10 Best Depth Finders For Boats 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a solid choice for anglers looking for a reliable depth finder with advanced features. One of its standout strengths is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which combines CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan technologies. This means you'll see detailed underwater images, making it easier to locate fish and understand structures below the surface. The high-resolution 9-inch multi-touch display is user-friendly and provides clear visuals, which is crucial when you're out on the water.

Another great aspect is the built-in GPS integration with C-MAP Contour+ charts, offering 1-foot contours on thousands of lakes. This helps you navigate to key fishing spots accurately, which is a huge advantage for any angler. Additionally, the device supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar, allowing for real-time fish tracking, which can enhance your fishing strategy.

While the Elite FS 9 is feature-rich, it might come with a learning curve for users who are new to fish finders or depth finders. Setting up networking capabilities and getting accustomed to the various sonar views could take some time. Also, consider the price point, as it may be on the higher side compared to basic models, which could be a factor for casual users or those just entering the fishing scene.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a compact and user-friendly depth finder, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize simplicity and efficiency on the water. Its 4-inch color LCD display, though small, gains an edge with vivid scanning color palettes that help in distinguishing fish and underwater structures with ease. This feature is especially beneficial for casual anglers or those new to using fish finders.

The included GT20 transducer supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar, both of which are known for providing clear and detailed images of fish and the underwater environment. This makes it a reliable tool for finding fishing spots and understanding the underwater habitat. One of the key highlights is its high-sensitivity GPS, allowing users to mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor the boat’s speed effectively.

This GPS integration is ideal for navigation and helps in planning fishing trips, although some users might miss advanced GPS features found in more sophisticated models. Built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping lets users create custom maps with 1-foot contours, which is great for personalizing maps of familiar waters, but it may not replace comprehensive preloaded maps found in higher-end devices. For its category, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv does well in providing necessary features in a compact package, making it perfect for small boat owners or those who are budget-conscious while still seeking reliable performance.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly fish finder with a 7-inch color LCD display. One of its main strengths is the vivid scanning sonar color palettes that help users easily distinguish fish and underwater structures. It includes a GT20 transducer, offering CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, which provides high-detail images of what's below your boat. This makes it easier to locate and identify fish and structures beneath the water surface.

Additionally, the high-sensitivity GPS allows for marking waypoints, creating routes, and viewing boat speed, making navigation straightforward and efficient. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature is handy as it lets you create personalized fishing maps with 1’ contours, which can be very useful for frequent fishing spots. Wi-Fi connectivity is another perk, enabling connection to the ActiveCaptain app for easy transfer of waypoints, smart notifications, and access to the Garmin Quickdraw Community for sharing maps.

However, it's worth noting that the device is operated through buttons, which might not appeal to users who prefer touchscreen interfaces. The unit is also relatively heavy at 4.4 pounds, which might be a consideration for some. Despite these drawbacks, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv's comprehensive features, especially in sonar technology and GPS integration, make it a solid choice for recreational and serious anglers looking for a reliable depth finder.