Choosing between a $175 fish finder and a $1,200 marine electronics sonar navigation system can feel like comparing a speedometer to a full dashboard. The real question isn't which one is superior-it's which one belongs on your boat. The Garmin Fishfinder 160C is a straightforward echo sounder for anglers who mainly want to see what's below. The Simrad NSS12 is a large helm display that bundles the navigation and sonar tools you'd want for a center-console setup. Here's how to sort out the trade-offs.
Quick verdict
If you want one central screen for a serious marine electronics sonar navigation setup, the Simrad NSS12 is the unit to plan around. If you just want a sonar-first display and want to keep most of your budget for other gear, the Garmin Fishfinder 160C is the leaner pick.
At a glance
| Consideration | Simrad NSS12 | Garmin Fishfinder 160C |
| Listed price | USD 1,199.95 | USD 175.00 |
| Condition | Used | New other (see details) |
| Display | 12\" touchscreen | - |
| Capabilities highlighted | Radar, Active Imaging Sonar, inland and coastal charts | Echo sounder sonar fish finder |
| Control approach | Touch-screen with keypad one-touch buttons | - |
Where each product wins
The Simrad NSS12 wins when you want one helm screen to anchor the boat. The full product title spells out the all-in-one deal: a 12-inch touchscreen fishfinder, radar, GPS, MFD, and chartplotter. The Garmin Fishfinder 160C wins when you want a focused sonar tool. Its title centers on the sonar fish finder role, and the much lower listed price leaves room in the budget for other equipment.
Product notes
Simrad NSS12
If you are consolidating a full marine electronics sonar navigation station, the Simrad NSS12 is the centerpiece. The product name alone points to a fishfinder, GPS, MFD, and chartplotter, so this one used unit is designed to cover a lot of ground at the helm. The description also calls out enhanced inland and coastal charts and Active Imaging Sonar, which makes sense for powerboats and sportfishing center consoles. The trade-offs are the used condition and the USD 1,199.95 price. You are paying for an all-in-one solution rather than a small dedicated display, so it only makes sense if your boat really needs that level of integration. If you already have a separate depth sounder, the NSS12 may be more than you need; if you want one screen to read charts and sonar together, it earns its place.
Garmin Fishfinder 160C
The Garmin Fishfinder 160C takes a leaner approach. For USD 175.00, this new other (see details) unit is described as a marine boat echo sounder sonar fish finder, which is a useful fit when you already have charts on another device or you simply want a dedicated sonar screen. The limitation is scope. The Simrad product name points to a much wider navigation package, while the Garmin product name points to a fish finder first. If you mostly fish local waters and you are building out a marine electronics sonar navigation setup on a budget, that focus keeps the entry cost low. Just don't expect one unit to replace a full helm station. Think of it as a companion screen when your main navigation is handled elsewhere.
Final choice by use case
Take the Simrad NSS12 if you are ready to consolidate your helm into one pre-owned unit with the all-in-one navigation roles covered. Take the Garmin Fishfinder 160C if you want a lower-cost sonar screen and would rather put the roughly $1,025 price gap toward other boating needs.
