Garmin Echomap UHD2 93SV with GT56 Transducer Review

Brand: Garmin | Series: Echomap Series | Model: 5CV | Our Score: 4.1/5

The Garmin Echomap UHD2 93sv is a 9″ Fish Finder/Chartplotter with a GT56UHD-TM Transducer and Garmin Navionics+® US Inland Mapping, high-resolution 1024 x 600 pixels display available on the market.

It is compatible with livescopes, offers wireless sharing with UHD2 units, and provides a full-boat network.

The Echomap UHD2 93sv comes preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ contour maps, which offer 44,000 lake maps, many with 1-foot contours.

You can upgrade to Garmin Navionics Vision+ in two ways: by downloading an update or using an SD card.

This upgrade adds more lakes with 1′ contours, relief shading, and other high-end mapping layers. The navigation system allows users to highlight depth zones using shallow water shading and depth range shading.

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56 Transducer
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56 Transducer, 9" Touchscreen Chartplotter, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland

The device has 1 MicroSD slot and offers mapping options such as preloaded Navionics+ contours and Quickdraw live mapping.

At just a few hundred dollars more than the 73sv, it’s a worthwhile upgrade for smart anglers.

In this article, we will review Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56 Transducer, Specifications, Key Features, Pros, Cons, and FAQs

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV Specifications

SpecificationsGarmin Echomap UHD2 93SV with GT56
Dimension10.4″ x 6.5″ x 3.2″ (26.4 x 16.6 x 8.0 cm)
Weight2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
WaterproofIPX7
TouchscreenYes
Display TypeWSVGA, TN
Display Size7.8″ x 4.5″, 9.0″ (19.8 x 11.5 cm, 22.9 cm)
Display Resolution1024 x 600 pixels
Mounting OptionsBail or flush
InputTouchscreen with Keyed Assist
Accepts Data Cards1 microSD™ card; 32 GB maximum size
Waypoints5,000
Track Points50,000
Tracks50 saved tracks
Navigation Routes100
GPSYes
GlonassYes
GalileoYes
BeidouYes
Has Built-In ReceiverYes
Receiver10 Hz
NMEA 2000 CompatibleYes
Supports WAASYes
Supports Multi-Band, Multi-Constellation GPSYes
Built-In Auto Guidance+yes (downloadable via ActiveCaptain app)
Garmin Navionics+ Inland & Coastalyes (see Additional)
Garmin Navionics+ (Coastal)yes (see Additional)
Garmin Navionics+ (Inland)yes (see Additional)
Tide Tablesyes (see Additional)
Bluechart G3Yes
Bluechart G3 VisionYes
Lakevü G3Yes
Lakevü G3 UltraYes
Garmin Navionics+™Yes
Garmin Navionics Vision+™Yes
Topo 100kYes
Standard MappingYes
Garmin Quickdraw ContoursYes
AISYes
DSCYes
Supports Fusion-Link™ Compatible RadiosYes
Activecaptain® CompatibleYes
Sailing FeaturesYes
Power Input9 to 18 Vdc
Typical Current Draw AT 12 VDC1.72 A
Maximum Current Draw AT 12 VDC3.5 A
Maximum Power Usage AT 10 VDC20.7W
Displays SonarYes
Power Output500 W
Traditional Sonar (Dual Frequency/Beam)built-in (single channel CHIRP, 50/77/83/200 kHz, L, M, H CHIRP)
Clearvübuilt-in 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz
Sidevübuilt-in 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz
Panoptix™ SonarYes
LivescopeYes
NMEA 2000® PortsYes
Garmin Marine Network Ports1
12-Pin Transducer Ports1
Bluetooth® PairingYes
Ant+ (Connectivity)Yes
Garmin Wi-Fi Network (Local Connection)Yes

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV Features

Robust Design and High-Resolution Display

  • Dimensions and Durability: Measuring 10.4″ x 6.5″ x 3.2″ and weighing 2.9 lbs, it’s both sturdy and portable.
  • Water Resistance: An IPX7 rating ensures it can withstand splashes and brief submersion.
  • Crystal-Clear Display: The 9-inch touchscreen boasts a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution, offering crisp and clear imagery.

