Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV Review

The Garmin’s ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV is a high-end fish finder chartplotter combo designed for avid anglers and boaters. Featuring a 9-inch touchscreen display with an intuitive user interface, it provides clear visibility under various lighting conditions. 

The unit comes with high-definition sonar, including ClearVü and SideVü, offering detailed images of underwater structures and fish. 

The ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV includes preloaded Navions+ maps, providing extensive coverage and detailed contours for thousands of lakes and coastal areas. It also offers advanced navigation features such as custom depth shading and Auto Guidance technology. 

Key Specifications:

Specification	Detail
Display Size	9 inches
Resolution	1024 x 600
Sonar Technology	CHIRP Sonar, ClearVu, SideVu
Transducer	GT56UHD
Frequencies	50/77/83/200/455/800/1000/1200 kHz
GPS	Built-in
Waterproof Rating	IPX7
Price (MSRP)	$1199.99 USD

Pros:

• Large 9-inch Touchscreen Display: Offers clear visibility and easy navigation through menus and features.
• High-Definition Sonar Capabilities: Includes ClearVü, SideVü, and traditional CHIRP sonar for detailed underwater imaging.
• Preloaded Navioincs+ Maps: Extensive coverage for thousands of lakes.
• Wireless Networking: Allows for sharing of data with other compatible devices.
• Panoptix LiveScope Compatibility: Provides access to real-time sonar imaging, a significant advantage for serious anglers.
• Advanced Navigation Features: Includes custom depth shading and Auto Guidance technology for efficient route planning.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and easy to use, suitable for both experienced and novice users.

Cons:

• Price: As a mid-range to high-end unit, the cost might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
• Additional Costs for Full Functionality: Using certain features like the Panoptix LiveScope requires additional purchases.
• Size: The 9-inch display, while advantageous for visibility, may require more mounting space, which could be a constraint on smaller boats.

Display Quality

The display quality of the ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV is a strong point of the unit, offering clear, detailed, and easy-to-navigate visuals that are well-suited to the demands of both fishing and boating. Below is an overview of its display capabilities:

• High-Definition Resolution: The UHD2 93SV features a high-definition display, providing crisp and clear images. This high resolution enhances the visibility of sonar data, maps, and navigational information.
• Large 9-Inch Screen: The sizable 9-inch display allows for better visibility of details, which is particularly beneficial for viewing charts and sonar readings. This size is conducive to split-screen views, where multiple types of information can be displayed simultaneously without compromising clarity.
• Touchscreen Interface: The touchscreen functionality is responsive and user-friendly, making it easier to navigate through menus, zoom in/out on maps, and adjust settings.
• Good Visibility in Various Lighting Conditions: The screen is designed to be visible under different lighting conditions, including bright sunlight, which is essential for outdoor use on the water.
• Customizable Layout: Users can customize the display layout to suit their preferences, allowing for prioritization of the most relevant data.

GT56UHD Transducer

The Garmin’s GT56UHD transducer, which comes with the ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV, is a high-performance sonar transducer offering a range of frequencies for versatile underwater imaging. 

Sonar Types and Depth Range:

• Traditional High-wide CHIRP (150-240 kHz): Offers clear and detailed images for traditional sonar. The high-wide CHIRP frequency is effective for a broad range of depths and provides excellent target separation. Can reach depths of up to 800 feet in freshwater, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing environments, from shallow lakes to deeper inland waters.
• SideVu Imaging: Provides detailed views of the underwater environment to the sides of the boat. With frequencies of 455 kHz, 800 kHz, and 1000 kHz, it offers varying levels of detail and range, reaching up to 500 feet. This allows for comprehensive scanning of underwater structures and fish habitats.
• ClearVu Imaging: Delivers high-resolution images directly beneath the boat, using frequencies of 455/800/1000 kHz. It excels in providing clear and detailed pictures of the bottom structure and fish, effective up to a depth of 400 feet.

Key Advantages:

• Versatility: The range of frequencies available with the GT56UHD makes it adaptable for different fishing conditions, from shallow inshore waters to deeper freshwater lakes.
• High-Quality Imaging: The combination of high frequencies and CHIRP technology results in superior image clarity, enhancing fish targeting and bottom structure identification.
• Wide Coverage: The SideVü capability with a range of up to 500 feet on each side of the boat allows anglers to cover a large area quickly, increasing the chances of locating fish and underwater features.

SideVu Imaging

The SideVu imaging of the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV when paired with the GT56UHD transducer offers the best underwater imaging and broad scanning capability that enhances fishing effectiveness and marine navigation.

