Garmin Echomap 44DV with Transducer Review
If you want to make sure that each time you go fishing, you come back with something in your net, you’ll need a high-quality fish finder. While there are plenty of models from which to choose, this Echomap 44dv from Garmin is one of the best.
What makes this fish finder so reliable is that it utilizes the same GPS technology that made Garmin famous in the first place. Thus, not only can you see what’s going on beneath you but you can track your movements via a satellite. Let’s take a look at what this fish finder has to offer.
Table of Contents
High-Definition Display
One of the most important features that you want to have in a finder is an easy-to-read screen. If you can’t tell one fish from another then there’s no point in having such a device, right? Fortunately, Garmin has made sure that this display is accurate and in high-definition all of the time.
First of all, you can choose the size that’s right for your eyes. The Echomap is available in a range of screens from four to nine inches, meaning that you should have no trouble seeing what’s going on.
Secondly, the display is backlit, meaning that you can still read it in sunlight or at night. Unlike most other fish finders, this screen will be easy on the eyes no matter the weather or outside conditions. It even has a high contrast between colors so that you can spot your fish more clearly.
CHIRP Sonar
While having a high-quality display is one piece of the puzzle, it won’t do you much good if you can’t scan what’s happening beneath your boat. Garmin utilizes a proprietary CHIRP that provides excellent results. You will get sharper arcs for each fish and crystal clear imaging of the bottom.
While other models can sweep all around your boat, the Echomap utilizes a DownVu system. This means that you can’t monitor the sides or front of your rig, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Built-In Maps and Charts
To help you get the most out of each fishing trip, the Echomap has thousands of lakes and streams already installed. While you do have GPS ies to track your movement and save your route, it’s helpful to get a lay of the land before you arrive.
With these maps, you can pinpoint hot spots much more easily, which will ensure that you come home with a catch of the day. These also include charts so that you can measure everything including temperature, depth, and navionics.
Overall, you have access to a highly sophisticated system that will make tracking your next fish simpler than ever before.
Easy Mounting Bracket
Considering that not all boats are laid out the same way, it’s essential that you have options when mounting your fish finder. Also, you may want to reposition it according to your environment so that you can both protect your investment and see what’s going on while you casting the net.
Fortunately, Garmin has made the mounting process exceedingly simple with this plug and play model. Just stick it where you want it to be and then lock it into place. You should be able to move all around your boat if necessary without any problems.
Also, this means that you can remove your finder after you return so that it won’t get damaged or stolen while your boat’s at the dock.
Also Read: Garmin740S GPS Chartplotter w/Sounder Review
High-Quality Transducer
As you can tell, the Garmin Echomap is so reliable because it’s built with the best materials and specifications possible. This also includes the transducer that mounts to the bottom of your boat. With low-end fish finders, you can’t rely on the sensor to provide much in the way of clarity or reliability, but this model is much better than the competition.
As you can tell, the Garmin Echomap is so reliable because it’s built with the best materials and specifications possible. This also includes the transducer that mounts to the bottom of your boat. With low-end fish finders, you can’t rely on the sensor to provide much in the way of clarity or reliability, but this model is much better than the competition.
When comparing the Echomap to other fish finders, here is what this one has to offer. 77/200 kHz, 500-watt RMS, 2400-watts peak to peak. The DownVu also produces 455/800 kHz with 300-watt RMS power. Overall, you are getting more than enough coverage to ensure that you find exactly what you’re looking for out there.
Things We Liked
- HD screen
- Easy to use controls
- High-powered transducer included
- Quick and easy mounting capability
- Maps and navigation built-in
- Full-color display
- Sharper imaging and scanning
- Durable construction
- Fast and efficient scanning
- Quickdraw contouring for better imaging
Things We Didn’t Like
- Buttons can be a bit small for some users
- You may have to download extra maps online, depending on where you fish
FAQs
- What are screen size options available with this fish finder?
There are four different variations from which you can choose. If you want clarity and readability, we suggest either the seven or nine-inch models. Otherwise, you can get this finder with a four or five-inch screen. - How can I clean my transducer from algae and growth on it?
Because it is hard mounted to the bottom of your boat, it’s not always feasible to remove the transducer for cleaning. However, if you take it off every couple of months, you should be able to keep it relatively clean. - Does this finder work in saltwater as well?
Yes, this setup is designed for both fresh and saltwater fishing. However, as far as maps go, there are only freshwater lakes and streams installed. - Does this model display water temperature along with everything else?
Yes, it does offer temperature readings.
Final Verdict
When looking at all of the features provided with the Garmin Echomap, it’s hard to imagine that there is a better option out there for the money. We highly recommend this unit to anyone who loves to go out in fresh water.
Lakes and rivers are perfect for this particular model, but if you like to go deep sea fishing, then you might have some issues. Nonetheless, you get a lot of value with this fish finder, and there are not really any drawbacks that we’ve found.
Most users are more than satisfied with its performance, and we highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their fishing capabilities.