Advanced Sonar Technology

  • GT56 Transducer Excellence: Delivers high-definition scanning with traditional CHIRP, as well as ClearVü and SideVü technologies for a comprehensive view beneath and around the boat.
  • Powerful Performance: With a 500 W output, it penetrates deep waters, enhancing fish detection capabilities.

Enhanced Navigation and Mapping

  • Accurate GPS System: Integrates multiple satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Beidou) for precise location tracking.
    Ample Storage for
  • Waypoints and Routes: Stores up to 5,000 waypoints and 50,000 track points, crucial for marking fishing hotspots.

User-Friendly Interface and Connectivity

  • Easy-to-Navigate Interface: The touchscreen with keyed assist simplifies operation, making it accessible even for beginners.
  • Expanded Connectivity: Features NMEA 2000® and Garmin Marine Network ports, Bluetooth®, ANT+, and Wi-Fi for seamless integration with various devices and networks.

Practical Mounting and Power Usage

  • Flexible Mounting Options: Choose between bail or flush mounting for convenience.
  • Efficient Power Consumption: Operates on 9 to 18 Vdc, with a typical current draw at 12 VDC of 1.72 A.

Extended Coverage with Garmin Navionics+

Garmin Navionics+ (Inland and Coastal):

The 95sv model, designed for users in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, offers comprehensive mapping of both inland and coastal waters. This feature is invaluable for anglers who traverse diverse water bodies, providing detailed charts for a wide range of fishing environments.

Garmin Navionics+ (Coastal):

The 94sv U.S. coastal and 95sv UK/Ireland models cater specifically to coastal areas, offering detailed marine cartography. Ideal for sea anglers, these models provide critical navigation information for coastal waters, ensuring safety and enhanced fishing opportunities.

Garmin Navionics+ (Inland):

The 93sv U.S. lakes version is tailored for freshwater anglers, with an emphasis on U.S. inland water bodies. This specialized mapping aids in locating fish habitats in lakes, making it a perfect companion for inland fishing expeditions.

Tide Tables Integration

Models with Tide Tables: The inclusion of tide tables in the 93sv, 94sv, and 95sv models is a significant boon for anglers. Understanding tidal movements is crucial for coastal fishing, as it affects fish behavior. These models provide real-time tidal data, allowing anglers to plan their trips according to the most promising fishing times.

Pros:

  • 9-inch high-definition touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution for clear visuals.
  • Advanced sonar with traditional CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü for detailed underwater imaging.
  • Integrated GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou systems for precise location tracking.
  • Preloaded Garmin Navionics+ maps for comprehensive coverage of inland and coastal areas.
  • IPX7 water-resistant build, durable for marine environments.
  • Flexible mounting options with both bail and flush mount compatibility.
  • NMEA 2000, Garmin Marine Network, Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Efficient power usage with a typical current draw of 1.72 A at 12 VDC.

Cons:

  • While the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv offers advanced functionalities, it presents a steep learning curve for beginners and comes at a premium price point.
Check Price

