Garmin Echomap 73sv

[moguy1973]

Anyone use a Garmin Echomap 73sv and if so how does it work for you?  I picked one up at the Cabela's booth last weekend at the Classic.  Got it for $499 and it's regularly $999.  Couldn't really pass a deal like that up.  Has 2D, down imaging, and side imaging along with GPS with 17,000 pre-installed maps and it can network with other compatible Garmin units.  Pretty much everything I was looking for.  Now I just need to go pick up my boat LOL.

[Ketchup]

I had that unit installed 2 weeks ago. I have several hours of water time with it, and it seems to be a really nice unit. This picture quality, maps, DV and SV are clear.  I'm adding another to the bow, which I should have done at the same time.  Yes that $499 is very cheap for a unit of this quality. 

[jdmidwest]

Did it have the new style transducer or the old.  I see they are clearing out the old ones cheaply.

[Ketchup]

it came with the new style. At least that's what it says on the box. Heck I wouldn't know the difference. 

[moguy1973]

1 hour ago, jdmidwest said:

Did it have the new style transducer or the old.  I see they are clearing out the old ones cheaply.

When I talked to the guy at the Garmin booth he said they updated the transducer on the new ones, hence the price that Cabela's was selling them for that price.  But there is are two stickers on the front of the box.  One says Updated software and the other says New Transducer Design.  So I am assuming the guy at the Garmin booth didn't know.

 

I really should have bought two at that price for one at the front although I was thinking I really don't need side imaging at the bow.

[Ketchup]

When you get it installed, my suggestion is to register it at the Garmin website. Garmin just came out with new updates for their units, including ours. Th guys I've talked to that have updated the software, has said its night and day over the installed charts. I'm doing mine tomorrow as I don't have a micro SD card handy for the download.  It's a free download for us since we purchased the units within the last year. 

[Ketchup]

They had the 73DV " DownVue" on sale also. That's what I'm going with for the front. I will update that software with the same card I use tomorrow for the console unit. 

[moguy1973]

1 hour ago, Ketchup said:

When you get it installed, my suggestion is to register it at the Garmin website. Garmin just came out with new updates for their units, including ours. Th guys I've talked to that have updated the software, has said its night and day over the installed charts. I'm doing mine tomorrow as I don't have a micro SD card handy for the download.  It's a free download for us since we purchased the units within the last year. 

It'll be a bit since I'm not sure when I'm going to pick up my boat but I'll remember that.

[DChance]

nice buy. I am a humminbird guy and want to update to new units but they are just getting too pricey for my blood. I will be watching to see how some of the other players like Garmin perform. Might be an option if you can find units like this for that price. how big is the screen?

[Ketchup]

They are 7" screens.  I've kicked the idea of Garmin for over a year, and when Bass Pro had them on sale for 1/2 price. I jumped on it.  Only regret is I didn't purchase 2 at that time.