Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv

The ECHOMAP Plus 64cv is one of Garmin units released in 2018. This is the Garmin part number 010-01890-01 which is no longer available. In 2019, Garmin has released a newer version, the ECHOMAP Plus 64cv which comes with the BlueChart g3 coastal maps. Also, an even newer version is available since the beginning of 2020, this being the ECHOMAP UHD 64cv.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 6.2″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: CHIRP Sonar, ClearVü
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 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:
  • 2D Sonar: 2,300 ft (701 m)
  • ClearVü: 1,000 ft (304 m)
• Transducer: CV23M-TM
• Power Output: 500 W (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: BlueChart g2
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Transducer and sonar features

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv includes the CV23M-TM transducer, which is basically an improved version of the last years GT23-TM. This transducer features a plastic shell for its internal components, but has a metallic transom mount, and integrates a temperature sensor, and has 30′ (9.1m) of cable.

The control unit is capable of quite a few base frequencies, including 50/77/83/200 kHz for the 2D traditional sonar, and 260/455/800 kHz for the ClearVü sonar. However, with the included CV23M-TM transducer, the system can only use Mid-band CHIRP sonar, with a CHIRP modulation of 80-160 kHz, and ClearVü sonar for two frequencies: 260 kHz (245-275 kHz) / 455 kHz (445-465 kHz). These being said, the system can scan depths up to 2,300 ft (701 m) when using the 2D Mid-band CHIRP sonar, and up to 1,000 ft (304 m) when using the 260 kHz ClearVü mode.

The CV23M-TM ClearVü transducer uses a conical beam for the Mid-band 2D CHIRP sonar. Its coverage can vary between 24°-13°. For the ClearVü sonar, it uses thin, fan-shaped beams that offer better coverage than the 2D beam. At 260 kHz (245-275 kHz), the beam is approx. 2° fore/aft, and 51° side-to-side, while at 455 kHz (445-465 kHz) the beam is smaller, only approx. 1.4° fore/aft / 29° side-to-side. But as a general idea, the system’s ClearVü sonar offers quite a better depth penetration than with other transducers.

Speaking of other transducers, this unit is compatible with various other models from Garmin or Airmar. For example, it can use the CV20-TM model, if you want sharper images for both 2D and ClearVü, but with a lesser depth range. On the other hand, the unit is not compatible with Panoptix transducers.

Needless to say, there’s quite a bunch of standard sonar function available with this unit. Among them, we can count A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Split-Zoom, Circular Flasher, Fish Symbols, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, etc. Sonar Recording and Sonar History Rewind functions are also available with this unit. The new Striker units, such as the Striker Plus 7cv, for example, don’t have these features. The unit also provides traditional sonar support for Minn Kota® and MotorGuide® trolling motors with integrated transducers.

Navigation features

As opposed to the ECHOMAP Plus 63cv that we’ve previously covered here, this Garmin fish finder and chartplotter comes with the BlueChart® g2 charts. These are basically coastal charts, covering the U.S. coastal waters (East Coast, West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, U.S., and the Canadian sides of the Great Lakes). They are charts derived from official charts and private sources and they provide a lot of information including spot soundings, depth contours, tides/currents information, nav-aids, and more. Of course, the unit is compatible with various premium charts, including BlueChart g2 HD, BlueChart g2 Vision HD, charts that unlock the Auto Guidance feature, and other extremely useful features on the water. LakeVü charts can also be used with this unit.

So, as a small conclusion here, since the unit comes with a mid-range transducer and coastal charts, it’s a system meant for off-shore fishing. However, the sonar features and capabilities are great for inland fishing as well. And if you don’t want to opt for a LakeVü charts microSD card, you can always rely on the Quickdraw Contours feature.

Quickdraw Contours offers you the possibility to reveal the depth contours of any body of water. It uses the 2D CHIRP sonar information and the GPS information to create personalized fishing maps with 1-foot contours, in real-time, as you sail. Depth Range Shading and Shallow Shading features are available with this unit, so you can color-code the depth contours to be able to easily see them at a glance.

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv features a 5 Hz internal GPS receiver. This means that it can update your position 5 times per second. Needless to say, the GPS system allows you view the coordinates (latitude/longitude) of a POI, waypoint, or your own location. It can also calculate the speed of your boat.

