Description
🐟 The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv (no transducer) is the ECHOMAP UHD2 5" chartplotter sold without a transducer — perfect if you're replacing an existing unit and already have a compatible 4-pin GT-series transducer, or if you want to pair with a custom transducer choice. Comes preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Coastal & Great Lakes (BlueChart g3) — detailed nautical charts, channel markers, depth contours, and 20,000+ marine POIs for U.S. coastal waters and the Great Lakes.
Key Features
- ✅ Display: 5" sunlight-readable keyed color (800 × 480) — glove-friendly keyed buttons, sunlight-readable
- ✅ Sonar: CHIRP Traditional + CHIRP ClearVu (transducer not included) with vivid color palettes
- ✅ Frequency: Trad 77/200 kHz / ClearVu 260/455/800 kHz compatible
- ✅ Transducer: NOT included — buy a GT20-TM, GT22HW-TM, or compatible 4-pin transducer separately
- ✅ Mapping: Preloaded Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Coastal & Great Lakes (BlueChart g3)
- ✅ Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi + ActiveCaptain app + Quickdraw Contours
- ✅ GPS: High-sensitivity GPS + GLONASS + Galileo receiver
- ✅ User Data: 5,000 waypoints, 100 routes, 50 tracks
Where This Fits in the ECHOMAP UHD2 Series
The ECHOMAP UHD2 5" cv is the entry point into the ECHOMAP line — the step above STRIKER Vivid. You get preloaded Garmin Navionics+ maps (STRIKER requires you to draw your own), built-in Wi-Fi for wireless data sharing with other UHD2 5"/7" units, and ActiveCaptain app support for software updates.
- 5" cv models (this tier, $399-$499) — CHIRP + ClearVu, 5" keyed display, Wi-Fi sharing
- 7" cv models ($599-$699) — Same sonar, larger 7" keyed display
- 7" sv models ($849-$1099) — Adds CHIRP SideVu, GT54UHD transducer
- 9" sv models ($1199-$1399) — 9" display, full CHIRP + ClearVu + SideVu
- Ultra 2 10"/12"/16" models ($2099-$4799) — Adds NMEA 2000 networking, LiveScope compatibility, touchscreen
What the ECHOMAP UHD2 5" cv Does NOT Include
Know these limitations before buying:
- No SideVu imaging — You need a 7sv/9sv model or larger for side imaging
- No NMEA 2000 networking — Cannot network with autopilots, engine data, VHF, or multi-display helms. Wi-Fi-only sharing (UHD2 5"/7" units only)
- No LiveScope (Panoptix) compatibility — If you want live sonar, go ECHOMAP Ultra 2 or GPSMAP
- No touchscreen — Keyed button operation only (actually a plus in wet/gloved conditions)
- No radar support
If you just want a great CHIRP/ClearVu fishfinder with preloaded maps on a 5" display, this is a phenomenal value. If you need side imaging, networking, or LiveScope, step up to a 7sv, 9sv, or Ultra 2 model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the 52cv, 53cv, 54cv, and 55cv?
All four models share identical hardware — 5" keyed display, CHIRP + ClearVu sonar, Wi-Fi sharing, GT20-TM transducer compatibility. The difference is preloaded map region:
- 52cv — Worldwide basemap only (no detailed maps)
- 53cv — U.S. Inland (LakeVu g3, 23,000+ lakes)
- 54cv — U.S. Coastal & Great Lakes (BlueChart g3)
- 55cv — Canada & Alaska
Pick the model that matches where you fish. All four support adding additional maps via Garmin Navionics+ / Vision+ SD cards (sold separately).
Can I add more maps later?
Yes. The ECHOMAP UHD2 has an SD card slot — buy a Garmin Navionics+ or Navionics Vision+ card for any region. Vision+ adds high-resolution relief shading, 3D map overlays, and enhanced satellite imagery.
What transducer should I buy?
The most common pairing is the Garmin GT20-TM (4-pin, ~$130) which gives you CHIRP + ClearVu. Want better target separation? The GT22HW-TM is a high-wide CHIRP upgrade. For a trolling-motor mount instead of transom, Garmin offers the same transducers in various mounting styles.
Does this have NMEA 2000 networking?
No — this is the critical limitation. The UHD2 5" cv cannot connect to NMEA 2000 networks (autopilots, engine data, VHF, multi-display helms, compatible live sonar). It only supports Wi-Fi-based wireless data sharing with other UHD2 5" and 7" units. If you need full networking, step up to a GPSMAP chartplotter or ECHOMAP Ultra 2.
Can I add LiveScope?
No — the ECHOMAP UHD2 5" cv is not compatible with Panoptix LiveScope. For LiveScope, you need an ECHOMAP UHD2 7" sv / 9" sv / Ultra 2, or a GPSMAP unit.
Can I use this on a kayak or small boat?
Yes — the 5" form factor is ideal for kayaks, jon boats, bass boats, and small center consoles. The keyed (button) operation works reliably with wet hands or gloves, unlike touchscreens. Pair with a portable battery for a complete no-install setup.
Is this good for ice fishing?
The open-water GT20-TM transducer is not ideal for ice fishing. For dedicated ice use, buy the ECHOMAP UHD2 Keyed 5" Ice Fishing Bundle ($549-$599) which includes a Dual Beam-IF ice transducer, portable case, and rechargeable battery. Or swap to an ice transducer seasonally and reuse the same chartplotter.
How do I share waypoints with another Garmin unit?
Two UHD2 5" or 7" units connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi to share sonar streams, waypoints, routes, and tracks. You can also export waypoints to an SD card to transfer to any Garmin chartplotter or the ActiveCaptain app.
Warranty
1-year limited manufacturer warranty from Garmin. Backed by CSO's expert product support and financing options. 0% financing available — no credit needed on qualifying purchases.
Technical Specifications
| Model Number | 010-02591-50 |
| Model | ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv (no transducer) |
| Display | 5" sunlight-readable keyed color (800 × 480) |
| Resolution | 800 × 480 pixels, 16-bit color |
| Sonar Type | CHIRP Traditional + CHIRP ClearVu (transducer not included) |
| Frequency | Trad 77/200 kHz / ClearVu 260/455/800 kHz compatible |
| Transducer | NOT included — buy a GT20-TM, GT22HW-TM, or compatible 4-pin transducer separately |
| Mapping | Preloaded Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Coastal & Great Lakes (BlueChart g3) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + ActiveCaptain app + Wireless UHD2 sharing |
| GPS Receiver | 5 Hz GPS + GLONASS + Galileo, sub-meter accuracy |
| User Data | 5,000 waypoints, 100 routes, 50 tracks |
| SD Card Slot | 1 × microSD (for Navionics+ / Vision+ upgrades) |
| Power | 12 Vdc / 0.75 A max |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited manufacturer |
