Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 72cv

Along with the other units of the first ClearVü (cv) series, the echoMAP CHIRP 72cv is one of the discontinued Garmin fish finders. It is also a chartplotter but only comes with the Worldwide Base map. It includes the CV20 transducer. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01814-02.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, with backlight
• Sonar: CHIRP 2D, CHIRP ClearVü
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • Standard: 200 kHz / 15° and 77 kHz / 45°
  • ClearVü: 455 kHz / 2.5° (fore to aft) x 53°, 800 kHz / 1.6° (fore to aft) x 29°
• Depth Capability:
  • Standard: 1,900 (579 m)
  • ClearVü: 750 ft (228.6 m)
• Transducer: CV20-TM (8-pin), for 2D and ClearVü
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: Worldwide Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Sonar and transducer

The first aspect to mention here is that this is the Garmin part number 010-01814-02, the model that comes with the CV20-TM (8-pin) transducer, which integrates a temperature sensor. The box also includes a transom mount for this transducer. The unit is capable of multiple frequencies, but with the included transducer it can only use the 77/200 kHz frequencies for 2D, and 455/800 kHz for ClearVü. Also, considering that it’s a CHIRP unit, the sonar pulse can be modulated over a range of frequencies, in order to deliver clearer images and a superior target separation. The CHIRP modulation for the 2D sonar is not specified. However, for ClearVü the modulation intervals are between 435-475 kHz and 800-840 kHz.

This unit is dual-frequency capable, which means it can use both types of sonar simultaneously. The transducer uses conical beams for 2D and thin beams for ClearVü. Their coverage is 15° for 200 kHz, 45° for 77 kHz, 53° for 455 kHz and 29° for 800 kHz.

The system’s maximum depth capability is 2,300 ft. (701 m), but with the supplied transducer, it can only reach 1,900 ft (579 m) when scanning in 2D mode, while for ClearVü its maximum depth capability is 750 ft (228 m). For greater depths a 50 kHz transducer is recommended; the unit is compatible with 50/200 kHz transducers.

Unlike the echoMAP CHIRP 52cv, this unit is Panoptix compatible. It features a Panoptix transducer port, so it can be paired with a Panoptix PS31 or a PS21-TM transducer, in order to use the LiveVü sonar application.

Navigation and charts

This Garmin unit integrates a fast and accurate GPS receiver, which operates at a 5 Hz frequency, being capable of updating your position up to 5 times per second. Via GPS, the unit can also calculate the speed of your boat.

In terms of charts, as opposed to the other echoMAP CHIRP 7 units, the 010-01814-02 is equipped only with the Worldwide Basemaps. These charts cover the United States, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Oceania. Their coverage includes oceans, major streams, rivers, small lakes, political boundaries, railroads, highways, major interstates, principal cities and smaller cities. But on the other hand, the unit is compatible with other Garmin charts which can provide much more information, such as BlueChart g2 HD, BlueChart g2 Vision, LakeVü HD or LakeVü HD Ultra.

Waypoints, routes, and tracks functions are also available. The unit is capable of storing up to 5,000 waypoints with various icons, to help you distinguish between fishing spots and other points of interest. It can record up to 50 tracks, with up to 50,000 track points. And you can also save up to 100 routes.

The BlueChart g2 Vision and LakeVü HD Ultra also open access to the Garmin Auto Guidance feature, which can create a virtual safe pathway, allowing you to avoid obstacles and obstructions such as shallow water, low bridges etc, on your routes, also opening several other functions.

One of the most important functions to mention for this Garmin fish finder, though, is Quickdraw Contours. This function uses the GPS and 2D sonar data, in order to determine and draw the depth contours of the body of water you’re scanning. Therefore, it basically gives you the opportunity to see and make use of the most recent depth contours of your lake.

Control unit features

The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 72cv features a 7″ display, WVGA color, with LED backlight. Its pixel resolution is 800 x 480, in a horizontal layout, offering plenty of screen surface for split-screen applications. It’s also IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand water splashes, rain or snow, and even immersions in freshwater.

All the newer Garmin echoMAP CHIRP units feature a different connection system than the 2015 ones. All cables plug into the mount, while the unit plugs into the mount via a multiple pin connector. It offers NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connectivity possibilities, and an output for Panoptix transducers. It also has a microSD card slot for software updates, sonar recordings, new charts, data transfer, etc. The unit is also compatible with various other equipment, such as AIS units, autopilot units, etc.

The box also includes power/data cable, a flush mount kit, and a unit cover.

The Pros

• CHIRP technology offering superior clarity, target separation and target definition, for both 2D and ClearVü;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Transducer (CV20-TM, 8-pin) included;
• Panoptix capable;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Fast and accurate internal GPS;
• Quickdraw Contours function, for the possibility to add contours and customize your maps;
• Shallow Water Shading function;
• Compatible with various other chart types, such as BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra;
• Enhanced Auto Guidance capable;
• Tide tables information;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• Quick disconnection (tilt-swivel) and flush mount included;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• The manual covers all the echoMAP CHIRP series (at least for now), and some of the information in it may not apply.

Summary

The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 72cv is a mid-range sonar and chartplotter combo, featuring CHIRP 2D and CHIRP ClearVü technology. It’s slightly more affordable than the other echoMAP CHIRP 7 units as it only has the Worldwide Basemaps. However, you can always upgrade its charts. A fast and accurate GPS system and the Quickdraw Contours application are also available with this unit. It comes with a powerful transducer, with depth capabilities up to 1,900 ft. It’s an excellent choice for the wide majority of boats. In all, it’s a fishfinder and navigation unit with an excellent price/value ratio.