Garmin GPS deal at West Marine - Is this a decent unit at a decent price?

[Fishful Thinking]

Hey Everyone,

Looking to replace our GPS/Fishfinder and saw this deal at West Marine (thegpsstore.com has a similar deal listed as a "special buy") Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this unit with the GT56 transducer? Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

https://www.westmarine.com/garmin-echomap-uhd-94sv-chartpotter-fishfinder-combo-with-gt56-transducer-and-bluechart-g3-coastal-charts-20154035.html

[Fishgriller]

In 2021 I bought the 94sv but at that time it was paired with gt54 transducer, so can't speak for the GT56.  Love  unit, works great and has been flawless. This year I upgraded the maps to Navionics vision+, it has high definition relief shading.  It is amazing.

[christianbrat]

If you ever go radar you will need a gpsmap unit fyi

[Threeweight]

I had an older version of the same unit as a backup sonar/secondary chart plotter on my old Hewes, but ran it with the GT51 transducer.  It was a simple, easy to use unit and the chartplotter function worked really well (even my technology-challenged finish carpenter fishing buddy could operate it).  It was pretty cheaply made vs. the GPS Map units (all plastic, no heat sink) but it is 1/2 the price.

It is limited by the head unit's 500 watt power output for transducers, and it can only be networked with other Echomap head units (it can share NMEA 2000 data with higher end Garmin stuff/stuff of other brands, but nothing more advanced). 

All in all, mine was a great little backup unit with an awesome screen and maps.  The only downside in that package is the GT-56 transducer, which is geared more towards bass fishing in shallower (less than 200') waters. It only has 350 watts of power, so I would not expect it to do great at marking fish in deeper saltwater applications.

[DARice]

I have that unit with the GT54 and have upgraded the maps with relief shading. It has been a great unit for my needs. I also like that the head unit is easily removed. That said, as soon as I get radar, it's obsolete.

[davidsea]

 

 I'm really happy with mine, don't need or want radar, and the super-quick removal without unplugging or unscrewing anything is one of its best features.......unless, of course, you're forgetful....

[fishmeister]

I have the 73 version of this (with GT54) and it works great for me.  I don't have any plans to add radar, so I'm not worried about that.

Do note the model numbers...The first digit is the screen size (I have the 7" screen).  Get the biggest screen that you have room for.  The second number is the map package that is included.  The "3" (which I have) is the "LakeVue" version.  Excellent lake maps, but lousy bay/saltwater maps.  I ended up paying extra to subscribe to the Coastal Charts.  The "4" indicates the Coastal Charts are included.  You probably want this version.

As noted by others, the "quick removal" feature is quite nice.  During the season, I just unsnap the head from the bracket and stow it away, then snap it back in for use.  During the winter storage season, I unplug the cables and remove the whole base from the boat.

[Fishful Thinking]

Thanks everyone! I am not interested in radar, so no concerns there. I was looking specifically at the "94" for the 9 inch screen and coastal charts as I mostly fish Puget Sound and occasionally the San Juans/Straights. I am curious about the transducer now and I am wondering if there is a better transducer option for the Puget Sound or if the GT56 will still function well enough for most of my applications. I really appreciate everyone's input. FYI, it looks like it is sold out at West Marine, but the GPS store has a similar deal at a similar price point.

[Fishgriller]

Thanks everyone! I am not interested in radar, so no concerns there. I was looking specifically at the "94" for the 9 inch screen and coastal charts as I mostly fish Puget Sound and occasionally the San Juans/Straights. I am curious about the transducer now and I am wondering if there is a better transducer option for the Puget Sound or if the GT56 will still function well enough for most of my applications. I really appreciate everyone's input. FYI, it looks like it is sold out at West Marine, but the GPS store has a similar deal at a similar price point.

I spend most of my fishing in areas 6,7 and 9 and the GT54 works very well for me.  I've read that Garmin price controls its authorized vendors, so when there is a sale, the prices are the same.  In mounting the unit, o wanted it a bit higher so that I do not look at the screen through the steering wheel when I'm seated at the helm, so I put a 2" thick starboard in between the dash and the mounting.  I brought the mounting template to TAP plastics and they cut the starboard for me.

[RileyS13]

If it isn't too late, DON'T BUY GARMIN! If I hadn't spent so much time on the install, I'd consider throwing the Echomap 73 in the trash and writing off the cost. This is quite possibly the most non-intuitive piece of electronics I've dealt with since DOS. The manual is next to useless. Plan to spend hours on youtube or other websites if you've already bought it. Sorry if this comes too late.

[christianbrat]

If it isn't too late, DON'T BUY GARMIN! If I hadn't spent so much time on the install, I'd consider throwing the Echomap 73 in the trash and writing off the cost. This is quite possibly the most non-intuitive piece of electronics I've dealt with since DOS. The manual is next to useless. Plan to spend hours on youtube or other websites if you've already bought it. Sorry if this comes too late.

if you want a hand with it let me know. Been using garmin for 5+ years and it's been great to me.

[Fishful Thinking]

If it isn't too late, DON'T BUY GARMIN! If I hadn't spent so much time on the install, I'd consider throwing the Echomap 73 in the trash and writing off the cost. This is quite possibly the most non-intuitive piece of electronics I've dealt with since DOS. The manual is next to useless. Plan to spend hours on youtube or other websites if you've already bought it. Sorry if this comes too late.

.
Not too late, but I am still looking at a similar bundle from thegpsstore.com. I have used various Garmin products in the past with good results. I don't mind putting in the time to really learn how to use the unit. I still have my older Lowrance unit for a backup/secondary unit. But, thanks for your input! I value all opinions, good or bad.

[RileyS13]

If it isn't too late, DON'T BUY GARMIN! If I hadn't spent so much time on the install, I'd consider throwing the Echomap 73 in the trash and writing off the cost. This is quite possibly the most non-intuitive piece of electronics I've dealt with since DOS. The manual is next to useless. Plan to spend hours on youtube or other websites if you've already bought it. Sorry if this comes too late.

.
Not too late, but I am still looking at a similar bundle from thegpsstore.com. I have used various Garmin products in the past with good results. I don't mind putting in the time to really learn how to use the unit. I still have my older Lowrance unit for a backup/secondary unit. But, thanks for your input! I value all opinions, good or bad.

Good Luck! If you're already familiar with Garmin's quirks, you're miles ahead of me. Hope you find a great deal!

[croaker stroker]

Just like my wife's new Subaru, all of these newer MFDs come with a difficult learning curve for old people. 

[RileyS13]

Just like my wife's new Subaru, all of these newer MFDs come with a difficult learning curve for old people.

I like to think that's not the case, but....  

On the other hand, even the tech support guy had to seek help for the function that errantly shut down the unit and it turned out to be a not quite fully deleted function for use with the old homeport software.

[croaker stroker]

Just like my wife's new Subaru, all of these newer MFDs come with a difficult learning curve for old people.

I like to think that's not the case, but....  

On the other hand, even the tech support guy had to seek help for the function that errantly shut down the unit and it turned out to be a not quite fully deleted function for use with the old homeport software.

I just use the features I can use. The features I can't use... I just don't use those.