10 Best Depth Finders For Boats 2025 in the United States

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 Striker Vivid 5cv is a user-friendly, 5-inch color fishfinder designed to improve your fishing experience with its vivid scanning sonar color palettes. This feature helps distinguish fish and underwater structures more clearly. It supports both Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, though it requires a compatible transducer for the latter.

Its high-sensitivity GPS is a standout feature, providing the ability to mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor your boat's speed, making navigation simpler and more efficient. Additionally, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature allows you to create custom fishing maps with ease. The device is battery-powered and includes a tilt/swivel mount, making installation straightforward and convenient.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, which may limit some users who prefer devices that can sync with other smart gadgets. The interface relies on buttons rather than a touchscreen, which might be less intuitive for some users. Despite these drawbacks, it is relatively lightweight at 3.8 pounds and has a compact design with dimensions of 5 x 7.4 x 2.1 inches, making it suitable for various boat sizes. This depth finder is ideal for anglers looking for a reliable, easy-to-use device with robust sonar and GPS capabilities.

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.