Multifunction displays continue to advance in processing speed, system integration, enhanced control capabilities, and ease of use. The latest to emerge in this marine-tech revolution is the Simrad NSS 4 series of premium chart-plotter and fish-finder displays for cruising and sport-fishing boats.

Available in 10-, 12- and 16-inch screen sizes, the NSS 4 MFDs feature an all-new Qualcomm 8-core processor, enabling smoother page transitions, faster auto-routing and, ultimately, easier use with lightning-­fast transitions. The NSS 4 series also features a trio of hybrid control options—touchscreen, rotary dial and keypad—providing choices in accessing and controlling functions via the optimized user interface. An updated glass-to-edge design ­delivers a premium look to the helm.

Simrad NSS 4 models offer built-in dual-channel 1 kW chirp sonar, as well as support for ­Active Imaging HD sonar. With this unique new feature, anglers for the first time can track as many as four sonar sources on a ­single split-screen display. The new MFDs also feature integrated C-Map, Discover X and Reveal X electronic charting. NSS 4 displays offer plug-and-play networking with Simrad radar systems, Simrad S3100 and S5100 sonar modules, and also network with and control the latest trolling motors, including Rhodan and Simrad’s new Recon.

Read Next: Simrad NSX Ultrawide MFDs

NSS 4 boasts extensive support for third-party technology and devices, including ­multiple IP cameras, CZone digital switching, RGBW LED ­lighting, marine audio systems, ­SiriusXM, and more. In addition, the NSS 4 displays seamlessly integrate with Mercury outboards and other propulsion systems with features such as onscreen cruise control, active trim, and ­autopilot. What’s more, the new displays integrate with other popular engine brands such as Honda and Suzuki, offering features including fuel management and fault diagnostic tools.

The NSS 4 series MFDs starts at $2,599. To learn more, visit simrad-yachting.com.  

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The 2024 ICAST fishing trade show in Orlando, Florida, delivered big news for boating anglers. Both Lowrance and Simrad debuted bow-mounted, electric-steer brushless trolling motors designed for salt water, representing the first trolling motors from either brand engineered for ocean fishing.

These motors join a host of recently introduced new ­models from other brands—including Garmin, Minn Kota and Power-­Pole—featuring GPS guidance, rugged marine-grade construction, sophisticated technology, and advanced system integration. 

The new saltwater trolling ­motors from Lowrance and Simrad share the same model name—Recon—and possess the same design, including a brushless motor that operates on ­either 24 or 36 volts, producing 90 and 115 pounds of thrust, respectively. By the way, the ­Simrad ­version of Recon represents the first trolling motor ever from this long-established brand.

Read Next: What Are the Best Trolling Motor Batteries for Your Needs?

These manually deployed, electric-steered trolling motors boast a unique joystick remote called Freesteer. Incorporating a color LCD display, the remote is lightweight and wearable, providing 360 degrees of manual steering, as well as activation of automatic functions. 

With the Lowrance version of Recon, the remote can be combined with a wireless foot pedal with a programmable keypad and seamless integration with Lowrance multifunction displays via an NMEA 2000 network. The Simrad version also grants full integration with a Simrad MFD display via NMEA 2000. 

The new trolling motors also feature a GPS-guided virtual ­anchoring system that holds boats within a 3-foot radius. A unique jogging function ­allows anglers to execute ­diagonal moves in eight directions. There’s also the option to move virtual anchor positions in almost any direction. The carbon-fiber-­infused shafts carry lifetime ­warranties, while the motor ­carries a three-year warranty. 

The Recon motors integrate ­sonar technology and are available with a sonar nose-cone option. The new models are available in 54-, 60-, and 72-inch shaft lengths, and start at $3,499. To learn more, visit lowrance.com or simrad-yachting.com.

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Marine multifunction displays (MFDs) have certainly grown in size in recent years, but the aspect ratio—the proportional relationship between the screen width and height—has remained about the same. Simrad is changing that paradigm with the remarkable NSX Ultrawide series. 

Available in 12- and 15-inch diagonal screens, these Ultrawide MFDs deliver the benefits of dual screens in just one touchscreen display. To give you an idea of the difference, the touchscreen on the standard 12-inch Simrad NSX measures 1,280 pixels wide by 800 pixels tall—a 1.6-to-1 ­ratio. Both NSX Ultrawides ­measure 1,920 pixels wide by 720 pixels tall—a 2.7-to-1 ratio. ­Visually, the displays are startlingly different in their panoramic format, akin to seeing a film in Imax versus a standard movie screen.

“The new NSX Ultrawide provides a more streamlined and immersive experience, ­resulting in an elevated dash aesthetic that unlocks new possibilities,” according to Simrad, describing the new series as “a versatile premium solution for a variety of vessel types, including surf/wake, pontoons, cruisers, and small to midsize center-consoles.”

NSX Ultrawide incorporates a host of familiar features of the NSX, and it easily integrates with other Simrad electronics, including radar and sonar technologies across a wide range of transducers. The wider displays allow boaters to create unique ­split-screen views on the MFDs.

