If you’re looking to grab a new or upgrade your sounder without overspending, the Simrad GO9 XSE offers a compelling combination of performance, value, and usability—making it a strong fit for New Zealand’s mid-sized trailer boat market. Whether you’re targeting snapper in the Gulf, jigging at Mayor Island, or running along the coast in a cuddy or centre-console, the GO9 is designed to deliver reliable, easy-to-use fishfinding and navigation in a tidy 9-inch package.

Reliable, well-rounded and easy to use

The GO9 XSE has earned a solid reputation globally and among Kiwi boaties alike. Reviewers consistently highlight its ease of use, especially its touchscreen functionality, which feels familiar to anyone comfortable with smartphones or tablets. One user noted that the touchscreen was “particularly user-friendly”, making it simple to drop waypoints, pan across charts or tweak sonar settings on the fly.

Several buyers have commented on the significant improvement that the 9” widescreen brings over smaller units. One mentioned that upgrading from a 7-inch unit made “a huge difference” to readability, especially in bright sunlight. The LED backlighting performs well in daylight and at various viewing angles—handy when you’re on the move and glancing sideways from the helm.

What it does well

The GO9 XSE is more than just a fishfinder. It’s a full-featured MFD (multi-function display) with GPS/chartplotting, sonar, and radar capability. Built-in Wi-Fi allows screen mirroring to your phone or tablet—great when you’re working from the transom or casting from the bow. NMEA 2000 connectivity supports engine data, autopilot, entertainment, and even digital switching systems like CZone®.

The sonar capabilities are equally strong. Paired with Simrad’s Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, the unit delivers CHIRP sonar, SideScan, and DownScan Imaging™—offering clear separation of fish targets and high-resolution detail of underwater structure. FishReveal™ overlays help distinguish fish from bait schools or bottom features, making it easier to spot what’s worth dropping a line on.

It also supports mapping from C-MAP, Navionics® and more, including easy route creation for simple point-to-point planning. That’s handy whether you’re plotting a coastal mission or returning to a saved reef waypoint.

Feedback from the field

While the GO9 gets high marks for its usability and clarity, there are a few things to be aware of. Some customers found the chartplotting functionality less intuitive, especially when paired with C-MAP software. One reviewer described it being more difficult than anticipated when using the C-MAP software updater, with multiple failed attempts before a successful chart update. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be prepared for if you’re planning to use the device heavily for navigation.

That said, most users report smooth performance and note that once the unit is installed and configured, it works reliably.

Why it’s a good fit for NZ trailer boats

• Size and form factor – The 9” unit is a practical fit for alloy centre consoles, cuddy cabins and fibreglass runabouts in the 5.5–7.5m range
• Installation – Transom-mounted Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducers are easy to set up and suit most trailer boats
• Performance – Offers clear sonar, excellent mapping options, and all-in-one navigation from a single display
• Expandability – Supports radar, autopilot, engine monitoring, lighting and more via NMEA 2000
• Wireless and mobile control – Great for active fishing setups where the skipper isn’t always at the helm

Final thoughts

The Simrad GO9 XSE hits the mark for boaties who want more than just basic sonar but don’t need the expense or complexity of high-end systems like the NSS Evo3S or NSS4. It offers meaningful upgrades—better screen resolution, advanced sonar options, full-featured GPS/chartplotting, and strong connectivity options—at a price point that still makes sense for most recreational fishers.

Yes, there are a few minor wrinkles. The occasional hiccup with charting software and support could be improved, and users looking for a massive screen might want to step up to the 12” or 16” units. But for the majority of skippers in New Zealand running 6–7m boats, the GO9 XSE will more than meet expectations.

It’s a well-rounded, feature-rich unit that delivers solid performance without tipping over into overkill.

Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a magazine layout with a spec box, pricing, or side-by-side comparison against competitors like the Raymarine Axiom+ or Garmin Echomap series.