMAP Plus 62cv is one of the Garmin fish finders released in 2018. Just like the other x2cv units, it is intended for international use as it is pre-loaded with the Worldwide Basemap. It also does not include a transducer. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01888-00. Also, a newer model is available since the beginning of 2020; the newer model is the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 62cv.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 6.2″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: CHIRP Sonar, ClearVü
• Frequency and Coverage: Depends on the transducer
• Depth Capability: Depends on the transducer
• Transducer: Not included
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: Worldwide Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Sonar features

The ECHOMAP Plus 62cv is a Garmin fish finder that features two types of sonar. These are the 2D traditional CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVü sonar. It supports several frequencies for both types of sonar; for example, it supports dual-frequency 50/200 kHz or 77/200 kHz, or Low, Medium, and High CHIRP. It also supports 260/455/800 kHz for ClearVü, with a CHIRP pulse modulation depending on the used transducer.

As we’ve mentioned above, this Garmin fish finder does not include a transducer. However, the list of transducers that are compatible with it is pretty wide. This list includes the CV23M-TM, the CV20-TM (or the older GT20-TM), the GT22HW-TM, the GT15M-TM, the GT21-TM, or the Airmar P66 for deepwater use. It’s compatible with the GT8HW-IF and GT10HW-IF transducers for ice fishing as well. However, the unit’s transducer port only has 4 pins, so in case you’re going to use a transducer with a connector that has 8 or more pins, you will need a cable adapter.

The unit’s depth capabilities depend on the transducer that you will acquire for it. For example, the classic GT20-TM should provide a max. depth capability of 2,300 ft (701 m) @ 77 kHz, and 250 ft (76 m) for ClearVü.

This Garmin unit makes available a pretty impressive range of standard sonar features. The list includes Fish Symbols, Bottom Lock, 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

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 62cv is pre-loaded with the Garmin Worldwide Basemap. These charts show international and political boundaries, seas, oceans, major lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. They don’t offer extraordinary detail, but still, they’re better than a simple GPS plotter with a blank platform instead of a chart base, such as the Garmin Striker Plus 73cv, for example.

On the other hand, the unit is compatible with various premium charts, such as LakeVü HD, LakeVü HD Ultra for the U.S. and Canada inland lakes, or the BlueChart g2 Vision for the North America coastal waters. It is not compatible, though, with Navionics or C-MAP charts.

Although the pre-loaded Worldwide Basemaps do not offer depth contours, the unit does have the Quickdraw Contours application. This software uses the 2D sonar and GPS information and allows you to create personalized maps by revealing and recording the depth contours of your lake. Therefore, no matter where you’re fishing, you can have the most up to date chart with 1′ depth contours for that particular area.

Evidently, the unit has internal GPS. It’s equipped with a 5 Hz GPS receiver which shows the coordinates for any waypoint or point of interest. It provides position updates 5 times per second. It offers WAAS and EGNOS position enhancements and also makes available a GPS speed function.

The SailAssist feature base is available with this unit. These features include laylines, enhanced wind rose, heading, and course-over-ground lines. They can help you gain a wind-maximizing edge, give you the possibility to see true and apparent wind angle and speed. A pre-race guidance page shows you the virtual starting line along with data fields showing laylines, time to burn before the start, and the race timer.

The ECHOMAP Plus 62cv is ActiveCaptain compatible. It has built-in Wi-Fi and not only that allows mobile or tablet synchronization, but it also gives you the possibility to connect online, download charts from the Quickdraw Contours Community, or, via ActiveCaptain, improve your overall navigation experience. On top of that, you can even benefit from notifications from your phone.

Last but not least, the unit can take information from AIS and VHF units via an NMEA network.

Control unit features

The unit’s display measures 6.2″ in diagonal; it offers a pixel matrix of 800 x 480 which is not bad for a 6-inch diagonal, resulting in very sharp imaging. It has LED backlight, providing superior visibility even from sharp angles up to 70°. It’s also IPX7 waterproof.

In terms of networking, the ECHOMAP Plus 62cv has NMEA 0183 ports but also supports NMEA 2000 networks (via an adapter which is not included). It’s equipped with a microSD card slot, offering the possibility to transfer your data (such as waypoints or recorded sonar) and upgrade the internal charts.

The box includes the tilt-and-swivel mount with the quick-release cradle. In other words, all the cables plug into the mount, so you can easily disconnect the unit and take it with you if needed. A protective cover is also included.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar and CHIRP ClearVü;
• Supports 50/77/83/200 kHz standard sonar frequencies, and 260/455/800 kHz ClearVü frequencies;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Compatible with various transducers from Garmin and Airmar;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Multiple standard sonar features such as Bottom Lock, Fish Symbols, Split-Zoom, A-Scope, Circular Flasher, Alarms, etc;
• Fast 5 Hz internal GPS;
• Preloaded with the Worldwide Basemap;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Compatible with various other chart types, such as BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra;
• Tide tables information;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• Quick disconnection (tilt-swivel) and flush mount included;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• SailAssist features;
• ActiveCaptain compatible;
• Internal Wi-Fi module;
• NMEA 0183 outs, and NMEA 2000 capable;
• Unit cover included;
• Fairly easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• The Worldwide charts are quite basic (no contours);
• Does not support Navionics or C-MAP charts;
• A transducer is not included;
• NMEA 2000 adaptor cable not included.

Summary

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 62cv is a fish finder and chartplotter equipped with 2D CHIRP sonar, 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.