10 Best Depth Finders For Boats 2025 in the United States

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.

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 ECHOMAP UHD 93sv is a high-performance depth finder suitable for serious anglers and boat enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the bright, 9-inch touchscreen that's easy to read even in direct sunlight, combined with keyed assist for quick operation. The inclusion of the GT56UHD-TM transducer is a big plus, as it supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar, providing great detail and range for identifying fish and underwater structures. The vivid color palettes also make it easier to distinguish between different targets and structures underwater.

Preloaded with LakeVü g3 inland maps covering over 18,000 lakes with detailed 1-foot contours, the unit is highly useful for navigation and fishing in U.S. waters. The device supports sharing sonar, mapping, and user data with other ECHOMAP units, making it versatile for those with multiple Garmin devices. Additionally, the integration with NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 networks allows for autopilot and engine data integration, enhancing its functionality.

The quick-release bail mount makes it easy to move the unit between boats or for storage. However, the unit's weight of 8 pounds might be a bit heavy for some users, and its price point could be a consideration for those on a budget. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv excels in providing comprehensive sonar and navigation features, making it an excellent choice for dedicated anglers and boating enthusiasts looking for advanced depth finding capabilities.