The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv provides an Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fish Finder and Sonar Transducer system. Its core strength lies in the Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes, which dramatically improve clarity on the bright display. These specialized palettes enhance the differentiation of targets, structure, and the bottom contour.
Anglers quickly interpret sonar returns thanks to the intuitive interface and vivid visuals. The included CHIRP sonar technology delivers precise data, while the GT20 transducer ensures reliable scanning. This combination offers immediate, actionable underwater intelligence for efficient fishing.
Key Points of Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fishfinder
- Easy-to-use 5” color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure
- Supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar (requires compatible transducer)
- High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
Specifications of Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fishfinder
| Category | Specification | Key Notes |
| Display | 5-inch color LCD | Vivid scanning color palettes for enhanced clarity |
| Resolution | 800 x 480 pixels | Sunlight-readable |
| Sonar Technology | CHIRP Traditional, CHIRP ClearVü, CHIRP SideVü | All modes included |
| Transducer | GT20-TM (bundled) | Temp sensor included |
| Frequencies | Traditional: 77/200 kHzClearVü/SideVü: 260/455/800 kHz | Auto frequency tuning |
| Depth Capability | Traditional: 1,700 ft (518 m)ClearVü/SideVü: 750 ft (230 m) | Freshwater/saltwater optimized |
| GPS | Built-in high-sensitivity GPS | No chart plotting/maps |
| Waypoints | 2,000 | Quick save function |
| Mapping | Quickdraw Contours (1 million acres) | Zero preloaded maps |
| Sonar Logging | MicroSD card slot (up to 32GB) | Record sonar data for review |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | Submersible to 1m for 30 min |
| Mounting | Flush mount, tilt/swivel bracket | RAM-compatible |
| Power Input | 10-20V DC | 1.5A max draw |
| Dimensions | 5.8″ x 3.5″ x 2.7″ (14.7 x 8.9 x 6.9 cm) | Display only |
| Weight | 1.1 lb (0.5 kg) | Display only |
| Included | Head unit, GT20-TM transducer, tilt/swivel mount, power cable, documentation | No battery included |
Features of Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fishfinder
Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes & 5-Inch Display
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv features a sunlight-readable 5-inch color display (800 x 480 pixels) with Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes. These eight customizable color schemes optimize contrast for varying water conditions, transforming sonar returns into sharply defined visuals. Anglers can instantly distinguish fish arches, submerged structures, and bottom composition with enhanced clarity, reducing the effort required for interpretation.
CHIRP Sonar & GT20 Transducer Trio
Integrated CHIRP Traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar technologies work with the included GT20 transducer to deliver comprehensive underwater scanning. Traditional CHIRP (77/200 kHz) offers crisp fish targeting down to 1,700 ft. In comparison, high-frequency ClearVü/SideVü (260/455/800 kHz) provides photo-like down and side imaging to 750 ft, revealing precise structure and baitfish schools.
Built-in GPS & Quickdraw Contours Mapping
A high-sensitivity built-in GPS enables precise waypoint marking (2,000 locations) for hotspots, docks, and brush piles. The Quickdraw Contours feature automatically generates custom fishing maps with 1-foot depth contours covering 1 million acres—no subscriptions or preloaded charts required. Anglers build personalized lake maps in real-time.
Easy-to-Use Interface & Simplified Setup
True to its “Easy-to-Use” promise, the Striker Vivid 5cv features an intuitive menu system with one-touch access to sonar modes, waypoints, and settings. The included tilt/swivel mount and plug-and-play GT20 transducer ensure tool-free installation on kayaks, small kayaks, or ice fishing sleds. A dedicated “Quickdraw” button instantly captures contour data.
Rugged Design & Included Components
Encased in an IPX7 waterproof housing, the unit withstands submersion and harsh marine environments. The package includes the display, GT20 transducer (with temp sensor), power cable, and mounting hardware. MicroSD card support (up to 32GB) allows sonar logging for post-trip analysis.
