Lowrance Mark-4 CHIRP 83/200+455/800
The most budget chartplotter in our review will be a model with a monochrome screen Lowrance Mark-4 CHIRP , which, like the other devices in the article, comes with a transducer.
The device itself is small, with a 4.3-inch display, which is ideal for small ships and motor boats that travel quite an impressive distance from the shore for a walk or casting gear.
The device accurately determines the location of the vessel and works with routes, so you can remember the required course for subsequent repetition. The chartplotter can save specific points, such as fishing spots, that you would like to return to in the future. Scanning the underwater space is carried out very accurately - you will have a complete picture of the bottom and schools of fish in real time.
Lowrance ELITE-4 CHIRP 83/200+455/800
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Lowrance ELITE-4 CHIRP model is similar to the previous device, but only with a color display. Otherwise, both the GPS search module and the transducer are identical in quality of work and functionality. It should be noted that working with a color display is still more convenient - it clearly shows geographic elements on the map and makes it easier to navigate using echo sounder data.
A simple software interface in Russian is the key highlight of Lawrence chartplotters, so even if you have no experience working with this type of device, it will not be difficult to understand their functionality and capabilities.
A Brief Review of the Best Lowrance Models
Hook Reveal 5 HDI 83/200
The Reveal series is a direct continuation of the Hook2 series devices. The design remains unchanged, but there are several new and important features. First of all, it is worth noting the Genesis Live mapping function. Previously, it was available in the older Elite Ti2 and HDS, but also in competitors such as Garmin Striker. Now, all you need to do is install a microS card and the depth map will begin recording in real time.
Also one of the key features is FishReveal. Objects from 2D scanning mode are displayed in highly detailed DownScan images. Besides this, split display modes, powerful 83/200 455/800 sensor and much more.
Elite-7Ti2
The Elite Ti2 line is representative of the middle segment. The devices have some premium functions and technologies, but not the full set, limited by the relative budget of the device. The Elite-7 Ti2 has a 7-inch touchscreen display and comes with a 3-in-1 Active Imaging sensor. Thus, it has simultaneous support for Wide Scan, DownScan and SideScan.
Network capabilities allow you to connect a trolling motor, link the device to an outboard motor to output data to a chartplotter, and much more. One of the key features is the ability to link two Elite Ti2 devices over a WiFi network.
Hook2-4x GPS
Lowrance's most budget-friendly fish finder of all, not counting a similar model without GPS. The small display is an advantage for small PVC boats. At the same time, the fish finder is incredibly easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Built-in GPS allows you to save your driving track as well as waypoints.
Echolocation capabilities are quite simplified to broadband scanning of 200 kHz. However, these capabilities are enough to view depth, water temperature and, most importantly, search for fish.
HDS-9 Live
A true giant in the world of echo sounders. A device that is key in building a maritime network. In order to list all its capabilities, we don’t even have two articles. But the main features of the echo sounder can be highlighted, including support for 3D scanning technology, support for high-power AIRMAR sensors, as well as support for a dual range echo sounder. By connecting external echolocation modules, you can ensure the operation of as many sensors as you need.
Networking opportunities also have almost no boundaries. Connecting an autopilot, radar, trolling motor, NAIS collision avoidance system, multimedia system, a combination of several displays, displaying a smartphone image on a chartplotter and much more.
Lowrance Elite-5 Chirp 83/200+455/800kHz
Lowrance Elite-5 x Chirp chartplotter is a device for professionals and is suitable for medium displacement vessels.
The device works perfectly in both fresh and sea water, but in this case there is a nuance: the scanning depth of the transducer in salt water will be half as much as in river water and will reach 300 meters, which in any case is a very good indicator.
The presented chartplotter model is equipped with a five-inch color screen, divided into several parts, thus providing simultaneous display of both the map and the results of underwater scanning. Thanks to the large scanning depth, it is possible to monitor changes in bottom bends and prevent the risk of collision with underwater objects. Of course, the fish are shown both as scattered individuals and in schools of varying sizes.
Chartplotter or echo sounder
What you need to know when choosing an echo sounder For safe travel on the water, an echo sounder with GPS function with a display of at least 6 inches is sufficient. But if you have free funds, it is better to purchase a chartplotter with an echo sounder function with a display of at least 6 inches.
Read this article for a detailed review. Today you will see a fish finder in the arsenal of many fishermen. Many people claim that using a fish finder allows you to catch a lot more fish, and we tend to agree. Echo sounders are presented on the market in a wide variety of models, from the simplest, allowing you to see the bottom topography and water temperature, to powerful devices equipped with a chartplotter for reading maps and recording sonar information, allowing you to create complex integrated systems that include radar and autopilot. The information an angler receives from his sonar is invaluable and is usually the deciding factor when choosing a fishing spot. With an echo sounder, you will catch fish, rather than spend all day searching for a potential fishing spot. When choosing your fish finder, take the time to determine as accurately as possible the list of features and technologies you need. Our goal is to help you find the fish finder or chartplotter that best fits your needs and budget.
1. What do you need to know when choosing a fish finder and chartplotter?
With so many models available, it is difficult to make the right choice. In order to find the best one for you, you need to decide. This will help narrow your search and give you a starting point to start comparing different models.
a) Echo sounder
-fish-finding system. The more expensive, the larger the display and more functions.
Most fish finders are equipped with dual-frequency transducers that provide excellent images of bottom structure and fish. Ideal for river and lake fishing, most have a Fish ID feature that displays fish on the display as depth-indicating symbols. Also, echo sounders of this type have the necessary number of functions and settings, in some cases, additional scanning technology (Down Imaging), allowing you to use the echo sounder with maximum efficiency. Some echo sounders allow you to connect an additional GPS receiver, which will allow you to save routes and favorite fishing spots in the echo sounder’s memory - this is just what you need for hiking.
b) Echo sounder + GPS module
-fish-finding system + saving the route.