FAQs on Garmin Echomap UHD2 93sv Chartplotter

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv stands out for its exceptional fish-finding efficiency. It integrates advanced features like high-frequency range for detailed side and down scans and is compatible with Livescope. This makes it an excellent choice for anglers seeking precision and user-friendliness in their fishing expeditions.
For cost-conscious anglers, timing the purchase of the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv can lead to significant savings. Retailers like Cabelas and Bass Pro often offer considerable discounts during sales events, particularly around Black Friday, making it a prime time to invest in this advanced fish finder.
While both the GT54 and GT56 transducers are equipped with Traditional CHIRP, Clear Vu, and Side Vu, the GT56 is notably superior for deep water applications. Its enhanced capabilities make it a preferred choice for deep water anglers who require more detailed sonar imaging.
Interference from trolling motors is a known issue with the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv. To alleviate this, it’s crucial to separate the depthfinder’s wiring from the trolling motor’s battery. Utilizing any provided noise filters can also significantly diminish interference, ensuring a clearer and more reliable sonar reading.
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv’s NMEA 2000 connectivity allows for potential integration with various marine electronics systems. It’s important to verify compatibility for seamless functionality across different devices.
A cost-effective yet high-performing alternative to the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv is the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv with Bluechart 3G charts. This model offers comparable features at a price point similar to lower-end models from other brands, ensuring value without compromising on quality.
If you’re experiencing dark and narrow side imaging on the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, it could be due to several factors. Speed, water depth, and frequency settings play a crucial role. In deeper water (like 17 feet), using a higher frequency (1000kHz) may not provide the best results. Adjusting the contrast and brightness can help, but exploring lower frequencies or reducing speed might offer a clearer image.
The bottom composition of the body of water can significantly impact the quality of side imaging. Soft bottoms tend to absorb sonar signals, leading to darker images. In contrast, harder surfaces like riprap provide stronger returns. It’s beneficial to test the unit over different bottom types to determine if this is influencing the imaging quality.
Yes, the speed of the boat can affect side imaging clarity. Moving too fast, especially in deeper water, might result in poorer sonar returns. For optimal imaging, it’s advisable to maintain a moderate speed, particularly when navigating deeper areas.
The positioning and angle of the transducer are crucial for accurate side imaging. If the transducer is tilted or becomes loosened, it can affect the sonar’s ability to capture clear images. Regular checks and adjustments of the transducer’s positioning can ensure optimal performance.
When adjusting frequencies on the ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, note that lower frequencies like 800Hz typically offer a wider range but may reduce detail. The choice of frequency should balance the need for range and clarity based on water depth and the type of structure being scanned.
The depth of water plays a critical role in the effective range of side imaging. A useful rule is to subtract the water depth from the set width of the side imaging. For instance, with a setting of 100 feet on each side and a depth of 26 feet, the effective range might be around 75-80 feet.
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 models have notable upgrades over the UHD series. These include enhanced GPS capabilities with GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou support, Bluetooth® pairing, ANT connectivity, and a Garmin Wi-Fi network for local connections. They also feature higher screen resolution, a broader CHIRP frequency range, and improved built-in mapping.
The 93SV UHD2 has a higher screen resolution compared to the 93SV UHD. However, there’s no clear evidence of a significant improvement in processor speed or responsiveness. Users might not notice a major difference in the screen’s responsiveness between these two models.
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 units cannot be networked with the regular UHD units. The UHD2 models lack a network port, featuring only a power cord and a 4-pin transducer connection. This limits their compatibility with certain accessories like Livescope (LS).
Yes, there are differences in networking capabilities among the UHD2 models based on size. For instance, the 9-inch model has an Ethernet port, whereas the 5 and 7-inch models do not, affecting their networking capabilities and accessory compatibility.
It is advisable to consider the UHD2 over the UHD model, especially since the UHD line might be phased out, similar to previous Garmin product cycles. The UHD2 offers more advanced features and is likely to receive longer support and updates.
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 models feature a 10Hz GPS receiver, an improvement over the 5Hz receiver in the older UHD models. This upgrade enhances the accuracy and responsiveness of the GPS functionality.

Related: Garmin Echomap Plus 44cv Review | Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv Review | Garmin Echomap Ultra 122sv Review

Conclusion

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv is the best fish finder with a 9-inch high-definition display, sonar capabilities, GPS accuracy, and detailed Garmin Navionics+ maps. It features CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü, multiple satellite systems, and is water-resistant (IPX7) for marine use. The device offers versatile mounting options, NMEA 2000 and Wi-Fi connectivity, and efficient power consumption.

Gary Burrell

Chief Content Writer and Reviewer at Garmin Fish Finders.us

Born in 1989, Gary Burrell is an Electrical Engineering graduate from the University of Tennessee. With 20+ years of experience, he has transitioned from engineering roles to becoming the Chief Content Editor. Gary’s unique blend of technical knowledge and editorial expertise has made him an essential figure in content creation, ensuring clarity and accuracy. His journey from an engineer to an editor showcases his adaptability and commitment to continuous learning.

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