Pros and cons for the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fishfinder
| Pros | Cons |
| 5-inch Vivid Color Display | No preloaded maps |
| Easy-to-use interface | Limited networking |
| CHIRP+ClearVü+SideVü | Basic GPS (no chartplotting) |
| Quickdraw Contours mapping | No touchscreen |
| Includes GT20 transducer | GT20 depth limits (Saltwater) |
| IPX7 waterproof rating | No battery included |
| High-value entry price | MicroSD only for data logs |
| 2,000 waypoints + icons | Small screen for split-views |
Unboxing the Garmin ECHOMAP 93sv Fish Finder: What’s Inside the Package?
ECHOMAP UHD 93sv Display Unit
The centerpiece is the 9-inch touchscreen display (1280 x 720 pixels) with built-in GPS, preloaded BlueChart G3 coastal charts, and LakeVü G3 inland maps. The sunlight-readable screen features a rugged, IPX7 waterproof design.
GT56-TM Transducer
Included is the high-performance GT56-TM transducer with CHIRP Traditional, ClearVü (down imaging), and SideVü (side imaging). It supports multiple frequencies (260/455/800 kHz for imaging; 50/77/83/200 kHz for CHIRP) and includes a temperature sensor.
Tilt/Swivel Mount & Quick Release Cradle
The package contains a heavy-duty tilt/swivel bracket for dash or console mounting and Garmin’s quick-release cradle for effortless unit removal. All stainless steel hardware is included.
Power Cable & Protection
A 15-foot marine-grade power cable (with in-line fuse) connects to 10–32V DC systems. Cable boots and strain reliefs protect connections from water intrusion.
Networking & Expansion Cables
NMEA 2000® and Ethernet cables enable networking with radar, autopilots, or other Garmin devices. A blanking cover is included for unused ports.
Documentation & Accessories
- Printed quick-start manual
- Garmin Navionics+™ activation card (1-year subscription)
- Protective cover for display storage
- MicroSD card slot for software updates/chart downloads
Setup & Installation Guide for the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fish Finder
Phase 1: Mounting the Display
Choose Location:
Mount the tilt/swivel bracket on a flat, vibration-free surface (kayak deck, kayak console, ice sled).
Secure Bracket:
Drill pilot holes, attach with included screws, and tighten until snug (avoid overtightening).
Attach Unit:
Slide the fishfinder into the bracket until it clicks. Adjust viewing angle with the swivel knob.
Phase 2: Installing the GT20 Transducer
Position:
Place transducer 15–30 cm from hull bottom, 30 cm from motor/propeller, 1/8″ below hull line.
Angle:
Adjust the bracket so the transducer face is parallel to the water surface (use the tilt-pin for planing kayaks).
Secure:
Tighten stainless hardware firmly—check for horizontal/vertical stability.
Trolling Motor/Kayak Mount:
Use a transducer arm or scupper mount. Ensure no obstructions block sonar signals.
Phase 3: Power Connections
Wiring:
Connect the red wire to the battery positive (+) and the black wire to the negative (–).
Fuse Protection:
Install the included 1.5A in-line fuse within 30 cm of the battery.
Routing:
Run cables away from the engine/moving parts. Use zip ties and seal entry points with marine sealant.
Phase 4: Initial Setup & Calibration
Power On:
Press the red power button. Follow on-screen prompts.
Configure Settings:
Set Units (feet/meters, °F/°C).
Adjust Sensitivity (start at 70%).
Enable Vivid Color Palette (Menu → Sonar Setup → Palette).
Calibrate Sonar:
Submerge the transducer in water → Menu → Sonar → Auto Calibrate.
Phase 5: Quickdraw Contours Setup
Enable Mapping:
Press the “Quickdraw” button → Select “Record.”
Map Creation:
Cruise waters; contours generate automatically. Save maps to MicroSD (up to 1M acres).
Waypoint Marking:
Press “Mark” → Label icons (brush pile, dock) → Save.