The bundled C-Map Discover X charts for North America and Canada are optimized for the new Ultrawide display’s high-­pixel density. Extra detail can be added with an upgrade to the optional Reveal X shaded-relief and satellite-imagery charting. The X-Gen charts also unlock a host of groundbreaking new features, such as the new C-map Safety Alerts—built to automatically alert users to hazards ahead, ­varying from shallow waters to buoys.

Read Next: View Important Engine Data With an MFD Interface

Additionally, in an industry first, the X-Chart Manager lets boaters manage C-Map chart updates and upgrades directly from the device, with the ability to choose custom areas for a near-instant ­download. The Ultrawide series is also compatible with select third-party chart options, including CMor Mapping, Florida Marine Tracks, StrikeLines, Standard Mapping, and others.

The NSX Ultrawide 12-inch model retails for $2,749; the 15-inch Ultrawide sells for $3,399. To learn more, visit simrad-yachting.com.

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This is Not a Test

We’ve run all these machines at various times and places, and learned much about their interfaces and features. But the biggest chess game in selecting a sonar brand is knowing what’s behind the screen. This BoatingLAB will do that: Give you a clear look at the innards of the purchase. We analyzed only 7-inch devices, but each of the manufacturers of these MFDs offers multiple screen sizes for an added cost. However, these 7-inchers are bound to give you outstanding navigational capabilities in a device compact enough for most dashboards. Got more space and scratch? Step up to a 9-, 10-, 12-, 15-inch or higher—larger screens sometimes sport additional features.

One more note: All devices use NMEA 2000 (N2K) protocol, some use Ethernet, and most use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow interfacing with a number of devices, like trolling motors and shallow-water anchors, and with smartphone apps—which can make you an armchair skipper until you transfer the info to the device on board.

Furuno GP-1871F

Furuno sonars and chart plotting displays have long been the choice of professional mariners thanks to the efficiency of their sonars, accuracy of their displays, and durability of their components. Now Furuno is extending a hand to the recreational boater with the new GP 1871F display with built-in CHIRP sonar. The touch screen has an extremely logical, easy-to-learn interface that brings up key menus with a swipe, and the chart or sonar can be zoomed with a finger pinch or spread. Tether a smartphone or tablet via the Apple or Android app and add a useful display with handy remote controls.

Simrad NSX 

Simrad developed this new MFD series and operating system to give users an experience as familiar as a smartphone. Icons (or tiles) for sonar, autopilot, radar, charting and more are arranged in rows. While a chart is displayed, there is a row of active and frequently used tiles alongside, making it easy to switch functions. Screens are bright and high-resolution, and can be divided into four panes, such as to display charting, sonar, radar and StructureScan sonar all at once. Though designed to be multitouch-operated. It has a broad array of built-in sonars and comes with chirp, StructureScan and a DownScan transducer with a temperature gauge. Simrad expects this new operating system to phase out existing ones over time.

Lowrance Elite FS

It’s hard to say how many dashboards carry the Elite FS, but it’s easy to see why so many do. Lowrance is always targeting the fisherman, but its chart-plotting capabilities are exemplary, and the unit itself is attractive when mounted in a dash or on a bracket. Lowrance was one of the first to begin bundling multiple sophisticated sonars into one multifunction display and bundle them with a 3-in-1 transducer for out-of-the-box StructureScan, DownScan and Active Imaging, which displays a 3D image of the bottom and what’s in the water between you and it. The system is expandable with N2K and Ethernet, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity bring in controls for select trolling motors and shallow-water anchors, and using smartphones.

Garmin GPSMap 743XSV

Garmin has always been known for durability and its easy-to-learn and use interface. A pioneer of forward-scanning live sonar with its Panoptix brand, professional fishermen use Garmin sonar to spot fish in cover, cast to them and watch their reaction to the bait, allowing them to change presentations to trigger a strike. You’ll need to select a transducer for the types of sonar you need and a black box for Panoptix, should angling be your most passionate boating endeavor. Garmin’s onboard charts are highly detailed, and upgraded chart brands and plans offer even more clarity and auto-routing.

Raymarine Element HV

The Element HV offers multichannel sonar for chirp, DownVision, SideVision and more. The screen is 20 percent brighter than most competitors, and chart and sonar clarity are noteworthy. The 3D sonar paints the bottom beneath your boat, mapping locations of fish and structure. It also aligns GPS waypoints with each sonar ping, so finding your way back is as easy as touching the structure or fish and tapping the go-to command on the chart plotter. Raymarine’s devices are tough, surviving heavy-duty shock, submersion and fire-hose-like spray tests to prove their durability. Costing less than $500, Raymarine’s Element S offers an even greater value to the vessel operator who only needs chart plotting and standard sonar.

Read Next: View Important Engine Data With an MFD Interface

Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp Mega SI GPS G4N

Humminbird has the reputation for offering the clearest, most detailed sonars available to boaters and fishermen. Originator of side scanning, Humminbird has continued to refine and improve its resolution, sonar detail and clarity in imaging. The company was an early adopter of sonar recording, offering the ability for boaters to create their own bathymetric charts, either to enhance supported charts or create bathymetry where none exists. Humminbird offers the added benefit of controlling Minn Kota Talon and Raptor anchors, and Minn Kota iPilot motors.

