Are you shopping for a new fish finder? Do you want one with a color display, plenty of power, and everything you need in one affordable package? Then the Garmin Echo 301dv might be the perfect fish finder for you.
Since they were founded in 1989, Garmin has been producing some of the best sonar, global positioning, radar, and marine electronics in the world. This quality fish finder is no exception.
Display
This Garmin fish finder has a 3.5-inch backlit display for good visibility at night and in low light conditions. It has full-color capability and a healthy pixel count of 240 x 320 pixels. The screen on the 301dv can be split to show you two separate sonar pictures, or you can use the entire screen to display one.
The smooth scaling graphics provide uninterrupted images, even when you switch depth ranges. This display has all the features of a top of the line fish finder at a reasonable price.
Power
The Echo 301dv has all the power you will ever need to scan rivers, lakes, and even the ocean. At a whopping 2400 watts of peak-to-peak power, the Echo can scan waters as deep as 1,750 feet. That’s a full one-third of a mile! Power is definitely one thing that the Echo 301dv is not short of.
Transducer
The Echo 301dv includes the HD-ID 77/200 transducer with DownVu technology. This is a dual frequency transducer that operates at either 77 or 200 kHz frequencies.
With the split-screen capability of the display, you can easily watch the sonar and DownVu displays side-by-side, or you can combine them to form a three-dimensional picture of the underwater world. This transducer technology gives you the clearest possible picture of both fish and the bottom structure beneath and around your boat.
The Extras
Everything you need comes in the box with this sonar unit. It comes with the sonar unit, a tilt/swivel quick-release mounting bracket, a dual frequency transducer with DownVu technology, a power cable, a transom mount transducer bracket, a trolling motor mount transducer bracket, and an owner’s manual that includes warranty information and user instructions. Transducers are sold separately with many fish finders, but not this one.
- Dual frequency transducer with DownVu technology included
- Transducer mounting brackets included (Transom and trolling motor)
- Plenty of power to scan deep water
- 3.5 inch backlit color display
- Split-screen capable of showing show two features at the same time
- Affordable price
- Screen size may be a little small for some users
- Wiring connectors may corrode when exposed to saltwater
- No GPS capability
- Does not include speed sensor – it is sold separately
Garmin Echo 301dv Features
- Temperature Display
- Depth Display
- 12 Volt Power Required – Power Cable Included
- Split-Screen Capability
- Depth and Fish Alarms
- Dual Frequency Transducer with DownVu Technology for 3D Graphics included
- Depths up to 1,750 feet
- 3.5-inch Color Display
- Transducer Mounting Brackets/Hardware Included
- 240 x 320 Pixel Display Resolution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How Long Is the Power Cable on This Fish Finder?
A: The power cable included with the Echo 301dv is twenty-five feet long.
Q: What Is the Warranty on This Fish Finder? Also, Does It Read Depths in Meters as Well as Feet?
A: The warranty from Garmin is good for one year. This fish finder can be used to show depth in meters as well as feet.
Q: How Does This Unit Compare to the Lowrance Elite 4x Chirp Hdi With Down Imaging?
A: The Garmin Echo 301dv has better graphics, scans deeper, and covers a larger area than the Lowrance unit.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Echo 301dv is a high-quality fish finder at a very affordable price. The backlit color display, the included dual frequency transducer, the split-screen and 3D capabilities, and the included transducer mounting hardware are all features usually only available on more expensive fish finders.
If you’re in the market for a fish finder with GPS capability, this isn’t the one for you. But if you want a high quality, straightforward sonar unit to help you catch more fish, I highly recommend the Garmin Echo 301dv. This fish finder is a good value for your hard-earned money.