This is the minimum set of required functions. As the boat moves, the path is recorded. And now you don’t need to be afraid when returning home, which channel you walked, where the driftwood stuck out of the water, where the shallows are, and it doesn’t matter that a beautiful but inappropriate and bright sunset is shining in your eyes. You have a path along which you can always return home safely. As a rule, you need a display of at least six inches. These echo sounders, as a rule, have high performance combined with a wide coverage angle and low cost. They have proven themselves to be excellent in various fishing conditions, including winter fishing. Most fish finders are equipped with dual-frequency transducers that provide excellent images of bottom structure and fish. Ideal for river and lake fishing, most have a Fish ID feature that displays fish on the display as depth-indicating symbols. Also, echo sounders of this type have the necessary number of functions and settings, in some cases, additional scanning technology (Down Imaging), allowing you to use the echo sounder with maximum efficiency
c) Chartplotter with echo sounder function
This type of echo sounder is the most popular among experienced fishermen. The presence of a GPS receiver and a slot for memory cards can significantly expand the capabilities of the echo sounder. The chartplotter allows you to get a powerful navigation system, with the ability to plot a route and use navigation maps (Navionics, C-Map, etc.), which significantly increases the safety of navigation. Typically, chartplotters are equipped with more powerful sonar, using additional scanning technologies such as Down Imaging and Side Imaging, and the ability to record sonar and navigation information for later use. Most chart plotters allow you to find fishing spots, buoys, wrecks, anchorages and, most importantly, allow you to safely return to your starting point. The chartplotter allows you to display several windows with the necessary information on the display simultaneously. Fish finders/chartplotters come in a wide price range and are generally the most popular and best solution for most anglers. I bought a chartplotter, buy maps (the base map does not always reflect the location where you are)
2. What to choose: echo sounder or chart plotter.
An echo sounder without a GPS function is needed by those who fish not far from the parking lot. But when you have to walk a lot along channels, branches, side rivers, navigation is needed, albeit in a limited way, but it is needed. Therefore, we will leave echo sounders without GPS to those who fish at home.
An echo sounder with a GPS function is the minimum set of necessary functions, and since maps for a chartplotter are not always available to buy, it remains the most popular among those who like to travel and fish.
A chartplotter with an echo sounder function is quite expensive but a very useful and necessary device. If it is possible to spend an additional amount of money without compromising the family budget, then this is something that will delight you throughout the entire trip.
3. Leading manufacturers
Garmin
With Garmin
are the easiest to figure out since they have the fewest episodes. You can choose devices from 4 to 9 inches. The 4" and 5" devices only offer CHIRP and ClearVu (down scan). The 7-inch and 9-inch models, in turn, also offer SideVu (side scanning). The GPS in Garmin devices is incredibly accurate and you can easily draw your own maps. However, when it comes to maps, the models do not support C-Map and Navionics nautical cartography compared to competitors. You can create and rely on waypoints to create your own routes. And also move along a track that is registered automatically, which allows you to navigate in unknown areas. All modern models of chart plotters with echo sounders are reliable navigation devices that make the fisherman’s life much easier. The main feature of Garmin devices is high quality and accuracy of navigation. This allows you to always clearly determine your location and find your way home. Each model can communicate via Wi-Fi with a smartphone or tablet. For this purpose, a special Active Capitan application has been developed, which makes it possible to download and manage maps, plot routes and remember points. The echo sounder sensor is of high quality and has the ability to scan the bottom topography well. All received information is clearly displayed on the display in real time, and the fisherman has the ability to fine-tune the picture displayed on the screen.
Garmin echo sounders with GPS function VIEW HERE Chartplotters with Garmin echo sounder function VIEW HERE
Lowrance
Lowrance has many features. Their products range from small 4-inch units to huge 16-inch units. You get all sorts of features depending on the size and model. Generally, the entry-level series with small screens have bottom scanning and CHIRP, while larger and more advanced devices come with side imaging and other features. The initial Hook2 series has push-button controls, but the older series have high-resolution and brightness touch displays. You may notice that most of the functionality is present in models with a diagonal of 7 inches or more. Larger models offer the same functionality, just with a larger screen. Since the launch of the first consumer fish finder, the Little Green Box, in 1957, Lowrance has been one of the leaders in marine electronics. Over the many years of production, the company has never deviated from its goal of enabling fishermen to find and catch more fish. Currently, the Lowrance company produces a huge line of echo sounders and chart plotters that can satisfy the most demanding user.
Lowrance echo sounders with GPS function VIEW HERE Lowrance chartplotters with echo sounder function VIEW HERE You can always buy the equipment you need on our website at Garmin and Lowrance prices.
Lowrance Elite-4x CHIRP 83/200+455/800 kHz
Lowrance Elite-4 x CHIRP fish finder is ideal for use on small boats and inflatables.
The device can be powered either from the on-board network or from a portable battery for echo sounders . It will accurately determine the location of fish in the area, even without regard to any underwater obstacles or natural shelters.
Additional features
If you plan to use the yacht in areas difficult for navigation, then it is worth connecting a radar station and an additional navigation system (AIS) to the MFD, but on a small vessel this is not necessary for everyone and not everywhere. But adding a navigation echo sounder to your chartplotter is extremely useful. Many novice boaters do not know that an echo sounder, which shows vertical depth, serves as an additional navigation aid and helps determine the vessel’s location when the main system has failed or is not working correctly. In addition, the echo sounder becomes an indispensable tool when anchoring, and the anchor watch function with a simple and user-friendly interface is very useful in the chartplotter.