Key aspects of its performance and utility include:

• High-Quality Imaging: The SideVu provides detailed and clear images of the underwater environment to the sides of the boat.  clearer, more defined hard lines and corners, and could identify structures like a dock system, cables, and a brush pile vividly.
• Multiple Frequency Options: With frequencies like 455 kHz, 800 kHz, and 1000 kHz available through compatible transducers, SideVu offers flexibility in the level of detail and range, allowing for tailored scanning based on specific fishing or navigation needs.
• Effective Scanning Range: The SideVu can effectively scan a considerable area to each side of the boat (up to 500 feet with the right settings and conditions), making it efficient for exploring large water areas and identifying potential fishing spots.
• Bottom Composition and Hardness: Anglers can visualize bottom hardness and structure, with bright feedback on hard bottoms to aid in the differentiation of features.

ClearVu Imaging

The ClearVü imaging of the ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV with the GT56UHD transducer is a powerful down scanning sonar for anglers and boaters, offering high-resolution underwater imaging that is especially effective in mid-depth environments. Its clarity and detail make it an invaluable tool for fishing, navigation, and enhancing overall safety on the water.

Here’s a review of its performance:

• High-Resolution Imaging: The GT56UHD transducer offers ClearVu scanning at a high frequency (1000 kHz), providing detailed and crisp images. This higher frequency allows for clearer distinction between fish, structure, and the bottom.
• Depth Penetration: The ClearVu technology with this transducer setup is effective up to a depth of 400 feet. This depth range makes it suitable for a wide variety of freshwater and coastal marine environments.
• Image Quality: Users can expect high-quality sonar returns, with enhanced clarity and detail, especially beneficial for identifying underwater structures and fish.
• User-Friendly Interface: The ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV’s interface complements the ClearVu imaging with its ease of use, allowing anglers to interpret the sonar data effectively.
• Versatility for Anglers: Given its high-resolution imaging, the system is ideal for anglers targeting specific structures or fish in both inland and near-coastal waters.
• Customization: The unit allows for various adjustments in the sonar settings, enabling users to optimize the ClearVu display according to different water conditions and fishing requirements.

Maps

The ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV comes with Navionics+ mapping which is one of the best fish finder maps in the market. Garmin offers these maps in its best models. Navionics+ offers extensive and detailed charts suitable for both inland and coastal navigation.

Here’s a review of the 93SV mapping features:

• Extensive Lake Coverage: Navionics+ Inland (in 93sv model) provides detailed charts for thousands of lakes across various regions, ideal for inland anglers and boaters.
• Comprehensive Coastal Coverage: Navionics+ Coastal (in 94sv model) offers detailed charts for coastal areas, essential for offshore navigation, fishing, and cruising.
• Detailed Contours: The maps include contours as precise as one-foot intervals, which is extremely useful for identifying underwater structures, drop-offs, and potential fishing hotspots.
• Custom Depth Shading: Users can assign specific colors to different depth ranges, making it easier to identify and target specific water depths.
• Shallow Water Shading: Highlights shallow water areas, a critical feature for navigating in coastal zones to avoid hazards.
• Integration with Sonar: The maps integrate seamlessly with the unit’s sonar capabilities, providing a comprehensive view of the underwater and surface environments.
• Fishing and Navigation Aid: The detailed mapping aids in locating fishing areas and safely navigating in complex lake environments.
• Auto Guidance Technology: This feature suggests the best navigation paths based on the boat’s specifications and desired destinations.
• Dock-to-Dock Autorouting: Creates detailed routes from a specific start point to an end point, considering chart data and navigation aids, which is invaluable for coastal cruising.
• Raster Cartography: Offers a traditional chart view, enhancing the user experience for those accustomed to paper charts.
• Community Edits: Users benefit from a wealth of community-sourced data, offering local insights into points of interest, hazards, and other navigational information.
• Regular Updates: The one-year subscription for daily updates ensures that the charts remain accurate and up to date.

