Avalon Boat GPS and Fish Finder Guide | Find More Fish and Navigate With Confidence
The morning mist is still rising off the lake, your coffee is warm, and your Avalon pontoon glides silently toward that hidden drop-off—but without a reliable fish finder, you’re just guessing where the big ones are hiding.
TL;DR
A fish finder and GPS combo isn’t just for serious anglers—it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to navigate safely, find productive fishing spots, and understand what’s beneath their pontoon. This guide covers what Avalon offers from the factory, how to choose the right unit for your needs, installation tips specific to pontoon boats, and the top models worth considering for your setup.
Key Takeaways
- Factory options save hassle: Many Avalon models come with Garmin fish finders pre-installed, from the Striker 5CV to the 72SV.
- CHIRP sonar is the new standard: It provides sharper images and better target separation than traditional sonar.
- GPS is about more than fishing: Marking waypoints, tracking routes, and avoiding hazards are essential for any boater.
- Pontoon installation is unique: Transducer placement matters more on pontoons due to turbulence between the logs.
- Screen brightness is critical: Open-air pontoons need displays that stay readable in direct sunlight.
Why Your Avalon Needs a Fish Finder
You bought your Avalon pontoon boat for family fun, sunset cruises, and maybe a little fishing on the side. But here’s the thing—even if you’re not a hardcore angler, a fish finder with GPS changes how you experience the water.
Safety first: Knowing the depth beneath your boat prevents costly prop strikes and keeps you out of trouble in unfamiliar coves.
Navigation made easy: Marking your favorite swimming spot, the best sandbar, or even just the route back to the dock after dark becomes effortless.
Fishing success: When you do want to wet a line, you’ll know exactly where the structure and fish are hiding.
Have you ever spent an afternoon fishing without a single bite, only to see another boat pull up nearby and start hauling them in? That’s the difference a good fish finder makes.
What Avalon Offers From the Factory
Avalon understands that their owners want options. Depending on which model and trim level you choose, you might already have a fish finder installed.
GEOfish Series: Built for Anglers
The GEOfish model is Avalon’s dedicated fishing-focused pontoon . It comes with serious fishing features:
- Garmin 72SV GPS/color fishfinder/depth finder on CLX, CRF, and GLX trims—a 7-inch unit with SideVü and ClearVü scanning sonar
- Garmin 52CV color fishfinder/depth finder on the RF trim
- Rear fishing center with rod holders and a recirculating livewell
- Tackle center with storage trays
- Fishing chairs with locking seat bases
The GEOfish also includes a GPS speedometer standard, even on models without the full fish finder package .
Catalina Series: Fishing Optional
The Catalina line offers fish finders as available features rather than standard equipment . Depending on the configuration, you might find:
- Garmin 72SV on models equipped with the fishing package
- GPS speedometer standard across most trims
- Rear fishing center with livewell and tackle storage available on certain floorplans
Some Catalina models, like the 2024 Catalina Versatile Rear Bench, come with a Garmin Striker 5CV as part of the fishing package .
Did you know that even non-fishing models like the Catalina Entertainer still come with a GPS speedometer? That means basic navigation capability is built in, even if you don’t have the full fish finder setup.
The Evolution of Fish Finder Technology
Fish finders have come a long way from the blurry, black-and-white screens of the past. Here’s how we got to today’s crystal-clear imaging:
1970s-1980s
Flasher units were the standard—simple depth readings with flashing lights. No GPS, no mapping, just basic bottom information.
1990s
LCD screens arrived, showing grayscale images of fish as arches. GPS integration began appearing on premium units.
2000s
Color displays became affordable. Down imaging technology offered photo-like views of structure directly beneath the boat.
2010s
Side imaging and CHIRP technology revolutionized fish finding. GPS mapping became standard, even on budget units.
Today
LiveScope and Active Target show fish swimming in real time. Touchscreens, wireless connectivity, and high-definition displays are the new normal.
Choosing the Right Fish Finder for Your Avalon
Not all fish finders are created equal. Here’s what to look for when shopping for your recreational boat.
Screen Size and Brightness
Your pontoon is an open-air vessel. That screen needs to be visible in full sun.
- 5 to 7 inches is the sweet spot for most pontoon consoles—big enough to see clearly, small enough to mount easily
- Look for at least 1000 nits of brightness (many manufacturers don’t publish this, but it matters)
- Anti-glare coatings make a huge difference
Have you ever tried to read your phone screen at the lake on a sunny day? Now imagine that’s your fish finder. Don’t settle for a dim display.
