Garmin Navigation 7612

[Burlington]

Can you please explain the differences between the "main unit is a 7612xsv" and it’s companion is the plain Jane "7612".
Thank-you.

 

[baz]

I believe the two significant differences for the xsv vs. plain Jane are...

1) 7612xsv includes the GSD 25 Premium Sonar Module https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/133800. It also supports the GSD 26.
2) Has a faster processor (I think)

 

[Boatagain]

I believe the two significant differences for the xdv vs. plain Jane are...

1) 7612xsv includes the GSD 25 Premium Sonar Module https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/133800. It also supports the GSD 26.
2) Has a faster processor (I think)

Barry’s right about the sonar module, which provides Garmin’s proprietary CHIRP DownVu/SideVu premium sonar, on the 7612xsv model. Only one is needed as it’s information can also be displayed on a networked companion plotter, hence the $500 cheaper 7612 is a good choice for a two-plotter suite. I don’t think there are any other differences.

 

[SF Tom]

Hi there, zombie thread alert. Curious if the xsv requires a different transducer?

 

[Robertsn12]

Hi SF Tom,

The XSV doesn't require a different transducer, but it can process clear vu and side scan with a proper transducer. We took delivery of our 2017 C30 December 8 months ago (new to the site). I've been wondering how many folks on the website have the xsv unit, but have standard sonar. ours came with the 7612 xsv pair, but has an in hull transducer under the starboard side of the motor rather than located forward in the birth near the shower sump (which others have noted makes it very difficult to access). Seems odd to pair a low quality transducer with a high capacity MFD and processor. Have others on the website relocated and replaced the transduce to maximize capacity of the xsv processor.

 

[SF Tom]

It does seem odd to pair the high end MFD with a lower end transducer.

We have a 2018 Cutwater 28. Our transducer is an Chirp style in-hull made by Airmar. It's installed up front in our boat, under the floor as you step into the v-berth. So sounds like it's easier to get at than yours.

However, the problem is that we don't have all the beautiful features that the 7612 XSV is capable of, too bad! It requires a higher level transducer, and likely a through hull installation. I had one recommendation - to install 2 transducers, one on either side of the keel, which would give full coverage beneath the boat. According to this recommendation, having one installed on one side - the keel will block some of the 'cone', and hence - having 2 (one on either side) - the cones will overlap giving full coverage.

So this is if you really want the full bells and whistles. I do kind of want that - especially with the great technology of the 7612 XSV. If anyone hasn't seen what these things can do, take a trip down to the local WestMarine or equivalent, and see the demos, it's amazing how the sonar technology has advanced. Having the plotter without the correspondingly capable transducer - - it's kind of like having a beautiful 4K TV screen, but only with some local low-resolution public access channels. It just doesn't make sense.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

frankly I think this is hangover from historically having a range of boats that were intended to be trailered. with through hull sensors being at risk when loaded onto a trailer. with the cutwater 30 unlikely to be trailered due to the width, it makes more sense to me to put in a chirp style through hull transducer straight from the factory.
I would also like a through hull transducer on my 28 as I never trailer and want Chirp.
curiously I have a second transducer on my stern that was never cabled by the previous owner: it was designed for use for better images when fishing - when chirp is more useful anyway.
but I havent seen a Garmin sonar controller than can take two transducer inputs so would need a second plotter to use.

 

[JoeLane]

I also have a secondary navigation process but I use my LG smartphone. The screen isn't as large as an iPad but with the Navionics software, the progress screen falls off the active screen no matter what device actually displays it. Slide it back and you see your progress in real time. The device, power, system redundancy others mentioned is what I like. The blue line is the course to follow, the red line is where you are going if you continue on your present course, and the yellow is the breadcrumb trail. Great believer in redundancy however achieved! I probably wouldn't opt for two of the same device & model.

 

[mferguson]

I installed a second plotter in my new CW28, (along with AIS300) but went with the 7607 in the upper left of the console to leave room for a second VHF at some point below the 7607 and above the lower switch panel, as well as saving quite a few $ on the smaller unit. Plus, it would be an awful tight fit for a second 7612, if it fit at all.

Not much time on the boat yet, but very pleased with the outcome. I usually split the 7612 between a chart and a sonar, and put either the radar or engine gauges on the 7607. Radar overlay on the chartplotter tends to get cluttered at times...