For over six decades Simrad has led the way in yachting innovation. Fishing and yachting enthusiasts alike have been turning to Simrad for their technology needs and in today’s market, few companies compare to the advanced modernization of this brand.
This review will look at the Simrad GO7 XSE chartplotter which will greatly increase the capabilities of navigation and fish finding during your yachting experience. Simrad not only utilizes its own software as part of this highly innovative chartplotter, but also other state of the art technologies that far surpass competing brands.
If you’re shopping for a yachting radar system that enhances your entire yachting experience, then take a look at some of the Simrad GO7 XSE features and how they can benefit your day out on the water.
Below, we’ve also added a section on the GO9 and how it compares to the GO7. But for the purposes of this review, we’ll focus on the GO7 and give you all the ins and outs about this amazing product. Here’s some help on deciding whether it’s the chartplotter for you!
Tailored for Your Yachting Experience:
One of the best parts about installing a Simrad GO7 is that you can customize the features to suit your particular needs - as well as your budget. This chartplotter comes with four varying screen sizes which will accommodate your boat. There are also multiple map options depending on what exactly you want to use your GO7 XSE for.
Don’t forget about the transducer options either, which aim to assist you with medium to high frequency CHIRP sonar imaging. The Simrad GO7 XSE uses TotalScan™ to give you the best options in this regard - especially if you’re using it for angling.
This system comes with state of the art radar features, which help with chart plotting and fishing alike. You’ll never wonder where you are, who’s nearby or where the best angling spots are for a great catch. Simrad encourages yachting and angling enthusiasts to customize their chartplotting system for the very best experience on the water.
When making your purchase, assess your screen size requirements and ask your dealer for advice if need be so that you don’t underestimate or overestimate the size you need.
Awesome Screen Features
Regardless of the screen size you choose, your Simrad GO7 XSE will deliver the very best in resolution and screen capabilities. You have StrutureScan® to thank for this, as it’s proven itself as one of the top brands when it comes to HD imaging.
You can choose between four sizes:
Each one comes with the same high standard touch screen interface you’ve come to expect from Simrad. All options are also compatible with the software that comes with this incredible system, and are designed to add a touch of luxury to your boating experience - whether you’re fishing or simply taking the boat out. The size variations make the GO7 XSE perfect for all boat shapes and sizes; including sports boats, cruisers and small to medium center counsel boats.
The screen you choose will also serve you well on dark nights or bright days due to its brightness accommodation. An LED backlight will also keep your screen in view while navigating dark waters such as caves or nocturnal voyages. Navigation is that much easier if your touchscreen is visible at all times - as many yacht owners have already discovered.
It’s an amazing feeling having a high quality screen as your first mate on a vessel. Enjoy this experience every time you go out on the water and watch how enhanced your experience becomes.
Advanced Connectivity and Diversified Access:
The online capabilities of the GO7 SXE come with a built in chartplotter GPS system to help you navigate any area on the water. Cartography support software includes:
- Insight
- Navitronics
- CMAP
So you’ll never be left without direction during your voyage.
Your GO7 XSE system will also come equipped with a built in GoFree™ WiFi. This means you won’t have to use any external connectivity devices when you’re out of WiFi range. GoFree™ will ensure that your navigation system and fish finder are constantly online without interruption or poor connectivity. Isn’t it nice to know that you don’t have to bring along any emergency connection device as backup?
An Enhanced Fishing Experience:
The GO7 is ideal for fishing because it contains excellent fish finder. Those who take their fishing seriously will be thrilled to learn that navigation works hand in hand with the built in fish finder to locate the best general fishing spots, as well as those elusive large fish that would usually evade your angling skills.
The aim of the GO7 XSE chartplotter is to make your fishing experience as seamless as possible, while not taking away from the thrill of chance that professional anglers crave. So if fishing is something you enjoy but still like to cruise around in your boat, make sure you equip yourself with this state of the art system. It’s every angler’s dream to enjoy this kind of fish finding technology.
The Simrad GO9 XSE goes even a step further with its features catering to professional anglers; so you may want to check out our review of that one is fishing is your passion.
Customized Radar Capabilities
The radar system on the GO7 XSE is the secret to its efficacy. Navigation and angling both rely heavily on the efficiency of the radar software which is built into this chartplotter. If you’re a true adventurer, then this is a must for your boat.
Depending on your boat size, you have the option to choose between two different radar options when using the GO7 XSE chartplotter. For smaller boats, they offer a Broadband 3G option. And for larger boats, a Broadband 4G option.
Speak to your supplier about which option would best suit your boat. If it’s a sport or motorboat, there’s no reason to choose the 4G option. But if you’d rather play it safe, then choose to install the 4G option for either a large or medium boat to ensure superior radar access when fishing or navigating the water.
One clearly offers wider access than the other, but don’t spend too much on the 4G if 3G will do.
NMEA 2000 Compatibility:
Communication on your vessel is a breeze with the standardized communications system. This plug and play device comes with NMEA 2000 capability so that you’re never left without contact with the on-land world.
There are many communication systems for boats that are not compatible with NMEA 2000, making this a sought after feature for those who appreciate its value. So rest assured that if you do install the Simrad GO7, this feature will be automatically included as it is built in and standardized as a standard feature.
Comparing GO7 and GO9 Chartplotters for Anglers and Adventurers:
Many yachting enthusiasts have asked us how the GO7 compares with its new sister device, the GO9. We did a few comparisons for you so that you can make an educated decision on which one is better for your own yachting experience.
The GO9 has some features that - in some ways - slightly exceed the GO7. Here is a list of those features:
- The GO7 does deliver everything you would need for a yachting & angling experience that far exceeds that of an amateur. But it’s no secret that the GO9 is designed more for professional anglers.
- GO9 has better radar support than GO7, which simply means that radar capability is given more of a priority during navigation and fish finding.
- The 9inch screen on the GO9 is slightly larger than the GO7, which allows for a marginally better view without compromising on the resolution.
- The GO9 includes a Cruise Charting View application which is not included in the GO7. This application is designed for longer offshore trips, which is ideal if you frequently take long trips far from land to fish or relax.
Installation and User Friendliness:
One benefit we noticed about the GO7 XSE chartplotter is how easy it was to install. Some know how is definitely required for accurate installation, but generally it’s more simplified than other chartplotting systems.
It’s also clear that this system was designed to be as user friendly as possible, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned yachters. Anglers will also have their expectations met with how seamless the whole system works together.
It’s obvious that the designers and developers off all these features thought long and hard about how they could enhance your experience on the water while using the Simrad GO7 XSE chartplotter. Simrad knows yachting as well as angling, which is probably why they’ve managed to develop a system that most yachting enthusiasts will be keen to install onto their vessels.
Final Thoughts:
If you have the budget and need for something that most would consider “overboard”, then we’d suggest you go for the Simrad GO9 XSE, which closely compares to the above-reviewed GO7. But for those of you who simply want to take your angling and yachting to a whole new level, we’d highly recommend the Simrad GO7 XSE. It really does come with everything you could possibly hope for on your boating vacation.