Sonar Technology
This is where the magic happens. Here’s what different sonar types do:
| Sonar Type | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional 2D Sonar | Shows fish as arches, bottom structure | Basic depth and fish detection |
| CHIRP Sonar | Sweeps multiple frequencies for sharper images | Better target separation, cleaner readings |
| Down Imaging (ClearVü/DownScan) | Creates photo-like images directly beneath the boat | Identifying structure, vegetation, and bottom composition |
| Side Imaging (SideVü/SideScan) | Shows what’s to the left and right of your boat | Covering more water, finding isolated structure away from the boat |
| Live Sonar (LiveScope/Active Target) | Shows fish swimming in real time | Watching how fish react to your bait, serious anglers |
GPS and Mapping
For a pontoon owner, GPS capabilities might be just as important as fish finding.
- Mark waypoints for your favorite fishing spots, swimming holes, and sandbars
- Track routes so you can navigate unfamiliar lakes with confidence
- Depth contour maps show you where drop-offs, points, and underwater ledges are located
- Shallow water alarms warn you before you run aground
Here’s something worth knowing—many anglers use the GPS features more than the fish finding features. Knowing where you are and where you’ve been is valuable even when the fish aren’t biting.
Top Fish Finders for Avalon Pontoon Boats
Based on reviews from pontoon owners and marine electronics experts, here are the standout options .
Garmin Striker Vivid Series
Best for: Budget-conscious boaters who want solid performance
The Striker Vivid line is one of the most popular choices for pontoon owners—and for good reason. The 4-inch model starts under $200, while the 7-inch with SideVü comes in around $500 .
What makes it great:
- Vivid color palettes make it easy to distinguish fish from structure
- Built-in GPS for marking waypoints and tracking routes
- ClearVü and SideVü available on sv models
- Simple interface that doesn’t require a degree in electronics
The Garmin Striker 5CV is actually factory-installed on some Catalina models . If you’re looking to add one yourself, the Striker Vivid 7sv is widely considered the sweet spot for value and performance.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 Series
Best for: Serious anglers who want premium features
When you’re ready to step up, the ECHOMAP UHD2 delivers. The 73sv model with GT54 transducer and preloaded Garmin Navionics+ mapping runs around $950 .
What sets it apart:
- Preloaded LakeVü g3 maps with 1-foot contours on thousands of lakes
- LiveScope compatibility for real-time sonar (transducer sold separately)
- Touchscreen interface that works like a smartphone
- Wireless networking to share waypoints with other units
The Garmin 72SV is factory-installed on GEOfish models . If your boat didn’t come with one, the ECHOMAP series is the natural upgrade path.
Humminbird HELIX Series
Best for: Boaters who prefer button controls over touchscreens
Humminbird’s HELIX line is known for rugged dependability. The HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 offers side imaging for around $600 .
Why owners love it:
- Physical buttons work perfectly with wet or cold hands
- MEGA Side Imaging provides incredible detail
- Intuitive interface that’s easy to learn
- LakeMaster maps with 1-foot contours
Lowrance HOOK Reveal Series
Best for: Beginners who want navigation and fish finding in one package
The HOOK Reveal 7 stands out for its FishReveal feature, which overlays sonar data onto your map view .
Key benefits:
- FishReveal technology shows exactly where fish are in relation to structure
- Preloaded C-MAP contours for thousands of lakes
- Simple installation with auto-tuning sonar
- Great value in the mid-range price category
Raymarine Element Series
Best for: Boaters who demand the clearest images
Raymarine’s Element units offer HyperVision sonar that operates at 1.2 MHz for incredibly detailed images .
Standout features:
- HyperVision sonar reveals details other units miss
- RealBathy mapping lets you create your own ultra-accurate bathymetric maps
- Quad-core processor for fast screen redraws
- 7 to 12-inch screen options
Fish Finder Comparison Chart
Here’s how popular models stack up against each other:
| Model | Screen Size | Sonar Type | GPS Mapping | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv | 4.3″ | CHIRP, ClearVü | Waypoints only | Best budget option | $170–$200 |
| Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv | 7″ | CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü | Waypoints, routes | Best value 7″ with SideVü | $500–$550 |
| Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv | 7″ touch | CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü | Navionics+ preloaded | LiveScope ready | $900–$1,000 |
| Humminbird HELIX 7 SI G4 | 7″ | CHIRP, Side Imaging | LakeMaster, Navionics | Physical button controls | $550–$650 |
| Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 | 7″ | CHIRP, DownScan | C-MAP contours | FishReveal overlay | $450–$550 |
| Raymarine Element 7 HV | 7″ | HyperVision, SideVision | Navionics | Highest resolution imaging | $500–$600 |
Data compiled from manufacturer specifications and marine retailers.
