Simrad Chartplotters - GPS - Multifunction Displays

Simrad Chartplotters, GPS, and Multifunction Displays Resources and Information

PartsVu is proud to carry a selection of Simrad chartplotters, GPS marine navigation units, and multifunction displays to make marine navigation a much more simple and intuitive task. Chartplotters help you chart your course on large bodies of water. If you primarily take your boat out on rivers, ponds, and small lakes, a GPS should be sufficient for helping you get around.

If you’re looking for more marine products, choose from our full selection of boat products and accessories, boating electronics and navigation, or fishfinders, GPS, chartplotters, and multifunction displays.

Simrad Chartplotters, GPS, and Multifunction Displays FAQs

What does a chartplotter do? 

The chartplotter’s job is to show you where you are in the water and to help you navigate to where you are going. That sounds a lot like the GPS in your car, right? Yes and no.

While the chartplotter is run by a GPS similar to what is used within on-land devices, there are additional factors at play on the water, so the functionality and ability to process large volumes of complex data is vital. If the size and structure of the body of water you’re navigating is small and uncomplicated, you can simply type in a destination and a route will be generated for you to follow. However, on larger bodies of water with more complexity, you will likely need to enter waypoints and build a custom route.

Like the GPS in your car, a chartplotter uses GPS or GNSS data to measure bearing, speed, and direction to successfully navigate your route. However, the chartplotter begins to differ from the GPS in your car as you start considering its tracking and route navigation capabilities. A critical element that you must navigate while in the water is the underwater structures that can obstruct your route.

Structures like reefs, sandbanks, wreck sites, and other hazards must be avoided. A chartplotter’s ability to generate detailed electronic charts is another area in which this device differentiates itself from other navigational tools. A marine chartplotter will produce two types of charts: a raster chart, which is basically a scanned version of a paper chart; and a vector chart, which is composed of lines, points, and polygons using information pulled from a database. Vector charts are more dynamic, use less memory, and are more user-friendly than raster charts. In addition to being powerful navigational tools, many of these devices include fish finder functionality that detects sound waves underwater and uses the signals to project an image onto the screen to enable anglers to spot schools of fish in the depths.

How do I select the best chartplotter for my boat?

Offshore boating in the ocean or on the Great Lakes demands a higher functioning chartplotter. As mentioned above, if you primarily boat in small, inland areas, a basic chartplotter will likely serve you well. If your boat offshore, you will need to select a unit with greater processing speeds, the ability to easily download updated charts, and the capability to integrate with other tools and systems within your boat.

Generally speaking, smaller screens work well in smaller boats. Similarly, operators of larger boats will likely need a considerably larger screen since they will probably be situated at a greater distance from the chartplotter given the need to manage multiple interfaces.

Most chartplotters can be bracket mounted, which gives you a lot of flexibility. But be sure that the unit you select can be mounted so that it is visible from appropriate angles and can be protected from water—both waves and weather.

Chartplotters vary tremendously in price, from $150 to thousands of dollars. The type of boating you do and the bodies of water you boat on will determine what kind of chartplotter you need (what you want is another question). If you boat on fairly small inland lakes, a chartplotter robust enough for a transatlantic crossing is simply not necessary. However, if you will be boating on large bodies of water, you will need to spend more to ensure you have an instrument powerful enough to facilitate safe boating and ease of navigation.

Whether you select a fairly inexpensive chartplotter or a very expensive unit with all the bells and whistles, make sure that the unit is easy to operate and understand. The following is a selection of chartplotters that are popular among the PartsVu community. Given the diversity within the PartsVu community—from offshore boaters to fishermen who frequent smaller inland lakes—there is a significant diversity of needs. This range is represented within the units featured.

Why should I get a marine GPS unit?

A GPS navigation unit is a necessary addition to any boat. It will get you home should you lose your way exploring unknown waters, traveling many miles offshore, or boating at night. It can also be used to mark the last known position of a crewmember should they fall overboard. This can be a critical tool in case of an emergency scenario. Overall, a GPS unit comes in very handy in the following areas:

• Lakes/Rivers – fishing hollows, water ski spots, campsite locations, swimming holes/coves, meet up points
• Near Shore/In Shore – mark routes, weight points, barrier island spots, shelling locations, dockside restaurants, nearby coastal areas

What makes the Simrad GO7 XSR unique?

The compact GO7 XSR is a great way to expand the capabilities of your sport boat or dayboat. Cruise confidently with GPS navigation, find fish with built-in sonar and extend your view with an optional radar system. The included Active Imaging™ transducer delivers CHIRP sonar and picture-like Side and Down views.

Key Features:

• Easy to use multi-touch interface
• Active Imaging 3-in-1 Sonar (CHIRP/Side/Down) Ready
• Active Imaging 2-in-1 Sonar (Side/Down) Ready
• FishReveal™ Smart Target View
• Supports the widest range of charts
• Widescreen with bright LED backlight
• Built-in Broadband Sounder™, CHIRP sonar, Side and Down, and ForwardScan™ sonar support (transducer required)
• Compatible with the Simrad WM-3 SiriusXM® satellite weather module
• C-MAP Insight Pro card

What makes Simrad multifunction displays unique?

With page loading times halved, choice of any split screen combination with views in 3D or Navigation perspective has never been easier. SolarMAX IPS displays ensure clear views in any conditions - visible even through polarized sunglasses. 

Increased monitoring and control within the existing page - instant Chart orientation changes at the touch of a button, expandable Audio side bar, and a Tide Graph in the instrument bar to monitor tide changes.

SolarMAX IPS displays combine all-weather touchscreen and keypad for total control in all conditions.

The Simrad App provides accessibility - from device registration and manual downloads, to saving waypoints and favorite fishing spots both on - and off - the water.

Built-in high-performance sonar with 1kW CHIRP-enabled capable of exceptional bottom-tracking and fish-finding performance. ActiveTarget, the highest resolution live sonar on the market, SideScan and DownScan Imaging™ boosted by Active Imaging with picture-like views of fish-holding structure, crystal clear views of the bottom ahead using ForwardScan sonar, or performance sportfishing with the deep water S5100 Sonar.

Industry-standard connectivity to create multi-display systems and link to all on-board electronics,engine and fuel monitoring in real-time, control of on-board sound systems and much more. Includes system expansion with Simrad modules and accessories, advanced fish-finding tools such as deep water S5100, Active Imaging 3-in-1 or TotalScan, increased situational awareness with legendary HALO Pulse Compression radar, and automated control with a fully integrated Simrad autopilot.