My lovely wife gave me a Garmin Echomap 53 CV for Christmas.  She said she didn't know much about it and wouldn't mind at all if I exchanged it for another unit. I don't have experience with side view units, so I'm asking for help:  Is it preferable to the newer Hummingbird Helix 5?  Can you mount this transducer on your trolling motor (understand that the transducer needs to face forward for accurate side view readings)?  Is it worth the money to get a 7" (vs 5") display?  Guys, thanks a lot for the advice!

The CV units have traditional 2D sonar and what used to be called DownVu. It does not have SideVu.

Since it does not have SideVu, it can face either way on the trolling motor.

 

This is the specs for that model:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/576398#specs

 

A Garmin with SideVu would have SV in the model name.

 

The equivalent Helix 5 would be the Helix 5 DI GPS or Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2.

 

If you end up with a unit that has the side looking imaging, a larger display is preferable since the size of displayed subjects is based on the range you set it to display instead of the depth like regular sonar and the down looking imaging.

Wayne,

 

You're right....I looked on the box and it doesn't have SideVu.  Thought it did.  Guess I'll take it back & look for a finder with side scanning. Which of the side scanning models do you prefer?  Have you mounted a side scanning transducer on your trolling motor? What's the minimum screen size you recommend?  Thanks a lot for your reply & info.  Don't know what I'd do without you guys on BassResource!

Bob Glover

I prefer and use Humminbird Side Imaging. I choose that brand for its shallow water performance and it is the original recreational imaging product.

My first one was a 5" square screen and sold it early this year.

I have a 12.1" display, three 10.4" displays, and a 7" display.

 

Yes I have used and am using a Side Imaging transducer on my trolling motor. Been doing that since I got the first Side Imaging unit.

 

As far a screen size, BIGGER is better. Get the largest that fits your budget. A larger screen size at the bow is recommended since the display is farther from your eyes than at the console.

No matter what the display location is, using split screen works best with the larger displays.

Thank you very much for the advice. I'll take it!

Bob