Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73sv LakeVü G3

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73sv part number 010-01897-05 is one of the models released in 2019. This unit includes the ClearVü/SideVü transducer, and the LakeVü g3 charts. A newer version is also available, though. The newer version is the ECHOMAP UHD 73sv.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 400V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: High-Wide CHIRP Sonar, CHIRP ClearVü, CHIRP SideVü
• Frequency and Coverage (with the included transducer):
  2D CHIRP Sonar: 150-240 kHz 24°/16°
  ClearVü CHIRP: 425-485 kHz 2°/50° & 790-850 kHz 1°/30°
  SideVü CHIRP: 425-485 kHz 2°/50° & 790-850 kHz 1°/30°
• Depth Capability (with the included transducer):
  2D CHIRP: 800 ft (244 m)
  ClearVü: 500 ft (152 m)
  SideVü: 500 ft (152 m)
• Transducer: GT52HW-TM
• Max. Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: U.S. LakeVü G3
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks)

Sonar and transducer

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73sv 010-01897-05 supports multiple base frequencies including 50/77/200 kHz for 2D CHIRP and 260/455/800 kHz for ClearVü and SideVü. However, the unit comes with the GT52HW-TM transducer which only supports High Wide CHIRP (150-240 kHz) for traditional sonar, and 455/800 kHz for Cv/Sv. The CHIRP variation intervals are (425-485 kHz), and respectively (790-850 kHz).

The included GT52HW-TM transducer features a transom mount, 20 ft (6m) of cable with a 12-pin connector. It also integrates a temperature sensor, while the unit itself has Temperature Log and Temperature Graph functions. These can be quite useful if you’re looking for top-water temperature variations or currents.

The transducer uses a conical beam for High Wide CHIRP. Its coverage varies between 24°-16°, while its depth capability can reach 800 ft (244 m).

For SideVü and ClearVü, the transducer uses oval pattern beams, between 1°-2° fore-to-aft, but with a coverage of 50° @ 425-485 kHz and 30° @ 790-850 kHz. The maximum depth capability specified for the SideVü/ClearVü beams is 500 ft (152 m). The SideVü beams can extend on each side of the boat for several hundred feet. Also, the recommended speed for the best Sv/Cv imaging is 10 MPH.

This Garmin fish finder is also compatible with Panoptix transducers. For example, you can pair it either with a PS21-TM or a PS31 Panoptix transducer in order to see the lure move in real-time or see all around your boat.

Of course, the ECHOMAP Plus 73sv includes the full range of standard sonar features. Among them, we can count Sonar Recording and Sonar History Rewind, Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Circular Flasher View, Bottom Lock, and more. It also provides traditional sonar support for Minn Kota® and MotorGuide® trolling motors with integrated transducers.

GPS, charts and other navigation features

One of the most important navigation features that we must list here is the LakeVü G3 chart platform. These are new charts released by Garmin at the beginning of 2019 which are integrated with Navionics data. They offer freshwater coverage, presenting more than 17,000 U.S. lakes, rivers, and reservoirs in high detail with up to 1′ depth contours. The Shallow Water Shading feature is available with these charts. Plus, they show fishing areas, boat ramps, camping grounds, marinas, general roads, interstates and other points of interest.

This Garmin unit supports the new BlueChart G3 coastal charts, as well as the BlueChart G3 Vision and LakeVü G3 Ultra. These offer much higher detail and other extra features such as aerial photos, Auto Guidance, and more.

The SailAssist page is available with this Garmin fish finder too. It’s a pre-race guidance page that shows your virtual starting line along with data fields showing laylines, enhanced wind rose, heading and course-over-ground lines, time to burn before the start and the race times.

Similar to the Navionics SonarChart, this Garmin unit has the Quickdraw Contours feature which gives you the possibility to reveal the depth contours of your lake. It uses the 2D sonar and GPS data to draw the contours of the lake where you’re fishing on your map. This way, you can create and personalize your own charts with the most up-to-date contours.

The unit’s internal GPS operates at 5 Hz. This means it can provide position updates up to 5 times per second. It can use WAAS/EGNOS for position enhancements. It also has a GPS speed function.

The unit can store up to 5,000 waypoints in its memory, 100 routes, and 50 tracks with up to 50,000 points per track. It has an extensive database of icons so you can personalize your waypoints. Also, each recorded track can be converted into a route to which you can add waypoints or personalize as you like.

Last but not least, this Garmin unit does not support Radar. However, it does support data from DSC capable VHF radio, AIS data, and FUSION-Link compatible radios.

Control unit features

As its name suggests, the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73sv LakeVü G3 features a 7-inch display. It’s WVGA color type with a pixel matrix of 800H x 400V and LED backlight. It integrates touchscreen technology and responds to the same functions as a tablet, but also has the right-side keypad. The tilt-swivel quick-release mount is included, as well as a flush mounting kit and a unit cover.

The unit’s interface is user-friendly, highly intuitive, and easy to customize. You can pin to its homepage all the applications that you use the most for quick access. It offers split-screen options with up to 3 apps per view.

In terms of networking, this Garmin unit features NMEA 0183 ports but also supports NMEA 2000. It has wireless connectivity as well. Thus, you can connect it to a Wi-Fi hotspot in order to access OneChart and the Quickdraw Community for various downloads. Plus, the ActiveCaptain app gives you the possibility to sync your unit with your phone or tablet for data streaming, planning, and even to get smart notification from your phone on the unit’s display.

Finally, the unit is equipped with a microSD card slot that can take cards up to 32 GB. Therefore, not only that you can upgrade your charts, but also transfer and save data via microSD card.

The Pros

• High-Wide CHIRP, ClearVü sonar, and SideVü sonar;
• Supports 50/77/83/200 kHz standard sonar frequencies, and 260/455/800 kHz ClearVü frequencies;
• GT52HW-TM transducer included;
• Dual-frequency capable (50/200 & 77/200 kHz)
• Panoptix sonar capable;
• 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;
• Internal GPS (5 Hz);
• Preloaded with the new U.S. LakeVü G3 charts;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Shallow Water Shading;
• Compatible with various other chart types, such as BlueChart g3 Vision or LakeVü G3 Ultra;
• SailAssist page;
• Enhanced Auto Guidance capable;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• Touchscreen and keypad control;
• Intuitive, customizable, and easy-to-use interface;
• Quick disconnection (tilt-swivel) and flush mount included;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• ActiveCaptain compatible;
• Wireless connectivity;
• NMEA 0183 ports, and NMEA 2000 capable;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• Does not support Navionics charts;
• NMEA 2000 adapter cable not included.

Summary

The Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73sv 010-01897-05 offers 2D CHIRP sonar, ClearVü, SideVü, GPS and the U.S. LakeVü G3 charts. It includes the GT52HW-TM transducer for 2D/CV/SV, but the unit is also compatible with Panoptix transducers. It has wireless connectivity, it’s NMEA capable, ActiveCaptain capable, and equipped with a microSD card slot. It’s a versatile fish finder and chartplotter combo, great for a wide array of boats, offering excellent value for the price.