Garmin Striker Plus 7cv

The Striker Plus 7cv is one of the Garmin fish finders released in 2018, but it is still available in 2020. It basically offers the same fish finding features as the older Garmin Striker 7cv. However, it also has a few extra features. For example, it allows you to draw the depth contours of your lake via the Quickdraw Contours, and also has Wi-Fi technology, being compatible with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01873-00.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP & ClearVü
• Frequency & coverage:
  • 2D Sonar: 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:
  • 2D: 2,300 ft (701 m)
  • ClearVü: 250 ft (76 m)
• Transducer: CV20-TM (4-pin)
• Transmit power: 500 W (RMS)
• GPS: High-sensitivity, internal
• Charts: No
• Waypoints: 5,000

Transducer and sonar features

The first aspect to mention here is that this fish finder system is the part number 010-01873-00, the one that includes the CV20-TM transducer. This is an improved version of the older Garmin GT20-TM transducer, being ClearVü capable. It’s also temperature capable, has 20″ (6m) of cable with a 4-pin connector, and a transom mount.

This Garmin fish finder has two types of sonar, 2D CHIRP, and ClearVü which also uses CHIRP sonar technology. It is capable of using 50/77/200 kHz base frequencies for its 2D sonar, and 260/455/800 kHz for ClearVü. However, with the included CV20-TM transducer, the system can only use the 77/200 kHz frequencies for 2D, and 455/800 kHz for CV. In other words, it can use Mid Range CHIRP and High Range CHIRP.

The CHIRP modulation intervals are not specified for the 2D sonar, but for ClearVü the CHIRP modulation range is 435-475 kHz and 800-840 kHz. CHIRP sonar offers a better view of the underwater environment; it offers a superior target determination as it puts a clearer separation between them. Thus, it offers the possibility to distinguish fish targets from the bottom and structure better.

For the 2D CHIRP sonar, the CV20-TM transducer uses conical beams; their coverage is 45° @ 77 kHz, and 15° @ 200 kHz. For CV, the transducer beams are very thin fore/aft wise, (approx 1.6°-2.0°), but they’re wider side-to-side, approx. 53° @ 455 kHz, and 29° @ 800 kHz.

In terms of depth capabilities, this Garmin fish finder system can reach depths up to 2,300 ft (701 m) at 77 kHz (in freshwater), and up to 250 ft (76 m) when using ClearVü and the 455 kHz mode. The recommended speed for the best imaging is 5-6 MPH, or at least up to 10 MPH.

Last but not least, the unit offers several useful standard sonar features. These are Fish Symbol ID, Split-Zoom, UltraScroll, AutoGain, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, Circular Flasher, etc. However, this unit does not have Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind.

Navigation features

Just like the older Garmin Striker 7cv, the PLUS unit has the basic GPS plotter. This type of GPS doesn’t use charts; also, the unit cannot be upgraded with any charts. It simply shows your position or the position of a marked waypoint on a blank page. Evidently, it shows the coordinates for any marked waypoint. It allows you to save up to 5,000 waypoints, offering a selection of icons to customize each waypoint and make is more suggestive. It also has a routes creation function and a track recording function.

Via GPS, the unit can also calculate the speed of your boat.

Although the unit doesn’t have charts, it does have the Quickdraw Contours feature. This feature gives you the possibility to reveal, draw, and record the depth contours of your lake. It uses the GPS and 2D sonar data for this purpose, and the contours generated are 1′-based. Also, the unit should be able to hold up to 1,500 hours of recorded map data.

A Depth Range Shading function is also available with the map contour creation feature. This gives you the possibility to set color ranges on your created maps to easily distinguish between water depths, better fishing spots, safe or dangerous areas for navigation.

Since this unit only has basic navigation features, it doesn’t support AIS, Radar units, or other boating instruments. It also doesn’t have the SailAssist features.

Control unit features

To begin with, the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv does not have touchscreen technology; its operation is done via the keypad on the right. Its display is a 7-inch WVGA type, with LED backlight and a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V. The unit is also IPX7 waterproof which means it can support incidental water exposure or even immersions in freshwater.

This Garmin unit doesn’t offer NMEA or Ethernet support. However, it has built-in Wi-Fi and is compatible with the ActiveCaptain app. ActiveCaptain is a free mobile app from Garmin, which gives you the possibility to manage your marine experience almost anywhere. The Wi-Fi connection allows you to sync your Garmin unit with your tablet, laptop, or smartphone to access the Quickdraw Community, get smart notification, or download software updates.

Last but not least, the box includes the classic tilt-and-swivel mount and a protective cover.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D and ClearVü sonar;
• CV20-TM transducer included;
• Dual-frequency sonar – which means you can use both 2D beams simultaneously;
• Various sonar features such as Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Ultrascroll, Flasher, Bottom Lock etc;
• High-sensitivity GPS;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Depth Range Shading;
• Can save up to 5,000 waypoints;
• Has route and track recording functions;
• Can show coordinates;
• Can calculate the speed of your boat;
• IPX7 waterproof and LED backlight for better readability in direct sunlight;
• Built-in Wi-Fi;
• ActiveCaptain capable;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• No NMEA support;
• No SD or microSD card reader.

Summary

The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv is a mid-range fish finder which also has basic navigation features. It offers 2D CHIRP sonar and ClearVü sonar, as well as a GPS plotter with the Quickdraw Contours feature. The unit includes the CV20-TM transducer which is capable of 77/200/455/800 kHz. As a general idea, this is a great fish finder for freshwater fishing but you can also use it offshore, relying on the 2D CHIRP sonar. It fits a wide array of boats, from kayaks to mid-size fishing boats. And finally, it offers excellent value for the price.