Simrad GO9 XSE Active Imaging 3-in-1 C-MAP Discover

The GO9 XSE ‎000-14840-002 is one of the Simrad fish finders released in 2021. As opposed to the older model, this one comes with the C-MAP Discover charts which offer considerably more features than the C-MAP Pro charts included with the GO9 XSE 000-14840-001 version. This unit comes with the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, numerous important software updates, and also offers an extensive range of networking features.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, WVGA color, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: Active Imaging 3-in-1
• Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1
• Depth Capability (with the included transducer):
  1,000′ (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  300′ (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan
• Frequency and Coverage (with the included transducer):
  83/200/455/800 kHz
  300′ (91 m) on each side – 455 kHz SideScan
  100′ (30 m) on each side – 800 kHz SideScan
• Power Input: 10-17 VDC
• Power Consumption: 20 W (max), 12 W (typical)
• GPS: 32-channel, 10 Hz internal
• Charts: C-MAP Discover
• Waypoints, routes, tracks: 6000, 500, 50

Sonar and transducer

The Simrad GO9 XSE 000-14840-002 has Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar which includes standard CHIRP sonar, DownScan sonar, and SideScan sonar. The unit also supports ForwardScan, but for this sonar technology, you will need a ForwardScan transducer.

In terms of supported base sonar frequencies, the unit supports 50/83/200 kHz for its standard CHIRP sonar, and 455/800 kHz for SideScan and DownScan. The included Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer works with 83/200 kHz channels for standard CHIRP, and the 455/800 kHz channels for structure scanning. The exact CHIRP ranges and the sonar beam angles cast by this transducer are not specified.

The Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer is equipped with 25 ft. (7.6 m) of cable with a 9-pin connector. Its mount is metallic and offers the possibility to install it in a transom set up, or in a trolling setup. It also integrates a temperature sensor. For standard CHIRP, it casts conical beams. The maximum depth range is 1,000 ft. (305 m) and can be achieved with the 83 kHz beam. For SideScan and DownScan, it casts oval thin beams. The maximum depth range of the DownScan beam is 300 ft. (91 m) while the maximum SideScan beam range is also 300 ft (91 m) for each side of the boat.

Of course, the unit offers a wide range of standard sonar features. The list includes FishReveal, Fish ID, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, Overlay DownScan, Sonar Recording, and more.

Navigation features

The Simrad GO9 XSE 000-14840-002 comes with the new C-MAP Discover charts. These offer 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 is also compatible with different other maps from Navionics and C-MAP, including Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX N+, C-MAP Genesis, NV-Digital, and more. It has the StructureMap feature which offers the possibility to overlay recorded SideScan sonar images onto the map. It also supports Genesis maps but does not have the Genesis Live feature like the Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 unit.

The unit has an internal 10 Hz, 32-channel GPS receiver which provides position updates 10 times per second. It also supports WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS for position augmentation. It can hold up to 6,000 waypoints in its memory, up to 500 routes, and up to 50 tracks. Each track can have up to 12,000 points.

A radar module is not included with this particular Simrad GO unit, but it does support broadband 3G, 4G, and HALO® radar. It can communicate with AIS units via NMEA 2000 as well. It supports AC12N, AC42N, SG05, or NAC-1 autopilot units. It also supports SteadySteerTM, Honda ECO mode engine information, Mercury Smart Tow, FusionLink, and more.

Last but not least, TripIntel and Cruise Charting View are included. The Cruise Charting View puts all the crucial data and charts available in one easily readable display. TripIntel tracks and displays the key information you need to plan your trip safely. With this feature at hand, you can make smart decisions with fuel range overlaid on charts, easy access to current and future tide levels, and a detailed history of your previous trips including the route you took and how your boat performed. Plus, a boating instruments page is also available. You can set it to show fuel information, engine, or tank data.

Control unit features

Like all the other GO XSE series units, the Simrad GO9 XSE Active Imaging 3-in-1 C-MAP Discover unit is a full-touchscreen MFD. It does not have a keypad. It features a standard 800H x 480V pixel resolution, with a color display and LED backlight. It is also IPX7 waterproof which means it can withstand incidental water exposure. It comes with the standard tilt mount, but the box also includes an in-dash mounting kit, and a sun cover.

The unit has a highly intuitive, user-friendly interface. You can customize its homepage with different applications for quick access. It offers the possibility to work with up to four applications in split-screen.

The unit offers multiple networking features. To begin with, it has an Ethernet port which with the 20.2 software update allows access to chart and echosounder sources from other networked devices, not just radar connectivity. It has an NMEA 2000 micro-C port and also supports NMEA 0183.

Wireless connectivity is also on the list of features for this Simrad unit. This gives you the possibility to connect it to a WiFi hotspot in order to download software updates, charts, or access other online features. Plus, you can mirror its display to a smartphone or tablet so you can control it remotely.

Finally, the unit supports Fusion-Link and SonicHub. Thus, if a SonicHub server or a FUSION marine entertainment system is connected to the NMEA 2000 network, you can use your Simrad unit to control and customize the audio system on your vessel. When connected to a WM-3 Satellite module with an active subscription, you can include SiriusXM products on your system.

The Pros

• Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar (2D CHIRP, DownScan, SideScan);
• ForwardScan capable;
• Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer included;
• 1,000 ft. depth capability (3,000 with a 50/200 kHz 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;
• MicroSD card reader (2 slots);
• NMEA 2000 connectivity;
• Ethernet connectivity;
• Wireless connectivity;
• 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.

Summary

The Simrad GO9 XSE 000-14840-002 offers Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, internal GPS, and comes with the C-MAP Discover charts. It includes the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer for 2D CHIRP sonar, DownScan, and SideScan. It has Ethernet and offers NMEA 2000 connectivity, as well as wireless connectivity. It’s an excellent fish finder and chartplotter unit for a wide array of boats, for both off-short and inland fishing and navigation.