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This post is intended to clear up some confusion about the different Garmin fish finder models available and share a few things about networking different models, etc.

Note: I'm not including several models and will focus on the most common applications we see in our area.

If you have any questions please put them in the comments below so we can add to this post!

Q: What model do I need to be able to display on an external monitor, such as in my Snobear or Fish House?

You'll need a model with HDMI output.

• GPSMap 8610 or 8610XSV (10" Screen) - The 86 series units have the fastest processor.
• GPSMap 8612 or 8612XSV (12" Screen)
• GPSMAP 1243 or 1243XSV (12" Screen) - Most popular models in Snobear setups.
• Echomap Ultra 2 16" (16" Screen)

If you do not need to display on an external screen, our most popular models are the Garmin Echomap Ultra 2 126 SV (12" Screen) and Garmin Echomap Ultra 2 106 SV (10" Screen) units.

Something to note here: One reason we highly recommend a 10" or 12" over a 9" isn't just due to screen size... 9" and below models in the Echomap series only have one networking port. 10" and above have two networking ports. 

Q: What does the "XSV" mean versus non-XSV models?

XSV means the unit has built in sonar capabilities that include side imaging, down imaging or ClearVu scanning, and traditional sonar. Non XSV models do not have a port to plug in a transducer. 

Non XSV models will work with Livescope though, as Livescope works via networking. So to clarify: if you ever plan on adding a transducer to your boat for side imaging/down imaging/ or 2d sonar, you need to have an XSV model. 

If you only plan on utilizing the unit for Livescope or mapping you do not need the XSV unit. 

Q: Can I network a GPSMap unit to an EchoMap unit to share data or sonar ?

Nope. You can't take your GPSMap out of your Snobear for example and put it at the console of your boat and have it linked to an EchoMap at the bow. Unfortunately they are not compatible between the two different models. (If you are only utilizing the single GPSMap out of your Snobear and not networking it to another unit, it will work just fine.)

Q: Can I use a "Y-cable" for a high speed 2D transducer and a side/down imaging style Transducer?

While Garmin does offer a y-cable for this (Part Number: 010-12445-33), limitations do apply. Compatibility for high speed transducers only include in-hull or thru-hull styles.

In our shop, we prefer skimmer style transducers for high speed readings over in hull or thru hull for a few simple reasons: 

• If the transducer ever goes bad, it's a straightforward job to replace it
• On boats that aren't fresh from the factory, the inside of the bilge areas where in-hull or thru-hull transducers need to be placed... generally are not the cleanest or easiest places to access to get a thru-hull properly placed. 
• Thru-hull transducers are sensitive to bonding correctly and eliminating air voids in the epoxy can be tricky. Also- if any air voids exist in the fiberglass during the boat's manufacturing process it will result in poor 2D imaging.

Here's what you're looking at for compatible transducer to run a high speed 2D transducer and side/down imaging utilizing a Y cable per Garmin: 

• "This cable only works with specific SideVü / Clearvü transducers. There are currently only three of those; the GT30, GT34, and the GT36UHD 

• This cable also only works with specific 2-D transducers. There are currently only 7 of those; GT8HW-IH, GT15M-IH, G12M-THF, GT15M-THF, Airmar P72, Airmar B60,  And Airmar P79 (We have a little beef with Garmin about this....)
  

NOTE: This Y-Cable will not work with any GT or CV all-in-one transducer like GT40, GT41, GT50M, GT51M, GT52HW, GT54HW and GT56UHD.  (A lot of you guys are running a GT54 or GT56)"

More information on this found here.

One work around to this is if you are running two Garmin units on the console, you can have a 2D transducer mounted skimmer style (8 pin), connected to one of the Garmin units and your side/down imaging transducer (12 pin) connected to the 2nd head unit.

From there you can select the skimmer for your 2D source on both units to read from whichever unit that transducer is plugged into. (kind of confusing but if you need further clarification feel free to reach out to us)

The other solution we do on installs here... wherever possible, don't be afraid to mount your transducers with 2D/Down/Sidescan "skimmer style". Such as the GT56UHD... you can get excellent high speed readings, including downscan, and clear side scan readings if your transom allows.

What other questions do you guys have?

Again, this is kind of an on-going post -- if you have more questions or need clarification on something comment below or contact us and we will add more info as necessary.