Livescope Compatibility

The ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV is compatible with Garmin’s LiveScope sonar system. Integrating LiveScope with the ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV offers several benefits, enhancing both fishing and overall on-water experience:

• Real-Time Sonar Imaging: LiveScope provides real-time, high-resolution images of what’s happening under the water. This allows you to see fish movements, reactions to your bait, and structure in real time.
• Enhanced Fish Targeting: The ability to see fish and structure live and in great detail improves your ability to target and catch fish effectively.
• Versatility in Fishing Applications: Whether you’re fishing in shallow waters, around structures, or through the ice, LiveScope provides valuable insights, making it versatile for various fishing scenarios.
• Improved Situational Awareness: LiveScope helps in understanding the underwater environment better, which is crucial for successful angling. You can see the relationship between fish and underwater structures directly.
• Advanced Navigation Capabilities: While primarily used for fishing, LiveScope can also assist in navigation by revealing underwater hazards, thereby enhancing boating safety, especially in unfamiliar waters.
• Dynamic Viewing Modes: LiveScope offers different perspectives (like forward and down) for viewing underwater activity. This flexibility is particularly useful for adapting to different fishing techniques and environments.
• Interactive Fishing Experience: The real-time aspect of LiveScope adds a dynamic and interactive element to fishing, making it more engaging and informative.

Is Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV the right fish finder for me?

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV, priced at $1199.99 USD, is an ideal fit for a specific group of users based on its features and capabilities:

• Serious Recreational Anglers: Its advanced sonar capabilities with ClearVu, SideVu, and traditional CHIRP, along with compatibility with LiveScope, make it perfect for anglers who take their fishing seriously and want detailed views of the underwater environment.
• Freshwater and Coastal Fishermen: Given its comprehensive inland and coastal mapping capabilities, it suits both freshwater and coastal anglers.
• Technology Enthusiasts: Anglers who appreciate integrating the latest technology into their fishing experience will find its high-resolution display, detailed sonar imaging, and advanced navigation features appealing.
• Boaters Seeking Detailed Navigation: Its preloaded Navionics+ charts, Auto Guidance, and customizable shading options make it a valuable tool for boaters who need detailed navigational assistance.
• Anglers Upgrading Their Equipment: For those looking to upgrade from basic or older fish finders, this unit offers a significant step up in terms of features and performance.
• Tournament Anglers: The precision and detail of the sonar readings, along with the ability to mark and return to specific waypoints, make it a good choice for competitive anglers.
• Boat Owners with Space for a Larger Display: The 9-inch screen requires adequate space for mounting, making it more suitable for boat owners who have the space to accommodate a larger display.

In summary, the ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV is a top fish finder for serious anglers and boaters who are willing to invest in a higher-end unit to gain advanced sonar capabilities, detailed mapping, and a large, clear display for an enhanced fishing and navigation experience.

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD vs UHD2

The ECHOMAP UHD2 is an upgrade from the previous ECHOMAP UHD series. Here are the key improvements introduced by Garmin in the UHD2 SV series:

• Enhanced Screen Resolution: The UHD2 models boast almost double the screen resolution of the previous UHD models. They have a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels compared to the 800 x 480 pixels of the older models, resulting in crisper and clearer images.
• Faster Processor: The UHD2 features an upgraded, faster processor, which enhances overall performance. This includes quicker loading of maps, smoother scrolling, faster response to input, and improved clarity in sonar imaging.
• New Firmware with Advanced Features: The UHD2 runs on new firmware based heavily on the GPSMAP units, giving it a more high-end feel and additional features. One highlighted feature is the ability to save presets for various settings, allowing quick adjustments based on water conditions or fishing methods.
• Garmin Navionics Plus Mapping: The UHD2 comes with the new Garmin Navionics+ maps as opposed to LakeVu and BlueChart maps in UHD series. Navionincs+ offers more detailed mapping and a true Navionics experience.
• Wireless Networking Capabilities: The UHD2 screens can wirelessly share data such as sonar readings, waypoints, charts, and user data with other UHD2 screens. However, it’s important to note that LiveScope data cannot be shared wirelessly and still requires a wired connection.
• Improved Gimbal Mount: The UHD2 features a new gimbal bracket with a more secure locking mechanism, similar to the one found in the Garmin Ultra Series. This design enhancement addresses issues with the previous model where screens could pop out if not properly secured.
• Power Cable Change: There’s a notable change in the power cables. The UHD2 uses a two-pin design compared to the four-pin design of the previous UHD models. This means users upgrading to UHD2 will need to rewire and use the new power cable provided with the unit.

Is it worth upgrading from UHD to UHD2? It depends on how much value you place on enhancements like improved screen resolution, faster performance, and advanced mapping capabilities. If these features align with your requirements, then an upgrade could be beneficial.

FAQs

What is the difference between ECHOMAP 93SV vs 94SV?

The primary difference between the ECHOMAP 93SV and 94SV lies in their mapping content – Navionics+ inland mapping for the 93SV model and Navionics+ coastal mapping for the 94SV model. This distinction makes each model more tailored to specific environments – freshwater inland waters for the 93SV and coastal, marine waters for the 94SV. Otherwise, they share similar sonar, display, and connectivity features.

