Choosing marine electronics sonar navigation gear starts with a big question: do you need a dedicated fishfinder or a full navigation system? For many boaters, the answer depends on how you fish, how much equipment you want on board, and how much you're ready to spend. Two used options at opposite ends of the price spectrum highlight the trade-off: the Garmin Fishfinder 80 and the Simrad NSS12. Both come in used condition, so the real differentiator is what each unit is designed to do.
Quick Verdict
If your priority is a less expensive way to see depth and fish, the Garmin Fishfinder 80 is the straightforward choice. It keeps the cost down while covering the basics. If you want a more complete navigation and fishfinding system with a larger display, the Simrad NSS12 offers far more capability, and that capability comes at a much higher price. Your decision is really about scope: a single-purpose depth finder or a full navigation command center.
At a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Fishfinder 80 | Simrad NSS12 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 65.00 | USD 1,199.95 |
| Primary function | Fishfinder depth finder | Touchscreen fishfinder, radar, GPS, MFD chartplotter |
| Key specs | Sonar sensor; decimal and imperial measurements; plastic housing | 12-inch touchscreen; enhanced inland/coastal charts; Active Imaging Sonar |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Where Each Wins
The Garmin Fishfinder 80 wins for anglers who want a simple, lower-priced fishfinder. It's built around fishing, with a plastic housing designed for marine use, and it lets you adjust the measurement to your preference. It's an easy addition to a boat that already has other navigation equipment.
The Simrad NSS12 wins for boaters who need a central navigation hub. It combines multiple navigation functions in one touchscreen display, with enhanced charts and sonar. That makes it a stronger fit for powerboats and sportfishing center consoles.
Product Notes
Garmin Fishfinder 80
The Garmin Fishfinder 80 is a dedicated marine boat sonar that focuses on the essentials: reading the bottom and helping you locate fish. Garmin is a trusted brand in the fishing industry, and this unit reflects that focus. The $65 price is the standout reason to choose it if you want a no-frills fishfinder. It supports both decimal and imperial measurements and uses sonar sensors to detect fish, so you can set it up the way you prefer. The main limitation is that it's a single-purpose unit: it doesn't include navigation, radar, or chartplotting, so you'll need separate devices for those tasks. With a plastic housing meant for marine use, it's built for fishing-focused boaters who want a simple, low-cost depth finder that does its one job well.
Simrad NSS12
The Simrad NSS12 is a marine electronics hub rather than just a fishfinder. Its strongest reason to choose it is the all-in-one design: a 12-inch touchscreen that combines fishfinding, radar, GPS, and chartplotting, plus Active Imaging Sonar and enhanced inland and coastal charts. The screen uses simple menus and icons, which helps you get to important functions quickly. That makes it a strong fit for powerboats and sportfishing center consoles. The limitation is the $1,199.95 price, which is a significant investment, and the system's complexity compared with a dedicated fishfinder. You're paying for a single display that can replace multiple standalone units, and for many boaters that capability is worth it.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Garmin Fishfinder 80 if you fish from a small boat and want a simple, low-priced depth finder that doesn't require a learning curve. Choose the Simrad NSS12 if you run a powerboat or center console and want an all-in-one navigation and fishfinding system.