Installation Tips for Pontoon Boats
Installing a fish finder on a pontoon is different than on a fiberglass boat. The key challenge? Getting the transducer in clean water.
The Pontoon Transducer Challenge
Pontoons create turbulence between the logs. If your transducer sits in that turbulent water, your screen will be full of noise and you won’t see a thing.
Best mounting locations:
- On the back of a pontoon log: This puts the transducer in clean water outside the turbulence zone
- On a dedicated mounting bracket: Many pontoon owners use a bracket that extends down from the deck between the logs but ahead of the propeller
- On the engine mount: Some transducers can mount directly to the outboard’s cavitation plate
Avoid mounting the transducer too close to the propeller. The cavitation from the prop will create massive interference on your screen .
Step-by-Step Installation
- Choose your location: Scout a spot with clean water flow, away from rivets and welds
- Mount the transducer: Use marine-grade sealant on every screw hole to prevent corrosion
- Run the cable: Keep cables away from engine wiring to avoid interference
- Mount the display: Pick a spot at the helm with good visibility and minimal glare
- Connect power: Use a dedicated 12V circuit with an inline fuse
- Test before finalizing: Run the boat at various speeds to confirm you’re getting a clean signal
Portable Options
If you don’t want to drill holes or permanently mount a unit, portable fish finders are a great alternative.
The Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ casts from your boat and connects to your smartphone via Wi-Fi . It’s perfect for:
- Boaters who fish occasionally
- People who want to use the same unit on multiple boats
- Anyone who prefers not to modify their helm
Using Your Fish Finder: Beyond Finding Fish
Even if fishing isn’t your primary activity, your GPS fish finder serves multiple purposes.
Navigation Safety
- Set shallow water alarms at a depth that gives you time to react—your boat’s draft plus two feet is a good starting point
- Mark hazards like submerged stumps, rocks, and shallow sandbars as you discover them
- Track your route so you can retrace your path in low visibility or darkness
Finding the Best Spots
- Drop-offs and ledges hold fish and create interesting underwater landscapes
- Submerged vegetation attracts baitfish and predators alike
- Points and humps are natural gathering spots for fish
Family Fun
- Mark the best swimming cove so you can find it again next time
- Save sandbar locations for future raft-ups
- Track your tubing routes to avoid shallow areas
Here’s a tip from experienced pontoon owners: use your fish finder to scout coves before anchoring. You’ll find the deepest water, avoid submerged obstacles, and know exactly what’s under your boat before the grill comes out.
Frequently Asked Questions About GPS and Fish Finders for Avalon Boats
What fish finder comes standard on Avalon boats?
It depends on the model. GEOfish models come with Garmin 72SV or 52CV depending on trim. Catalina models may include a Garmin Striker 5CV with the fishing package. Most Avalon boats include a GPS speedometer standard.
Can I add a fish finder to my Avalon if it didn’t come with one?
Yes. Most Avalon consoles have space for mounting aftermarket units. You’ll need to install a transducer on the transom or pontoon log and run power to the helm.
Where should I mount the transducer on a pontoon boat?
The best location is on the back of a pontoon log, outside the turbulent water between the logs. Avoid mounting too close to the propeller or rivets.
What’s the difference between CHIRP and traditional sonar?
CHIRP sweeps across a range of frequencies instead of using a single frequency. This provides sharper images, better target separation, and cleaner readings at higher speeds.
Do I need side imaging on my pontoon?
Not necessarily. Side imaging is great for covering water and finding isolated structure, but down imaging and traditional sonar are sufficient for most pontoon owners.
What GPS features are most useful for pontoon boaters?
Marking waypoints for favorite spots, tracking routes, shallow water alarms, and depth contour mapping are the most valuable features.
How do I keep my fish finder screen readable in sunlight?
Choose a unit with high brightness (at least 1000 nits) and an anti-glare coating. Mount the display where it’s shaded by the Bimini top when possible.
What’s your favorite fishing spot or navigation trick with your Avalon? Share your experience in the comments below.
References:
- Avalon Pontoon Boats – GEOfish Model
- Avalon Pontoon Boats – Catalina Model
- Long Level Marina – 2024 Catalina Versatile Rear Bench
- Swimmer Living – Best Pontoon Boat Fish Finders
- Boat Trader – Best Depth Finders 2026
- Garmin – Which Chartplotter or Fishfinder Is Right for Me?
- Alibaba – Affordable Fish Finder Guide