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Veteran anglers have long sworn by power-hungry magnetron radars for locating flocks of seabirds hovering and diving over schools of feeding gamefish, scorning the advent of pulse-compression radars. But now there’s a pulse-compression radar that may change some minds.

The new Halo 2000 and 3000 open-array, pulse-compression radar systems from Simrad feature higher power, greater detection ranges and improved software, making a host of new functions possible, including Bird+ Mode on the 3000 series. Bird+ Mode calibrates the radar to focus on maximizing 130 watts of power on targeting and identifying flocks of birds that can lead to fish at distances up to 8 nautical miles. Simrad is the first to use pulse compression at that range for birds, a distance on par with a 25 kW magnetron radar, heralding a new era of bird detection.

Read Next: Simrad NSX Series MFDs

Yet the Halo 2000 and 3000 radars offer much in terms of pulse-compression refinements. The Halo 2000 (available with 3-, 4- and 6-foot arrays) offers 50 watts of power, ensuring visibility out to 72 nautical miles, while the Halo 3000 (available with 4- and 6-foot arrays) with its 130 watts of power can provide visibility out to 96 nautical miles (depending upon the target), and that includes the ability to track threatening weather systems. The radar power combines world-class beam sharpening for enhanced target separation. For example, boaters can see one boat behind another as separate returns that might otherwise appear as a single target. Both systems are compatible with Simrad’s latest multifunction displays, including the NSS and NSX series.

Both radars also offer innovative new Zone Track and Dangerous Target Alerts features and Velocity Track to provide critical information and warnings to help avoid collisions. Zone Track automatically tracks up to 50 targets, while Dangerous Target Alerts issues an alert about threatening returns. Velocity Track color-codes dangerous targets. The 2000 radars start at $6,399, and 3000 radars start at $8,499; simrad-yachting.com.

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What’s better than high-resolution imagery from ­sonar? How about high-resolution imagery that doesn’t sacrifice range? Replacing Simrad TotalScan transducers, Active Imaging delivers views of up to 300 feet to the left or right of the boat in 800 kHz or 455 kHz frequencies. Two models are available: a stand-alone designed for installation alongside a chirp transducer, and three-in-one, which combines scanning sonar with a traditional medium-/high-chirp element.

Price: Stand-alone: $229; three-in-one: $299

Contact: simrad-yachting​.com

See the complete 2019 Marine Electronics Guide

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The industry’s first dome radar to boast a 60 rpm high-speed ­rotation at distances up to 2 nautical miles, Halo24 includes immediate dual-range ­performance, high-quality short-, mid- and long-range detection capability up to 48 nautical miles, and Simrad’s VelocityTrack Doppler technology. This is the lightest 24-inch pulse-compression dome on the market, and can boot up from low-power standby to full ­functionality in the blink of an eye.

Price: $2,699

Contact: simrad-yachting​.com

See the complete 2019 Marine Electronics Guide

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The Simrad G012 XSE was designed to provide plug-and-play operation for both fishing and cruising. The multitouch interface will be intuitive for anyone who owns a smartphone, and all the basics (Chirp, StructureScan, ForwardScan, GPS, and chartography) are built in. The system can be expanded with broadband or Halo radar, has Wi-Fi, and is NMEA 2000 compatible.

MSRP

$2,149

More Information

Website: Simrad

See the complete 2018 Marine Electronics Guide

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The Innovation Awards program, organized by the NMMA and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), recognizes exceptionally innovative new consumer marine products that best meet the criteria of “Having innovative distinction from other products currently manufactured in the marine industry; providing benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; providing practicality of use; and are cost­ effective.”

Simrad HALOTM Pulse Compression Radar range is the world’s first high­ performance solid­state, open­array radar system with pulse compression technology, suitable for recreational and light marine markets. Combining the advantages of Broadband RadarTM and traditional pulse radar systems, HALO provides navigational visibility and awareness, as close as 20­feet, within the pulse radar’s short­range “blind spot,” where once only Broadband Radar could operate — all while offering exceptional long­-range performance.

Additionally, HALO Pulse Compression Radar is slated to receive more innovative features throughout its life cycle, including new features released today, such as even greater MARPA target tracking capabilities – up to 20 targets. The latest model, Halo­6 with a maximum range of up to 72 nautical miles, has begun to ship to dealers and consumers.

“We are deeply honored that the judges have selected HALO for the NMMA Innovation Award,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico. “Since its release, HALO has continued to receive fantastic reviews from the media, our dealers, and our customers. This is the second prestigious award for Simrad in 2015 – a strong testament to our company’s commitment to develop innovative products that offer meaningful benefits to anglers and boaters.”

Earlier this year in February 2015, Simrad ForwardScanTM Sonar also won an NMMA Innovation Award at the Progressive Miami International Boat Show.

For more information on Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar visit http://www.simrad­yachting.com/en­US/Products/Radar/HALO­Radar/. To learn more about the entire line of Simrad Yachting performance marine electronics, please contact 800­324­1356 (toll­free) in the USA or 800­661­3983 (toll­free) in Canada or visit www.simrad­yachting.com

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