Comparing Simrad chartplotters
Which Simrad chartplotter is the best fit for your boat?
A good Simrad chartplotter gives you peace of mind, overview, and control on board. You can see where you're going, plan your route more easily, and connect important systems like sonar, radar, AIS, autopilot, and engine data to a single screen.
But which Simrad is right for your boat? In this article, we clearly explain the difference between GO, NSX, NSS, and NSO, so you can make the right choice faster.
What is a Simrad chartplotter or MFD?
A chartplotter shows your position on a digital nautical chart and helps you navigate safely. With Simrad, it often refers to an MFD, or a multi-function display. This means you can not only see your chart but also view and operate other information.
Think of depth, sonar, radar, AIS, engine data, fuel consumption, cameras, audio, and autopilot. As a result, your chartplotter increasingly becomes the central screen of your boat.
So, if you are looking for a boat chartplotter, Simrad MFD, or multi-function display for your boat, you are essentially looking at the same type of system, but with different levels of operation, speed, integration, and screen size.
Simrad chartplotters at a glance
Simrad has various series. Which one fits best mainly depends on your boat, your boating style, and how much equipment you want to connect.
| Series | Best choice for | Screen sizes | Control | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simrad GO | Sport boats, smaller cruisers, and simple single-display setups | 7", 9" and depending on model 12" | Touchscreen | View GO |
| Simrad NSX | Modern motor yachts, dayboats, center consoles, and cruisers | 7", 9", 12" and Ultrawide 12" or 15" | Modern touchscreen with NEON interface | View NSX |
| Simrad NSS | Enthusiastic boaters, anglers, offshore use, and extensive integration | 9", 10", 12" and 16", depending on model | Touchscreen, buttons, and rotary dial depending on series | View NSS |
| Simrad NSO | Large motor yachts, sportfishing yachts, and full glass helm installations | 16", 19", 22" and 24", depending on model | Modular system with large screen and extensive controls | View NSO |
Simrad GO, the accessible chartplotter for smaller boats
The Simrad GO is a logical choice if you are looking for a simple, clear, and complete chartplotter for a sport boat, small cruiser, dayboat, or center console. You get a touchscreen, built-in GPS, sonar support, and the ability to connect additional systems.
For many boaters, this is the most approachable Simrad chartplotter. You use it for navigation, depth information, routes, waypoints, and basic integration with onboard equipment.
- Choose GO if you primarily want clear navigation.
- Choose GO if you want to use one screen on your boat.
- Choose GO if you are looking for a good chartplotter without going for a large system right away.
Simrad NSX, the modern all-round choice
The Simrad NSX is designed for boaters who want a modern chartplotter with a fresh interface, fast operation, and many possibilities. The NSX series feels intuitive and fits well with modern motor yachts, sport boats, center consoles, and cruisers.
An important advantage of NSX is that you get more out of your screen. You can combine charts, sonar, radar, instrument data, and other functions in a clear way. The NSX Ultrawide models are interesting if you want to see a lot of information simultaneously, without installing two separate screens.
- Choose NSX if you are looking for a modern Simrad MFD.
- Choose NSX if you want more overview than with a basic chartplotter.
- Choose NSX Ultrawide if you want a lot of screen space in one display.
Simrad NSS, for more power, sonar, and integration
The Simrad NSS series is for those who demand more from their chartplotter. Think of higher speed, more integration, better sonar options, radar, autopilot, AIS, cameras, and extensive network functions.
This is the series for enthusiastic boaters, anglers, larger center consoles, cruisers, and boats where the chartplotter truly becomes the central control point on board. The NSS evo3S is already a powerful choice, while the newer NSS 4 goes even further towards being a premium all-in-one chartplotter and fishfinder.
- Choose NSS if you want to seriously integrate radar, sonar, and autopilot.
- Choose NSS if you boat frequently and value fast operation.
- Choose NSS if you are looking for a chartplotter that can grow with your system.
Simrad NSO, for large boats and full glass helm installations
The Simrad NSO series is the most extensive choice. This is not a simple standalone chartplotter, but a solution for large motor yachts, sportfishing yachts, and fully integrated helm stations.
With NSO, you build a system around large displays, powerful processors, and extensive connections to radar, sonar, autopilot, cameras, engine data, and other equipment. This is especially interesting when you want to use multiple screens or build a sleek, integrated glass helm.
- Choose NSO for large yachts and professional helm stations.
- Choose NSO if you want to combine multiple displays and systems.
- Choose NSO if you are looking for maximum integration and screen space.
Which Simrad chartplotter suits your boating style?
- You boat with a small sport boat or dayboat: then the Simrad GO is often a practical and affordable choice.
- You want a modern chartplotter with pleasant operation: then look at the Simrad NSX.
- You use radar, sonar, AIS, or autopilot intensively: then the Simrad NSS fits better.
- You have a large boat or want a full glass helm: then the Simrad NSO is the right series for you.
What screen size do you need?
A larger screen is not only more aesthetically pleasing, it also makes navigation more relaxed. Especially if you want to view chart, sonar, radar, and instrument data simultaneously. However, larger does not always mean better. The screen must fit your helm station, viewing distance, and available space.
- 7 inches: compact and suitable for smaller boats or limited dashboard space.
- 9 inches: a popular mid-size for sport boats, RIBs, and smaller cruisers.
- 12 inches: comfortable if you want to view chart and sonar or radar simultaneously.
- 16 inches and larger: suitable for larger boats, offshore use, and extensive integration.
- Ultrawide: useful if you want to see a lot of information side-by-side on one screen.
Chartplotter, fishfinder or MFD, what should you choose?
Many Simrad displays are described as chartplotters, fishfinders, or MFDs. This can be confusing, but the difference mainly lies in the functions you use.
- Chartplotter: focused on navigation, routes, and digital nautical charts.
- Fishfinder: focused on sonar, bottom imaging, and fish detection.
- MFD: a multi-function display that brings together multiple systems.
For most modern motor boats, a Simrad MFD is the most future-proof choice. You start with navigation, but can later expand with radar, AIS, autopilot, sonar, or other equipment.
Our honest advice
Do you primarily want simple and reliable navigation? Then choose Simrad GO. Do you want a modern chartplotter that works well and is ready for expansion? Then NSX is often the best choice. Do you boat a lot, want powerful sonar, or are you building a more extensive system? Then look at NSS. For large yachts and full glass helm installations, NSO is the right series.
If you're hesitating between two models, it's wise not to just look at the price, but especially at screen size, expandability, and the equipment you want to connect now or later.
Need help choosing your Simrad chartplotter?
At AML, we are happy to help you with honest advice. Not every boat needs the same system, and not every more expensive chartplotter is automatically the best choice. We prefer to look at your boat, your dashboard space, your cruising area, and the equipment you want to connect.
Would you like to know which Simrad chartplotter is best suited for your motorboat, sport boat, cruiser, or fishing boat? Feel free to contact us, and we will think along with you.