The unit can save up to 5,000 waypoints, and 100 routes in its memory. It also has a trail recording function, allowing you to save 50,000 track points and up to 50 tracks. Evidently, you can convert tracks into routes, add waypoints to them and retrace them.

This Garmin chartplotter also has the SailAssist palette of features. SailAssist can help you gain a wind-maximizing edge, and give you the possibility to see true and apparent wind angle and speed. Among the SailAssist included features we can count enhanced wind rose, laylines, heading, course-over-ground lines, and more.

The ECHOMAP Plus 64cv has ActiveCaptain compatibility. Garmin currently offers a free mobile app called ActiveCaptain which provides superior management of your marine experience almost anywhere. There’s a Wi-Fi element built-in in the unit which allows you to sync it with your phone, tablet, or laptop with the ActiveCaptain app, for accessing OneChart. This way, you can purchase chart upgrades instantly, benefit from system updates, get smart notifications into your Garmin unit, or connect to the Garmin Quickdraw Contours Community to download ready-made Quickdraw Contours maps.

Last but not least, this Garmin unit offers support for AIS units. It also supports DSC, so you can benefit from position data from DSC-capable VHF radio units.

Control unit features

Although it’s a “60” unit, the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv actually has a slightly larger display than 6″. It’s 6.2″, full-color WVGA with bright, adjustable LED backlight to provide an excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The display has a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V, offering sharp images, and making it easy to distinguish between fish and structure.

The unit doesn’t have touchscreen technology, such as the Simrad GO5 XSE, for example. It’s operated exclusively from the keypad on the right of the unit. However, its operation is very easy, while the interface is very intuitive. The unit is also IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand water exposure and even immersions in freshwater.

In terms of connectivity, as we’ve mentioned above, offers wireless support and you can sync it with your smartphone, tablet or laptop. However, it also has a microSD card slot that can use microSD cards up to 32 GB, for data storage or for premium charts. There is one NMEA 0183 output, and one input available with this unit, but it also provides NMEA 2000 networking support via an adapter cable, for various engine data sensors, Fusion-Link audio systems, autopilots and more.

Finally, the unit comes with a classic tilt-swivel and quick-release bracket mount and a flush mounting kit. A protective cover is also included.

The Pros

• 2D and ClearVü sonar;
• CHIRP sonar technology for a better target separation;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Supports 50/77/83/200 kHz standard sonar frequencies, and 260/455/800 kHz ClearVü frequencies;
• Mid-band CHIRP and ClearVü – CV23M-TM – transducer included;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• Multiple standard sonar features such as Bottom Lock, Fish Symbols, Split-Zoom, A-Scope, Circular Flasher, Alarms, etc;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Fast and accurate 5 Hz GPS (updated your position 5 times per second);
• Preloaded with the BlueChart g2 maps;
• Compatible with various other chart types, such as BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Shallow Water Shading and Depth Contours Shading;
• Enhanced Auto Guidance capable (available with premium BlueChart maps);
• Tide tables information;
• SailAssist features;
• Internal Wi-Fi module;
• ActiveCaptain compatible;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• NMEA 0183 outs, and NMEA 2000 capable;
• Quick disconnection (tilt-swivel) and flush mount included;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• NMEA 2000 adapter not included;
• The manual covers all the ECHOMAP Plus units, and some of the data in it won’t cover this specific unit;
• No Panoptix sonar compatibility.

Summary

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 64cv is a fish finder and chartplotter featuring 2D CHIRP & ClearVü sonar, a 5 Hz GPS, and the BlueChart g2 US coastal charts. It comes with the CV23M-TM transducer, offering mid-range CHIRP and depth capabilities for both its types of sonar. Considering the features of the included transducer and the coastal charts, this unit is intended for off-shore use, but can also serve its purpose perfectly for inland fishing. It offers an impressive array of navigation features including SailAssist, Quickdraw Contours, supports AIS and VHF units, and also has Wi-Fi connectivity, being compatible with the ActiveCaptain app. In all, it’s a highly versatile unit, offering an outstanding value for the price.