User Experience and Reviews About Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fishfinder
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
| Praised for intuitive menus and straightforward installation. Users highlight its beginner-friendly design, with one noting it took “less than 30 minutes to mount and calibrate”. | Basic GPS lacks chartplotting; waypoint management is clunky. Users report difficulty saving locations and navigating routes efficiently. |
| The 5″ screen with Vivid color palettes receives consistent praise for clarity in sunlight and sharp target separation. Reviewers call it “easily readable even in direct glare”. | Multiple users criticize the minimal manual, calling it a “Xeroxed joke”. First-time installers struggle with wiring confusion (e.g., unused blue/brown wires). |
| CHIRP and ClearVü deliver “near-photographic” images of structure and fish. Anglers report success in identifying baitfish schools and bottom contours up to 750 ft. | Complaints include short cable pins that disengage easily and subpar mounting screws requiring replacement with stainless steel. |
| Creating custom maps with 1′ depth intervals is hailed as “game-changing” for marking productive spots, though limited to 1M acres. | Occasional glitches like auto-switching to night mode in daylight, requiring minutes to self-correct. |
Key Takeaways of Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fish Finder
Who Should Buy the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fish Finder?
Kayak & Small-Boat Anglers: Compact size, GT20 transducer, and 12V compatibility suit space-limited setups.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: Seeks premium CHIRP/ClearVü/SideVü under $350.
Beginners: Intuitive menus, one-button waypoints, and auto-sonar calibration reduce learning curves.
Ice Fishermen: Portability + cold-weather display readability.
Structure Hunters: Relies on Quickdraw Contours for custom mapping in unmapped waters.
Who Should Avoid the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fish Finder?
Offshore/Deep-Water Anglers: GT20 transducer’s 750 ft SideVü/ClearVü depth limit restricts saltwater use.
Advanced Chartplotters Users: Needs preloaded maps, touchscreen, or NMEA networking (upgrade to ECHOMAP).
Split-Screen Reliants: 5″ display struggles with multi-view; opt for 7cv/9sv models.
Tech-Averse Users: Minimal manual complicates self-troubleshooting (e.g., wiring glitches).
Trolling Route Planners: Basic GPS lacks route creation between waypoints.
FAQs About the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fish Finder
Does the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv show underwater structure clearly?
Yes, its Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes and CHIRP ClearVü/SideVü technologies generate near-photographic images of submerged structure, rocks, and vegetation. Users report exceptional clarity for identifying baitfish schools and bottom contours up to 750 ft in freshwater, though saltwater performance diminishes beyond 230 ft.
Can the Striker Vivid 5cv create custom maps without preloaded charts?
Yes, it uses Quickdraw Contours mapping to generate real-time depth charts with 1-foot contours, covering up to 1 million acres. However, it lacks preloaded maps (like LakeVü or BlueChart), requiring manual mapping of each fishing location.
Does the GPS allow route planning between waypoints?
No, its basic GPS supports “Go To” waypoint navigation (direct straight-line paths) but cannot create multi-point routes. Users must manually navigate around obstacles, as the “Route To” function only adds turns without automated path plotting.
Is the GT20 transducer suitable for saltwater or ice fishing?
The included GT20 transducer works optimally in freshwater and shallow saltwater (≤230 ft for imaging). For ice fishing, users pair it with portable power packs, noting reliable cold-weather performance. Deep-sea anglers should upgrade to transducers like GT56 for >750 ft capability.
How difficult is the installation for beginners?
Installation is plug-and-play with the included tilt/swivel mount and pre-rigged GT20 transducer. Most users complete setup in <30 minutes, though the manual’s minimal guidance complicates wiring; the blue/brown data-sharing wires often confuse first-time installers.
Recommended Accessories for Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv Fish Finder
Enhance your Striker Vivid 5cv with key accessories. A protective cover guards the screen from elements. A flush mount kit offers a sleek installation. Various power/data cables ensure connectivity. Consider different transducers for specific sonar needs. A tilt/swivel mount provides versatile positioning. Lastly, a portable fishing kit can be invaluable for diverse fishing scenarios, allowing easy setup and breakdown.