Simrad GO7 XSR HDI C-MAP Discover

The GO7 XSR is one of the Simrad fish finders released in 2018. However, in this post, we’re going to address a newer model, the GO7 XSR 000-14326-002, the one that comes with the C-MAP Discover charts. This particular unit also includes the Mid/High HDI skimmer transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, WVGA color TFT, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP, DownScan
• Depth Capability:
  1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  350 ft. (106 m) for DownScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  2D CHIRP: 83 kHz (52°) / 200 kHz (22°)
  DownScan: 455 kHz (56°) / 800 kHz (32°)
• Transducer: HDI Skimmer
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10-17 VDC
• GPS: 32-channel, 10 Hz internal
• Charts: C-MAP Discover
• Waypoints, routes, tracks: 6000, 500, 50
• Networking: NMEA 2000, wireless connectivity

Sonar and transducer

The Simrad GO7 XSR 000-14326-002 offers two sonar technologies. These are standard CHIRP sonar and DownScan. The unit supports 50/83/200 kHz for the CHIRP sonar, and 455/800 kHz for DownScan. However, the included transducer does not support 50 kHz. The unit also supports SideScan and ForwardScan, but in order to use any of these sonar technologies, you will need the appropriate transducer.

As we’ve mentioned above, this Simrad unit comes with the HDI skimmer transducer for Mid / High CHIRP and DownScan. This transducer features a durable thermoplastic casing, has 20 ft. (6 m) of cable, and a 9-pin connector. It also has an internal temperature sensor and the unit can show the water temperature.

The transducer uses two conical beams for standard CHIRP. Their angles are 52° @ 83 kHz, and 22° @ 200 kHz. The maximum depth range that can be achieved with the standard CHIRP sonar by this transducer is 1,000 ft (305 m) when using the Mid CHIRP beam.

For DownScan, the beams are oval, very thin fore-to-aft. (approx. 2°). Their side-to-side coverage is approx. 56° @ 455 kHz, and 32° @ 800 kHz. The maximum depth range that can be reached with this transducer when using the DownScan mode is 350 ft. (106 m).

The unit offers a pretty decent range of standard sonar features. The list includes A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Fish ID, Overlay DownScan, Sonar Zoom, various alarms, and more. The FishReveal feature that allows you to view the fish arches from the echosounder image into the DownScan image, was also added in one of the latest software updates. The unit does not have a Circular Flasher view for ice fishing.

Navigation features

The Simrad GO7 XSR has a built-in 32-channel, 10 Hz internal GPS receiver. It can use WAAS for position augmentation and also has a GPS speed function. The unit offers the possibility to create waypoints, record tracks, and save routes. Plus, it has the TripIntel feature that lets you store and recall information on trips. For example, you can check distance traveled, time traveled, average speed, maximum speed, fuel consumption, and other data regarding each trip.

The unit comes with a C-MAP Discover charts card. First of all, these charts are much better than the older basemap included with the previous Simrad GO7 XSR 000-14326-001. This chart platform offers ultra-wide coverage for inland and off-shore U.S. and Canadian waters. They come with several new features including High-Res Bathymetry, Vector Charts, Custom Depth Shading, Tides & Currents Information, Easy Routing, Detailed Marina Port Plans, and more.

Of course, the unit also supports various other charts from Navionics and C-MAP. Among them, we can count Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX N+, C-MAP Genesis, NV-Digital, and more. The unit does not have the GenesisLive mapping feature. However, if loaded with a Navionics+ charts card, it can work with the SonarChart Live application for bathymetric mapping.

Among other important navigation features, we can count radar support, AIS support, SteadySteer support, Mercury SmartTow, as well as engine data information. It can serve as a display for Broadband 3G/4G and Halo radars. SteadySteer serves as autopilot enhancement for NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers fitted with RPU drive pumps.

Control unit features

The Simrad GO7 XSR unit features a 7-inch color display with a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V. It has built-in backlight and offers excellent readability from all angles. It is IPX7 waterproof which essentially means that it can withstand incidental water exposure.

The unit does not have a keypad. The only button is the On/Off button on the bottom left corner. It is a full touchscreen multi-function display and operates just like any other tablet. It comes with a very easy-to-use interface. You can customize its homepage with multiple app shortcuts. It also offers split-screen possibilities so you can work with two or three applications simultaneously.

The unit offers superior networking features. To begin with, it has a radar connector and an NMEA 2000 connector. Thus, you can easily integrate it into an existing boat grid so it can communicate with other compatible boating instruments. It also has wireless connectivity. In other words, you can connect your Simrad MFD to the internet via WiFi for easy software downloads or updates. You can also pair it with various devices (i.e. smartphones, audio servers, etc) via Bluetooth.

Finally, the unit also has a microSD card port on the back. The included C-MAP Discover card comes in a SD card adapter, so you’ll need to remove it from it, and insert it into the unit. The box also includes an in-dash mounting kit, the standard mounting bracket, an edge bezel, and a unit cover.

The Pros

• CHIRP and DownScan sonar;
• SideScan and ForwardScan capable;
• Med / High HDI skimmer transducer included;
• Depth range up to 1,000 ft. with the included transducer;
• Fast chart updates, fast navigation through menus;
• Easy to use, intuitive interface, with touchscreen technology;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability;
• Various sonar functions, such as FishReveal, Overlay DownScan, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
• 10 Hz internal GPS, 32-channel;
• C-MAP Discover charts card included;
• Compatible with a wide array of custom charts, including Nautic Insight PRO and HD, Navionics HotMaps Premium, Fishing HotSpots, Navionics+, Lake Insight PRO and HD, C-MAP MAX-N, and Insight Genesis;
• TripIntel and Cruise Charting view;
• GPS and sonar overlay data possibilities, via Insight Genesis;
• Supports AIS;
• Supports broadband 3G/4G and Halo Radars;
• Supports SteadySteer;
• Mercury Smart Tow enabled;
• Engine data view;
• One microSD card slot;
• NMEA 2000 connectivity (1 Micro-C port);
• Wireless connectivity (WiFi & Bluetooth);
• Simrad SonicHub®2 & Bluetooth Audio Integration;
• Sun cover included;
• In-dash mounting kit included;
• Available in multiple language packs.

The Cons

• Does not have the Genesis Live feature;
• Does not have a Circular Flasher feature.

Summary

The Simrad GO7 XSR 000-14326-002 is a fish finder and chartplotter that offers CHIRP sonar, DownScan sonar, 10 Hz internal GPS, and the C-MAP Discover charts. It comes with the HDI skimmer transducer (83/200/455/800 kHz). It has a radar port, an NMEA 2000 port, and wireless connectivity. It’s a versatile multi-function display, great for a wide array of boats, for both off-shore and in-land fishing.