Choosing between these two marine displays is really about how much of the navigation and fishfinding workload you want in one unit. The Simrad NSS12 is an all-in-one that combines chartplotting, Active Imaging Sonar, and more. The Garmin GPSMAP 8008 is a chartplotter with Volvo Penta branding and a broad connection set. One asks a higher price for a more complete command center; the other keeps the budget lower and focuses on chartplotting and integration.
Quick verdict
If you want a single screen that can serve as fishfinder, chartplotter, and general MFD, the Simrad NSS12 is the more complete package at $1,199.95. If you want a Garmin/Volvo Penta chartplotter and already have sonar or other modules, the Garmin GPSMAP 8008 is the more practical pick at $699.95.
Price and feature comparison
| What matters | Simrad NSS12 | Garmin GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.95 | $699.95 |
| Display | 12-inch touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Core role | FishFinder, Radar, GPS MFD | GPS MAP 8008 chartplotter |
| Charts | Enhanced inland and coastal charts | Volvo Penta-oriented chartplotter |
| Interface | Touchscreen plus keypad | Touchscreen plus broad NMEA/network/video connections |
Where each product wins
- Simrad NSS12 wins for all-in-one capability. It brings Active Imaging Sonar and charting into a single display, so you can run more tasks from one station.
- Garmin GPSMAP 8008 wins on price and integration. It costs less, and the connection options make it a natural fit for an existing Garmin/Volvo Penta system.
Product notes
Simrad NSS12
The NSS12 is the more complete command station. It pairs a 12-inch display with Active Imaging Sonar and enhanced inland and coastal charts, so you can run navigation and fishfinding from one screen. The interface uses simple menus and icons, and the physical keypad gives you one-touch buttons for important functions. That combination works well on powerboats and sportfishing center consoles. The trade-off is that this is the higher-priced unit and it is used. If you want a single screen that can handle more of the boating workload, this is the one to step up for.
Garmin GPSMAP 8008 Volvo Penta
The GPSMAP 8008 keeps things more focused. It is a touchscreen chartplotter with Garmin/Volvo Penta branding and a broad connection set that includes NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, four network connections, video inputs, engine and house hookups, and a power connection. That makes it a good front end for a boat that already has sonar or other modules. The limitation is that its strength is chartplotting and connection flexibility, so it is best seen as a navigation display rather than the single-box all-in-one answer. If you already have separate modules, this lower-priced chartplotter is a straightforward way to add a navigation station.
Final choice by use case
For a center-console or powerboat owner who wants one display that can do charts and fishfinding, the Simrad NSS12 is the better fit. For a boater working with a Garmin/Volvo Penta setup who wants a chartplotter with extensive connections at a lower price, the Garmin GPSMAP 8008 is the stronger choice.
