When you're choosing between two used Simrad multifunction displays in the marine electronics sonar navigation space, the real decision is between a low-cost parts unit and a complete working system. The SIMRAD NSS7 EVO2 is sold as a display for parts, while the Simrad NSS12 is a 12-inch MFD. The useful question is not which name is better, but what condition and capability you actually need on the water.
Quick verdict
Pick the Simrad NSS12 if you want a display that can serve as the working hub of your boat's electronics. The NSS7 EVO2 is far cheaper, but it is sold as a parts unit and the screen doesn't display anything, even though the unit powers on. That makes the NSS12 the only practical choice when a functioning chartplotter or fishfinder is the goal. If you are repairing another display and need a donor, the NSS7 EVO2 is the lower-priced option that fits that job.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | SIMRAD NSS7 EVO2 | Simrad NSS12 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 219.99 | USD 1,199.95 |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Display | No usable screen; parts unit | 12-inch touchscreen |
| Capabilities | Chartplotter, fishfinder, GPS, radar unit display | Chartplotter, fishfinder, radar, GPS, MFD, Active Imaging Sonar, enhanced charts |
Where each product wins
The SIMRAD NSS7 EVO2 wins on lower price and repair purpose. It is the less expensive way to put a Simrad display in your hands and is meant for parts. The Simrad NSS12 wins on being the complete multifunction display, with the additional capabilities that matter for serious on-water use. If you're unsure which category you belong to, ask yourself whether the display will spend its time on a helm or in a workshop.
SIMRAD NSS7 EVO2 Boat Chartplotter Fishfinder GPS Radar Unit Display for Parts
This is the lower-priced option, but the price difference comes with a clear trade-off. The unit turns on and buttons make sounds, yet the screen is not usable and doesn't show anything. It is sold for parts and comes with no warranty, so it is not a plug-and-play navigation screen. Choose it when you have a repair project that can make use of a donor display, or when you want to keep the initial outlay to a minimum. The limitation is exactly that: it is a parts-only display, so if you need to see charts or sonar on a screen, it cannot do that in its current state. The potential upside is that the price lets you bring a Simrad unit into a project without a large commitment.
Simrad NSS12 Boat Marine 12" Touchscreen FishFinder Radar GPS MFD Chartplotter
The NSS12 is the full-function option. It has a 12-inch touchscreen, enhanced inland and coastal charts, radar, Active Imaging Sonar, and simple menu navigation with one-touch keypad buttons. That combination makes it well suited for powerboats and sportfishing center consoles, where you want a single MFD to pull together fishfinding, navigation, and radar. The drawback is the price: it is significantly more expensive than the NSS7 EVO2, and this is still a used unit, so condition should be a factor. If you want a large, capable display, this is the one that gives you the complete MFD experience.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Simrad NSS12 if you need a working multifunction display for on-water navigation. Choose the SIMRAD NSS7 EVO2 only if you are buying a parts unit for repair and can accept a non-functional screen. For almost every on-water buyer, the NSS12 is the more sensible choice, while the NSS7 EVO2 is best left to a specific repair project.
