garmin echomap chirp 53dv review

Garmin Echomap CHIRP 53DV Fish Finder

Last updated on February 10th, 2024

Today, catching fish is easier than ever. The application of modern technologies resulted in the creation of such beautiful and useful devices as fish finders. We are now going to present to you one of them. Meet 53DV by Garmin, which is one of the best models of its class you can get! But what makes 53DV such a great device? In this review, we will try to give a comprehensible answer to that question. We will view its features, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as an answer to a couple of the most frequently asked questions. Let’s waste no more time and words and get started with our Garmin EchoMAP CHIRP 53DV review!

Garmin EchoMAP CHIRP 53DV Review-in Details

Transducer

When we do our EchoMAP Chirp 53dv review, we make sure that we include it all. At the very base of the great performance of 53DV is the GT22-TM transducer. It operates at 200/77/50 kHz, which will allow you to get a clear image of what is going on beneath your boat.

The default transducer’s wattage is 500W RMS and 4000W PTP. These allow for a max depth of 2300ft at 77 kHz in freshwater and 1100ft at 77 kHz in saltwater. Overall, this transducer makes 53DV ideal for both large areas and big depths.

If you want something more than that, you can get the optional ClearVü transducer, which supports 800/455/260 kHz.

This sonar transducer will deliver exceptionally high-detailed images in large areas!

Both transducers feature water temperature log and graph as well as allow you to record sonar data and rewind it when necessary.

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GPS & Cartography

The GPS unit of 53DV is one of the best in its class. It operates on 5 Hz and updates position and heading 5 times per second. With precise GPS, you can easily and accurately paddle to your waypoints.

Speaking of waypoints, 53DV allows you to add 5000 custom waypoints and 100 routes. In addition, its track log supports up to 50,000 points and 50 saved tracks. You can transfer them all to your Garmin Chartplotter regardless of the model and manufacturer of your fish finder.

Another noteworthy feature of 53DV is its preloaded cartography. The preinstalled LakeVü HD Maps include over 17,000 US lakes, rivers, and water reservoirs, which is more than double the number of any competitor. LakeVü is capable of providing you with detailed data on underwater features, highways, roads, bridges, designated fishing areas, docks, boat ramps, marinas, and compounds.

Besides the quality preloaded maps, 53DV allows you to create your own HD maps. Quickdraw Contours easy-to-use and free software come preinstalled on this fish finder. With it, you will be able to create personalized maps with 1ft contours. Unlike most mapping software, you don’t have to wait or send files. Create your maps as you fish!

At last, you can upload the best Garmin maps via your microSD card, which you can get by purchasing BlueChart g2 or BlueChart g2 Vision.

Display

But the UI of this fish finder is conveniently and properly sized, which compensates for the smaller size of the display. Besides, 5 inches is actually much better than 4! So if you are not particularly looking for a fish finder with a huge screen, the 5-inch 53DV will be a nice pick.

Controls

As for the keypad, it features a quick selector allowing you to conveniently switch between your menus and settings. A significant drawback of such design is that typing the names of waypoints is quite difficult.

Although that is a common design feature of modern fish finders, you should keep in mind that you might have some difficulties with the selector. Otherwise, the controls offer a pretty standard level of comfort. If you want something more convenient, only a touchscreen would be able to satisfy you.

Pros

  • Pretty balanced default transducer as well as detail-oriented sonar transducer for your choice.
  • Spots fish at depth of 2300ft @ 77 kHz in freshwater and 1100ft @ 77 kHz in saltwater.
  • The best-in-class GPS unit delivers quick and precise location and heading data.
  • Preloaded LakeVü HD Maps with high-res maps of US lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
  • Quickdraw Contours allows you to create your own HD maps on the go.
  • You can purchase Garmin’s best maps to enhance your experience.
  • Quality color display.
  • Convenient keypad with a menu selector.
  • 1-year limited warranty.

Cons

  • Smallish display.
  • The menu selector will be inconvenient for typing texts.
  • If you are going to get the better sonar transducer and enhanced maps, you will need to expand your budget quite a bit.
  • All the preloaded maps are pretty much pointless if you live outside the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the default transducer mounted on the transom or a thru-hull?

It is specifically designed to be mounted on the transom. Such a method of installation is more clear and allows you to read the temperature, unlike the thru-hull installation.

We do not recommend you to install this model anywhere except for the transom. If you want a thru-hull or an in-hull transducer, you should check Garmin’s other models. Don’t forget to make sure that it is compatible with 53DV.

Do LakeVü HD Maps include the US coastal areas?

No, they come with inland water bodies of the United States. If you want to have coastal maps, you can buy the Blue Chart g2 maps.

What kind of SD cards work with this fish finder?

It accepts regular-sized SD cards. If you are going to buy a mini SD or a micro SD card, it probably won’t be a problem as there should be an adapted coming with them.

Conclusion

That concludes our ultimate Garmin EchoMAP Chirp 53dv review. Do you now see what makes Garmin 53DV such a great fishfinder? It has a pretty balanced transducer, best-in-class GPS, preloaded quality maps of the US inland water bodies, and convenient display & key panel. If that’s not enough for you, you can go for the more high-frequency transducer and expand your collection of maps. Were all these quite enough to convince you that this model is the best for you? If so, stop waiting and go buy a Garmin 53DV for yourself!

You can also read our Garmin striker 4 review!

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