We take a look at Simrad NSS12 Evo3 and Garmin 8412 xsv MFD's - Fishfinder, Chartplotter, GPS.

When your shopping for your MFD. There are a few points worth taking into consideration when looking at leading MFD's. We know that basically all brands have their own supurb devices - all having alot of very cool features. Even though they all have some very sexy functions, what it really boils down to is:

1. Functionality - You need to be able to work this thing! If you cant use something confidently, it makes no difference how excellent the system is. So look for something you really feel comfortable with using. 

2. Performance - Having the horse power to back up the biscuits the system costs.

3. Moving with the times - Remember, this is your invesstment, and whislt no investment in boats usually makes you money (as the old adage goes......B.O.A.T - Break Out Another Thousand) You want to know that your money is well spent and you get years out of your unit without worrying that new technology will supercede your investment and render your setup will be out of date down the track. 

4. Price  - Accordingly the cost of the unit is a key factor. It has to be affordable and within your budget.  Which in some cases can limit your buying power. 

Thats the head unit, then there's the transducer Sonar modulator/computer.

The largest issue with getting excellent performance out of these sonar modulators is the heat. Most brands really do limit full power along with handling time of their sonar. (This is to minimize that heat "as in the same plastic housing as the other components MFD,GPS, touch screen etc. This all needs to be contained in housings sometimes as small as 7 inch. That being said, processors that have better performance such as  Simrad S5100, Raymarine CP570, Furuno DFF and Garmin GS26, offer much better efficiency. They additionally provide the ability to punch out 3 kilowatts of energy if you decide to go big.

The transducer is the other half of the equasion in todays world with basically the only choice for excellent quality Sonar being CHIRP and AIRMAR, its important to be clear on the frequencies as well as beam width. At the end of the day, Radio frequency and Medium frequency CHIRP 1kw transducers are the go for you In regards to positoning, It all basically depends on your vessel type. Transom mount is a cost effective with the capability to go with a 265LM in one transducer, nevertheless thru hull as well as In hull usually produce better images based upon Hydrodynamic results of the water relocating under the hull in typical circumstances. Comparing the Garmin with the Simrad, they have a couple of advantages and disadvantages 

Simrad NSS12 Evo3 

PROS 

This unit has been out for some time, so the cost rate has actually come down a bit. It has physical buttons as well as touch display and has a rather indepth networking capability etc. Xsonic pluged Airmar transducers are a little cheaper. It intergrates well with Mercury. 

CONS.

The physical build is not top of the line. Processing speed especially with multiple displays is average.  Mapping is fine however not the very best there is out there. 

Garmin GPSMAP 8412xsv 

PROS

Highest display on the marketplace. Full HD IPS. up to 3x 1kw finder networks that do generate an extremely very crisp image. Simple, seamless and user friendly The best mapping available. Superior Auto-pilot options.  (The 8600 series is the United States residential version that can be preloaded with United States maps, otherwise its no differnent to the Garmin 8412 which is the international version).

CONS. 

Newer to the market so therfore a little more costly. There are no physical buttons, "grid10 OR GRID20 is required for buttons". Transducers set you back a few more dollars. 

Hopefully thats a quick overview. For more product and pricing info use our contact us page and why not read our reviews while your there. 

Happy to help with your setup. Expert advice and leading Authorised Dealer of Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, Furuno and Koden. Therefore we have no Bias. Our aim it to get the right gear for your needs. Everyone's needs are different. Everyone's boat is different. Everyone's budget is different. We understand that.