Choosing the right chartplotter is one of the most consequential decisions for a cruising sailor. It's your primary navigation interface — on passage, in anchorages, and in challenging conditions. This guide compares the leading brands — B&G, Simrad, and Garmin — across the specs that matter most for bluewater and coastal cruising.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | B&G Zeus³ / Zeus SR | Simrad GO / NSS | Garmin GPSMAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sailing-first, performance cruising | Versatile power/sail, budget-friendly | Reliability, ecosystem depth |
| Screen sizes | 7", 9", 16" | 5", 7", 9", 12" | 7", 9", 12", 16" |
| Sailing-specific features | ✅ Wind, laylines, sail performance | ⚠️ Basic sailing data | ⚠️ Basic sailing data |
| Radar integration | ✅ Halo radar compatible | ✅ Broadband/Halo radar | ✅ GMR radar |
| Chart compatibility | C-MAP, Navionics | C-MAP, Navionics | Navionics, BlueChart g3 |
| NMEA 2000 / Ethernet | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full |
| Price range | €€€ | €€ | €€–€€€ |
B&G Zeus³ & Zeus SR — Best for Sailing-Focused Cruisers
The B&G Zeus line is purpose-built for sailors. The Zeus³ (7", 9", 16") and the newer Zeus SR 10" deliver sailing-specific overlays — wind angles, laylines, tack/gybe assistance — that no other brand matches out of the box.
Ideal for: Cruisers who also race, performance monohulls, sailors upgrading from older B&G systems.
Key strengths:
- Native integration with B&G autopilots and wind instruments
- SailSteer and Wind Plot pages purpose-built for passage planning
- ForwardScan sonar compatibility for shallow-water cruising
Shop B&G Zeus³ 9" Chartplotter →
Shop B&G Zeus³ 16" Chartplotter →
Shop B&G Zeus SR 10" →
Simrad GO XSE — Best Value for Coastal Cruisers
The Simrad GO XSE series (5", 7", 9", 12") offers excellent value, particularly for sailors who want a capable chartplotter without the premium B&G price tag. The GO12 XSE is a strong choice for larger cockpit displays.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious cruisers, power/sail crossover boats, first-time chartplotter buyers.
Key strengths:
- Broadband and Halo radar integration
- C-MAP and Navionics chart support
- Available in bundles with TotalScan transducer for added sonar capability
Shop Simrad GO5 XSE →
Shop Simrad GO12 XSE →
Garmin GPSMAP — Best for Ecosystem & Reliability
Garmin's GPSMAP series is the benchmark for reliability and chart quality. If your crew is already using Garmin handheld GPS or you rely heavily on BlueChart g3 charts, staying within the Garmin ecosystem makes sense.
Ideal for: Long-distance cruisers prioritising chart quality, mixed fleets with existing Garmin gear.
Key strengths:
- Industry-leading BlueChart g3 and Navionics chart integration
- Robust build quality and global support network
- Wide accessory and sensor ecosystem
Which Chartplotter Should You Choose?
- Sailing performance matters most → B&G Zeus³ or Zeus SR
- Best value for coastal cruising → Simrad GO XSE
- Chart quality and ecosystem depth → Garmin GPSMAP
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which system fits your boat's existing electronics? Contact us — our team can advise on compatibility with your NMEA 2000 network, autopilot, and instruments.