Garmin GPSMAP 742xs

The Garmin GPSMAP 742xs is a multifunction display that packs a wide array of navigation and networking features. Although a newer version is already available, this model hasn’t been discontinued yet. It’s considerably superior to the ECHOMAP models as it supports Radar, IP-cameras, and more. It also has two built-in chart platforms, the BlueChart and the LakeVü (g2). For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01738-03.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal WVGA color touchscreen display, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, with LED backlight
• Sonar: CHIRP 2D, CHIRP ClearVü
• Supported Frequencies:
  CHIRP 2D: 50/77/200 kHz
  ClearVü: 260/455/800 kHz
• Max. Depth Capability: 5,000 ft (at 1 kW)
• Transducer: Not included
• Power Draw: 12 VDC, 1.3 Amp
• Power Output: 1 kW
• GPS: 10Hz, Internal
• Charts: LakeVü HD and BlueChart g2
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Control unit features

To begin with, the Garmin GPSMAP 742xs is a full touchscreen unit. As opposed to the ECHOMAP Plus 74cv, for example, it does not have the side keypad, so its operation is done completely via touchscreen, being similar to a tablet. It features a highly intuitive and customizable interface. It gives you the possibility to pin various applications to the home screen for quick access and can show up to three applications simultaneously in split-screen.

As its name suggests, it’s a 7-inch display unit; its display is WVGA color with a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V. It has integrated LED backlight so it provides excellent visibility in direct sunlight or at night. It’s also IPX7 waterproof, which essentially means that it can survive rain, water splashes, or any other incidental water exposure with no problem.

In terms of networking, this Garmin unit offers quite an impressive array of features. First of all, it has NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connectors, therefore, it can be integrated into an NMEA network in order to communicate with other navigation tools. Second of all, it has wireless connectivity. Its built-in Wi-Fi gives you access to the ActiveCaptain app. This way, you can create a connection between your smartphone or tablet and your Garmin unit to download charts, software updates, and access the Garmin Quickdraw Contours community. Also, it’s Garmin Helm compatible, an app for Apple OS and Android that allows you to control your unit from your mobile device.

The unit is compatible with various other devices. For example, it supports Garmin Meteor audio system, Fusion-Link compatible radios and can show position data from DSC capable VHF radio systems. It can show data from a SiriusXM weather receiver, and imaging provided by IP-based video cameras, encoders, or thermal cameras. It’s also wireless remote compatible; however, the RF or GRID wireless remote control is not included with the unit.

The unit features a dual microSD card reader. Therefore, you can add new charts to the unit’s database, save waypoints or other data on a blank microSD card, or get software updates via a microSD chip.

Last but not least, the unit includes a bail mount kit and a flush mount kit with gasket. A protective cover is also included.

Navigation features

The Garmin GPSMAP 742xs is equipped with a 10 Hz internal GPS / GLONASS system. This means it can provide position updates 10 times per second. WAAS and EGNOS data is available, in case you want to benefit from a more accurate GPS position information. Plus, it has a GPS speed function. This means the unit can calculate the speed of your vessel through the GPS system, and show it on the display.

The unit can record up to 50 trails with up to 50,000 points per trail. It can save up to 100 routes and 5,000 waypoints in its memory.

As opposed to the ECHOMAP Plus models, the GPSMAP 742xs unit is equipped with two sets of charts. These are the LakeVü HD inland maps and BlueChart g2 coastal maps. The LakeVü HD bundle covers more than 17,000 U.S. lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and from those, over 13,000 are covered in HD detail with 1-foot contours shoreline-to-shoreline. The BlueChart g2 charts cover the coastal U.S. waters, including East Coast, West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, U.S., and the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. These charts provide other information as well, such as tidal and current stations, IALA nav symbols, fishing spots, and more.

Needless to say, the unit is compatible with various other premium charts from Garmin, such as LakeVü HD Ultra, or BlueChart g2 Vision HD. These make available Auto Guidance and various extra features. However, just like any other Garmin chartplotter, this one cannot use Navionics charts or C-MAP charts (at least not for now).

The Quickdraw Contours feature is available on this unit as well. This feature uses the 2D sonar information and the GPS information in order to draw maps with 1-foot contours. Therefore, in case the built-in charts don’t cover your lake in satisfactory detail, you can draw your own personalized map for it, with the most up to date contours.

This Garmin chartplotter has built-in SailAssist features. This is a pre-race guidance page that shows your virtual starting line along with data fields showing laylines, time to burn before the start and a race timer that can be synchronized across all your networked Garmin GPS products. In addition, other supported sailing features include an enhanced wind rose, heading and course-over-ground lines, set and drift, true and apparent wind data and more. The unit also supports Radar and AIS units.

Sonar features

As a fish finder, the Garmin GPSMAP 742xs has built-in 2D CHIRP sonar and ClearVü (structure down scanning) sonar. It supports SideVü sonar as well if it is connected to an external black box sonar (which is not included). The unit is also Panoptix sonar capable. However, as we’ve mentioned above, a transducer is not included with this unit. It can support a wide array of transducers, though, such as the classic CV20-TM, the CV-22HW-TM, the GT21-TH, the Airmar B275 LHW for deep water fishing, or the CV52HW-TM in case you use a sonar module for SideVü.

The unit supports various standard frequencies, including 50/77/83/200 kHz for traditional sonar, and 260/455/800 kHz for ClearVü sonar. It supports single-channel low, medium, and high CHIRP sonar. It also supports dual-frequency sonar; in other words, if paired with a 50/200 kHz transducer, it can use both frequencies simultaneously, showing the returns of both transducer beams in split-screen.

In terms of standard sonar features, the GPSMAP 742xs offers Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, UltraScroll, Fish Symbols, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, and more.

The Pros

• CHIRP technology offering superior clarity, target separation, and target definition, for both 2D CHIRP and ClearVü;
• Supports SideVü sonar, via the GCV™ Black Box external module;
• Supports Panoptix all-seeing sonar;
• Supports dual-frequency sonar;
• Compatible with a wide selection of transducers from Garmin and Airmar, including 1 kW models;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Many standard sonar features, including Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Sonar Zoom, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, etc.
• Fast and accurate 10 Hz internal GPS;
• Preloaded with the U.S. LakeVü HD and BlueChart g2 coastal charts;
• Quickdraw Contours function, for the possibility to add contours and customize your maps;
• Multiple Depth Range Shading;
• Compatible with the Garmin premium charts, such as BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra;
• Tide tables information;
• Data graphs and information from other NMEA 2000 sensors;
• Supports AIS, RADAR and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• Garmin Meteor™ Audio System compatible;
• Supports FUSION-Link™ compatible radios;
• Touchscreen display;
• Dual microSD card reader;
• Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi networking and Bluetooth);
• Garmin Helm compatible;
• Wireless remote control compatible;
• Bail and flush mounts included;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• Does not support Navionics or C-MAP charts;
• Remote control is not included;
• Transducer is not included.

Summary

The Garmin GPSMAP 742xs is a multi-function display offering a wide array of sonar, navigation, and networking features and capabilities. It has built-in 2D CHIRP and ClearVü sonar, 10 Hz GPS, LakeVü HD, BlueChart g2 charts, Quickdraw Contours, and the SailAssist features. It’s NMEA compatible and supports many navigation tools, such as Radar, AIS, DSC VHF radio units, SiriusXM weather equipment, as well as Fusion-Link and Garmin Meteor. It has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and is compatible with the ActiveCaptain and Garmin Helm apps. In all, it’s a highly versatile navigation and fish finding tool, perfect for a wide array of boats. It’s not exactly one of the most affordable units but does offer a high value for the price.