Simrad G07 Multi-touch display

Simrad Yachting has announced the release of the GO7 standalone multi-touch chart plotter and echo sounder. Simrad says the G07 offers boaters an affordable option for electronic navigation, and is an ideal fit for RIBs, runabouts and cruisers, providing quick and easy access to the information boaters require to safely maximise their time on the water.

The highly customisable user interface allows boaters to easily navigate through displays – even in the toughest offshore conditions. With tap to select, multi-touch; pinch-to-zoom chart and sonar range adjustment, as well as drag-and-drop functionality for route planning and charting functions, the GO7 is intuitive even for those with little or no experience with chartplotters.

With its accurate internal 10 Hz GPS antenna, the GO7 provides reliable situational awareness at any boat speed. Through its NMEA 2000 networking, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, the device also gives boaters immediate access to full engine integration, SonicHub entertainment functions and complete autopilot control.

Equipped with a daylight-viewable seven-inch widescreen display, the GO7 allows split-screen access to built-in features such as traditional sonar, CHIRP and DownScan Imaging views. CHIRP sonar produces greater sensitivity, improved target resolution and superior noise rejection for clearer images; while DownScan Imaging provides easy-to-understand, picture-like views of structure and bottom detail, we're told. In addition to sonar functionality, navigation information is displayed on the latest electronic charts available from the widest variety of cartography producers.

The first entry-level standalone display with wireless connectivity and full access to the GoFree cloud-enabled technology, the GO7 gives users the ability to purchase, download and immediately use Insight maps, and other third-party maps from GoFree partners, directly from the home screen.

With GoFree which we reported on here, users also receive automatic software update notifications and can download and install these updates directly, guaranteeing the most up-to-date operating system with all of the latest features. The GoFree Shop also allows registered Insight Genesis users to upload and download sonar logs to the Insight Genesis online service to enhance personal chart creation and to streamline Social Map community data sharing.

The GO7 will be available from authorised Simrad dealers Q2 2015 with a starting price of $A949 or $NZ1125, not including charts or transducers. For more information on the Simrad GO7 or the entire line of Simrad marine electronics, please visit www.simrad-yachting.com