What are the mounting options for the ECHOMAP UHD2 9 SV display unit?

For the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 9 SV, there are several mounting options available, with the notable exception that the swivel base is not compatible with this model. Here are the primary options for mounting the display unit:

• Flush Mount: This allows for integrating the unit directly into the boat’s dashboard or panel, providing a sleek and streamlined appearance. It’s ideal for a more permanent and less obtrusive setup.
• Bail Mount (Gimbal Mount): This option involves mounting the unit on top of the dashboard or another flat surface using a bracket. It’s a versatile choice as it allows for some adjustment in the viewing angle. However, unlike models compatible with a swivel base, the ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV will have a fixed orientation once installed.
• RAM Mounts: RAM mounts are third-party solutions that offer robust and adjustable mounting options. They can be particularly useful for custom mounting needs or when seeking additional flexibility in positioning the unit.
• Portable Kit: For those who prefer a mobile setup or wish to use the unit on multiple boats, a portable kit can be used. This typically includes a carrying case, portable mount, rechargeable battery, and charger.

How to Use Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 9 SV?

Using the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv involves several key steps and features to explore after installation:

1. Initial Setup:

• Turn on the device using the power button.
• Select your preferred language and units of measurement (metric, imperial, etc.).

2. Understanding the Home Screen:

• The home screen is the central hub for accessing all features. It typically includes options like charts, sonar, waypoints, and settings.
• Use the touchscreen or buttons to navigate through the menu options.

3. Navigating Charts:

• Access the charts from the home screen to view the navigation chart, fishing chart, and 3D chart.
• Use zoom in/out features to get a detailed view of specific areas.
• The charts can be updated and enhanced through the Active Captain app.

4. Using Sonar Functions:

• The ECHOMAP UHD2 9 offers various sonar views like 2D Sonar, ClearVü, and SideVü.
• Access these from the sonar tab on the home screen.
• If equipped, utilize the LiveScope options for real-time sonar imaging.

5. Customizing Combo Views:

• Create custom split-screen views combining charts, sonar, and other data.
• This feature is useful for monitoring multiple data types simultaneously, like depth alongside navigation charts.

6. Waypoints and Routes:

• Mark waypoints for significant locations and create routes for your trips.
• Access these through the dedicated waypoints and routes menu.

7. Adjusting Settings:

• Fine-tune settings such as display brightness, color mode, and sonar settings.
• Adjust alarms and other system settings to your preference.

8. Connecting to Active Captain:

• Use the Active Captain app to connect your smartphone or tablet to the ECHOMAP unit.
• This allows for easy updates, sharing of waypoints, and access to additional features and community data.

9 Monitoring Vessel Information:

• If connected via the NMEA 2000 network, monitor vessel data such as fuel levels, engine data, and more.

10. Custom Hotkeys:

• Set up hotkeys for quick access to your most used screens or settings.

11. Regular Updates and Maintenance:

• Regularly update the software and charts to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.

What is the best battery for Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV?

Choosing the best battery for the fish finder involves considering several factors based on its power requirements. The ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV requires a power input of 9 to 18 volts DC, with a typical current draw of 1.72 amps and a maximum current draw of 3.5 amps at 12 volts DC. Given these specifications, here are the key considerations for selecting an appropriate battery:

• Voltage Compatibility: The battery must provide a stable voltage within the 9 to 18 Vdc range. Most marine electronics are designed to operate optimally with a 12-volt system, making a 12-volt battery a standard choice.
• Ampere-hour (Ah) Rating: The Ah rating indicates how much current a battery can supply over a period of time. For the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv, a battery with a higher Ah rating will last longer. Considering its maximum draw of 3.5 amps, a battery with a higher Ah rating (e.g., 20Ah or more) would ensure prolonged use, especially important for longer trips or extended usage.
• Battery Type: Deep-cycle marine batteries are typically recommended for marine electronics due to their ability to be discharged and recharged many times. 
• Size and Weight: Consider the physical space available and the weight you can accommodate on your boat. Lithium batteries, for instance, offer a significant weight advantage over traditional lead-acid batteries.
• Durability and Resistance: Look for batteries designed for marine use, as they need to withstand harsh conditions like moisture, vibration, and temperature fluctuations.
• Brand and Warranty: Choose a reputable brand and check the warranty and after-sales service, as these can be indicators of the battery’s quality and reliability.