While advancement in the field of marine electronics is moving quickly, it might seem like much of it is focused on equipment designed for boats over 30 feet in length. This year, however, many of these refinements are becoming incorporated into smaller units suitable for boats as small as 20 feet or less.
A prime example of this trickle-down effect is the new EchoMap UHD series from Garmin ($499.99 to $1,149.99; garmin.com/marine). The series includes small- to midsize combo models with advanced features such as built-in support for Garmin’s Ultra-High-Definition scanning sonar and Panoptix Livescope. The 6-, 7- and 9-inch models are available with preloaded BlueChart g3 charts with integrated Navionics data.
This series includes the EchoMap “sv” combo units in 7- and 9-inch keyed-assist touchscreen color displays. Each includes a transducer for high-wide chirp, and UHD ClearVu and SideVu scanning sonar. The new “cv” combos are available with 6-inch keyed or 7-inch keyed-assist touchscreens. All models feature NMEA 2000 networking and have built-in Wi-Fi for downloading charts and software updates.
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This series is also compatible with Garmin’s new high-resolution relief-shading bathymetry feature in the BlueChart g3 Vision and LakeVu g3 Ultra charts. Available in optional accessory cards and downloads ($249.99 to $499.99), the charts’ high-resolution relief shading combines color and shadow to paint the ocean floor and lake beds in vivid detail.
Vision charts also include satellite imagery that provides a realistic view of the surroundings. Unique 3D views, including MarinerEye and FishEye, provide perspectives both above and below the waterline. Aerial photography shows detail of many harbors and marinas, which can be useful when entering unfamiliar ports.
