When you are shopping for marine sonar navigation gear, the real decision is rarely about brand alone. It is about whether you are buying a working tool or a parts project. On one side is the Simrad NSS7 EVO2, a multi-function chartplotter, fishfinder, GPS, and radar display sold for parts. On the other is the Garmin Fishfinder 160C, a dedicated echo sounder offered as a new open-box unit. This comparison helps you see which one deserves a place on your boat.
Quick verdict
If you need a fishfinder that will help you on the water, the Garmin Fishfinder 160C is the pick. It is listed at $175 and comes as new open-box stock, so you get a functioning sonar unit for less money. The Simrad NSS7 EVO2 costs $219.99, but the screen is not usable and the condition is clearly stated as for parts only, with no returns and no warranty.
Comparison table
| Product | Listed price | Condition | Buy it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIMRAD NSS7 EVO2 BOAT CHARTPLOTTER FISHFINDER GPS RADAR UNIT DISPLAY FOR PARTS | USD 219.99 | Used | Parts or repair project |
| Garmin Fishfinder 160C Marine Boat Echo Sounder Sonar Fish Finder | USD 175.00 | New other (see details) | Working sonar today |
Where the Simrad NSS7 EVO2 wins
The Simrad has the broadest feature set on paper. This model combines chartplotter, fishfinder, GPS, and radar display in one head unit, which would make it a true all-in-one navigation screen if it worked. In this specific case, its advantage is only as a parts donor. Because the unit turns on and the buttons make sounds, it could be useful to someone repairing a similar NSS7 EVO2. If you need replacement internal components, a nonworking unit like this is a clear match for that kind of project.
Where the Garmin Fishfinder 160C wins
The Garmin wins on practicality. It is a dedicated echo sounder and sonar fishfinder, ready to handle the main job most boaters care about: finding fish and reading the bottom. You are not inheriting a broken screen. That makes it the more sensible route for someone who wants a working sonar unit without the risk of buying a parts-only unit.
Product notes
#### SIMRAD NSS7 EVO2 BOAT CHARTPLOTTER FISHFINDER GPS RADAR UNIT DISPLAY FOR PARTS
The Simrad NSS7 EVO2 is a used chartplotter, fishfinder, GPS, and radar display unit. That is a lot of technology in one head unit, and for a buyer who already has one of these systems, the parts value can be real. The unit turns on and the buttons make sounds, but the screen does not show anything usable. It is sold for parts with no returns and no warranty. If you expect to use this as your working navigation display, this is not the product for you. But if you are repairing another NSS7 EVO2 and need to source components, this unit is worth a closer look.
#### Garmin Fishfinder 160C Marine Boat Echo Sounder Sonar Fish Finder
The Garmin Fishfinder 160C is a straightforward marine echo sounder and sonar fish finder, sold as new open-box stock. It is a purpose-built sonar tool with a specific Garmin part number. If you need GPS and radar in the same head unit, the Simrad is the one with those features, but only as a broken parts unit. The Garmin wins because it is functional and designed for the core sonar job. For a boater who wants to start fishing sooner, this is the more practical choice.
Final choice by use case
- Buy the Garmin Fishfinder 160C if you need a working echo sounder for your boat and want a ready-to-use sonar unit.
- Consider the Simrad NSS7 EVO2 only if you are deliberately looking for a nonfunctional display for parts or repair work, and you understand it is sold for parts, not for use as a display.
