Overview

The Garmin STRIKER Vivid is a fishfinder and GPS combo that pairs sonar views with a color display for finding fish, reading structure, and saving spots you want to come back to.

This family covers 4-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch displays, with configurations that include Traditional CHIRP plus ClearVü, and select options that add SideVü. The unit runs on 12 to 20 Vdc, carries an IPX7 water rating, and uses a 3 A fast-acting fuse (rated current 1.5 A), which lines up well with typical 12 V boat electrical systems.

For anglers who like to build their own bottom picture over time, Quickdraw Contours lets you record maps with 1-foot contours. Recording requires sonar depth, your GPS position, and a memory card with free space.

Key features

• Choice of 4-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch, or 9-inch display, depending on the selected configuration
• Sonar configurations include Traditional CHIRP with ClearVü, with select options adding SideVü
• Built-in GPS for waypoint marking, route planning, and on-screen boat speed
• Quickdraw Contours recording for custom maps with contours and depth labels (memory card required for recording)
• Input power: 12 to 20 Vdc with a 3 A fast-acting fuse (rated current 1.5 A)
• IPX7 water rating for the realities of spray, rain, and routine washdowns
• Temperature range from -15 to 55 C (5 to 131 F) for early mornings, hot helms, and shoulder-season trips

Variants

This product is offered in multiple configurations. The differences between options are the display size and the sonar type.

Across the STRIKER Vivid family, the unit operates from 12 to 20 Vdc and is rated IPX7. Sonar views vary by configuration, with some packages adding SideVü coverage in addition to ClearVü and Traditional CHIRP.

• 010-02550-00: Display size 4-inch; sonar type ClearVü and Traditional CHIRP. Includes a GT20-TM transducer with a 20 ft cable for down-looking ClearVü and Traditional CHIRP returns when mounted on the transom or a trolling motor.
• 010-02551-00: Display size 5-inch; sonar type ClearVü and Traditional CHIRP. Includes a GT20-TM transducer with a 20 ft cable, which is a common fit for smaller consoles where screen space is limited but you still want ClearVü detail.
• 010-02552-00: Display size 7-inch; sonar type ClearVü and Traditional CHIRP. Includes a GT20-TM transducer with a 20 ft cable, giving more screen area for splitting views and reading returns while running or trolling.
• 010-02553-00: Display size 7-inch; sonar type SideVü, ClearVü and Traditional CHIRP. Includes a GT52HW-TM transducer, which adds SideVü coverage to help scan structure to port and starboard while you idle along banks or edges.
• 010-02554-00: Display size 9-inch; sonar type SideVü, ClearVü and Traditional CHIRP. Includes a GT52HW-TM transducer, pairing the larger screen with SideVü for easier interpretation when you want more separation between sonar panes.

Installation and setup

Plan the mounting location with a clear sightline from the helm and enough room to tilt the unit for glare control. A bracket-style setup works well on most center consoles, side consoles, and compact helm pods, and it also keeps service access simple for the power and transducer connections.

Transducer placement matters more than most people expect. Mount it where it stays in clean water at speed and is clear of strakes, steps, and heavy turbulence. Route the cable to avoid sharp bends and areas where it can be crushed by hatches or pinched by steering and throttle movement.

Electrical and system integration

Power is straightforward on a 12 V boat: the unit accepts 12 to 20 Vdc, draws up to 1.5 A, and uses a 3 A fast-acting fuse. On boats with noisy electrical systems, it helps to keep the fishfinder wiring away from ignition components and high-current motor feeds, and to make sure the connections are fully seated so the unit does not appear to lose power underway.

On-board use

Built-in GPS is most useful when you treat it like a fishing log: mark waypoints for productive edges, reefs, and bait holds, then use routes and tracks to repeat passes. GPS reception improves when the unit has a clear view of the sky; when it is mounted inside a cabin, placing it close to a window helps.

This setup fits skiffs, bay boats, center consoles, and small offshore rigs that want an easy fishfinder with GPS and Quickdraw mapping, without moving into a full networked chartplotter system.

Maintenance and care

After saltwater days, rinse the exterior with fresh water and wipe the screen with a soft cloth. Periodically check the transducer face for growth and confirm the mounting hardware has not loosened from vibration, especially after trailering or rough-water runs.