Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv BlueChart G3

The first version of the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv (010-01890-01) was released at the beginning of 2018. We’ve already covered this version, so in this post, we’re going to address the model released in 2019. This is the part number 010-01890-05, and as opposed to the older unit, it includes the new BlueChart g3 coastal charts and the GT23 transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 6.2″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP Sonar, ClearVü
• Transducer: GT23M-TM
• Frequency and Coverage (with the included transducer):
  2D Sonar: Mid-band CHIRP 80-160 kHz / 24-13°
  ClearVü: 260 kHz (245-275 kHz) / 2°x51°; 455 kHz (445-465 kHz) / 1.4°x29°
• Max. Depth Capability (with the included transducer):
  2D Sonar: 1,800 ft. (548 m)
  ClearVü: 1,000 ft. (304 m)
• Power Output: 500 W (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: BlueChart g3
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Sonar and transducer

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv BlueChart G3 includes the GT23M-TM transducer (also referred to as GT23). This is a Mid-Band CHIRP transducer and also supports ClearVü. It comes with a transom mount, features 20 ft. (6 m) of cable with an 8-pin connector. It is also equipped with a temperature sensor.

The unit itself supports several base sonar frequencies. For 2D sonar, it supports 50/77/200 kHz, while for ClearVü, it supports 260/455/800 kHz. It does not support Panoptix sonar, though. It is also compatible with various other transducers, such as the GT20-TM or GT22HW-TM.

For 2D CHIRP, the GT23M-TM transducer uses a conical beam with a coverage of 24°-13°. It operates in a Mid-Band CHIRP range of 80-160 kHz and offers a maximum depth capability of 1,800 ft (548 m). However, the unit supports 50/200 kHz transducers as well, and if you opt for one, you should be able to scan greater depths.

For ClearVü, the GT23 transducer uses two oval beams for the 260/455 kHz sonar channels. The CHIRP range for them is 245-275 kHz, and 445-465 kHz. The beam coverage is 29° @ 260 kHz and 51° @ 455 kHz. Also, the maximum depth capability that can be achieved for the ClearVü sonar mode with this transducer is 1,000 ft (305 m).

The unit does not have SideVü sonar, but does offer the full range of standard sonar features. The list includes Split-Zoom, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish Symbols, Sonar Recording, Sonar Rewind, various alarms, and more. It also provides traditional sonar support for Minn Kota® and MotorGuide® trolling motors with integrated.

Navigation features

As its name suggests, the ECHOMAP Plus 64cv BlueChart G3 is a Garmin fish finder and chartplotter combo. Therefore, it has an internal GPS system. Its GPS operates a 5 Hz, which means it can provide position updates five times per second. It supports position augmentation via EGNOS and WAAS and also has a GPS speed function so it can calculate and display the speed of your boat based on the GPS input.

The unit can store up to 5,000 waypoints in its memory. It also has route creation and trackplotting functions. It can save up to 100 routes and can record up to 50 tracks with up to 50,000 points per track.

Since this is the 2019 ECHOMAP Plus 64cv unit, it is preloaded with the new BlueChart g3 maps. These new charts have integrated Navionics data and provide coastal coverage for the US waters including the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, West Coast, and the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. The data provided by these charts is derived from official charts and private sources, including nav-aids, depth contours, tides and currents information, spot soundings, and much more.

In terms of chart compatibility, the Garmin 010-01890-05 also supports LakeVü g3, LakeVü g3 Ultra, and BlueChart g3 Vision. The LakeVü g3 offers U.S. lake coverage, while the Vision and Ultra chart versions provide Auto Guidance, 3D map views, superior detail, and various other features.

The Quickdraw Contours feature is included with this Garmin unit as well. This is a map recording application that uses the 2D sonar and GPS data to reveal and draw the depth contours of the lake you’re scanning on the map. Therefore, regardless of what maps version your unit has, you can create your own personalized fishing maps with the most up to date depth contours.

The SailAssist feature base is also included with this unit. This feature base offers laylines, heading and course-over-ground line, enhanced wind rose, and more. They can help you gain a wind-maximizing edge, give you the possibility to see true and apparent wind angle and speed. Also, 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.

Control unit features

The ECHOMAP Plus 64cv BlueChart g3 unit features a 6.2″ WVGA color display with LED backlight for superior readability even in direct sunlight. It has a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V which is not bad for a 6.2″ display. This means it provides very sharp and clear images for the ClearVü sonar and charts.

The unit does not have touchscreen technology like the ECHOMAP Plus 7x units and above. It can only be operated from the keypad on the right. But nonetheless, it has the same user-friendly interface and offers the possibility to work with up to four applications in split-screen format.

The box includes the tilt-and-swivel mount with the quick-release bracket. A flush mount and a protective cover are included as well. Plus, the box also includes an NMEA 2000 4-pin to 5-pin adapter.

In terms of networking, the unit does not have Ethernet but supports NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000. With an NMEA connection, you can benefit from engine data readings, other sensor readings, FUSION-LINK™ audio system connectivity, autopilot usage and more. It also has wireless connectivity and is compatible with the ActiveCaptain app. This apps gives you the possibility to sync your unit with your smartphone via Wi-Fi and access OneChart or the Quickdraw Community in order to download or update charts. This app also makes it possible for you to receive notifications from your phone on your Garmin unit.

Last but not least, the ECHOMAP Plus 64cv BlueChart g3 has a microSD card slot. This gives you the possibility to use various charts from Garmin. You can also load it with a blank data card for backups or sonar recordings.

The Pros

• Mid-Band CHIRP and ClearVü sonar;
• Supports 50/77/83/200 kHz standard sonar frequencies, and 260/455/800 kHz ClearVü frequencies;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• GT23M-TM transducer included;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• 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 BlueChart g3 U.S coastal charts;
• Compatible with various other chart types, such as BlueChart g3 Vision or LakeVü g3 Ultra;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• SailAssist features;
• Shallow Water Shading and Depth Contours Shading;
• Auto Guidance capable;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• Intuitive, customizable, and easy-to-use interface;
• Quick disconnection (tilt-swivel) and flush mount included;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• Internal Wi-Fi;
• ActiveCaptain compatible;
• NMEA 0183 outs, and NMEA 2000 capable;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• Not compatible with Navionics maps;
• Does not support Panoptix sonar.

Summary

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv BlueChart g3 is a fish finder and chartplotter equipped with 2D CHIRP and ClearVü sonar, GPS, and the new BlueChart g3 coastal charts. It includes the GT23 transducer for Mid-Band CHIRP and ClearVü. It offers a wide array of navigation features and also has Wi-Fi connectivity, being compatible with the ActiveCaptain app. In all, it’s a unit meant for off-shore fishing and navigation, but can also be used without a problem for inland fishing, perfect for a wide array of boats.