Top 4 Best Transducers for Simrad NSS12 Evo2

You’ve got the Simrad NSS12 Evo2 on your dash, a serious piece of kit. But the screen is only half the story. The transducer is what actually sees beneath the boat, and a mismatched or outdated one leaves you guessing at what’s below. Maybe you’re seeing weak returns at speed, or the bottom drops out at 150 feet. That’s not your unit’s fault; it’s the transducer holding you back.

The right transducer turns your NSS12 Evo2 into a true fish-finding weapon. You need one that matches your hull’s deadrise, your typical fishing depths, and the sonar frequencies you actually use. CHIRP is a must for clean target separation, and you’ll want to decide between a transom mount for simplicity or a thru-hull for performance. This guide breaks down the best options to pair with your Evo2.

We’ve picked four top contenders that cover different mounting styles and performance levels. Whether you’re running a bay boat or a deep-V offshore rig, there’s a match here for you. Let’s get your NSS12 Evo2 seeing the full picture.

Here’s a quick look at how these choices compare on the key specs that matter.

Features	NSS12 Evo3S	Evo3S Sun Cover	Evo3S Display	Evo3S HALO Bundle
Primary Function	Chartplotter & Fishfinder	Display Protection	Chartplotter & Fishfinder	Chartplotter & Radar
Display Size	12-inch SolarMax IPS	N/A	12-inch HD	12-inch
Processor	iMX 8	N/A	iMX 8	iMX 8
Key Feature	Preloaded C-MAP	Precision-fit	Preloaded C-MAP	Includes HALO20+ Radar
Best Use Case	Navigation & Sonar	Sun & Scratch Guard	Navigation & Sonar	All-in-One Radar Setup

Simrad NSS12 Evo3S Chartplotter

This is the direct successor to your Evo2, and for many anglers, it’s the logical upgrade rather than just a transducer swap. If your Evo2 is aging or you want the latest processor without changing your transducer setup, this is the unit to consider. It’s built for the person who wants faster screen redraws and seamless panning when navigating unfamiliar water.

The iMX 8 processor is the real story here. It powers the Active Imaging sonar and StructureScan 3D without lag. You’ll notice the difference when you’re zooming in and out of C-MAP charts or toggling between downscan and traditional sonar views. The SolarMax IPS display is also noticeably brighter in direct sunlight compared to older screens, which helps when you’re running shallow water and need to see the bottom quickly.

There’s a trade-off, though. If your Evo2 is working fine, buying a whole new chartplotter is a bigger expense than just adding a better transducer. You’re also getting the same preloaded C-MAP charts you likely already have. Consider this a full system upgrade, not a quick fix for weak sonar returns.

• 12-inch SolarMax IPS display with high-definition resolution
• iMX 8 processor for faster response and smoother transitions
• Built-in GPS receiver with preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced charts
• Supports Active Imaging, StructureScan 3D, and HALO radar
• Hybrid control with touchscreen and keypad with rotary dial

Best for: The angler ready to move on from the Evo2 platform entirely and get the newest processing power and screen technology.

Simrad NSS12 evo3 Sun Cover

This one is for the owner who already has a solid transducer and just wants to protect their investment. If you trailer your boat or leave it in a slip, the sun is the enemy of any display. This cover is custom-molded for the NSS12 evo3 and evo3S, not a generic universal fit. It snaps on tight and stays put, even at highway speeds on the trailer.

The precision-fit design is the standout feature. It doesn’t interfere with the mount or any of the connections on the back of the unit. You can leave everything plugged in and still get full coverage. It’s a simple piece of marine-grade material that stops UV damage, dust, and scratches from ruining a costly screen.

Be careful with compatibility. This is model-specific. It will not fit the NSS12 Evo2, the GO series, or the NSO series. If you have an older Evo2, you’ll need to measure your bezel and find a generic cover instead. It’s a minor limitation, but an important one to avoid a wasted purchase.

• Compatible only with NSS12 evo3 and evo3S displays
• Custom-molded for a secure, precision fit
• Protects against sun exposure, dust, dirt, and scratches
• Does not interfere with mounts or cable connections
• Genuine Simrad accessory built to marine-grade standards

Best for: The NSS12 evo3 owner who keeps their boat outdoors and wants to prevent screen degradation before it starts.

Simrad NSS12 Evo3S Display

This is the same core unit as our first pick, listed here because it’s a distinct product entry on Amazon. If you’re building a new helm setup from scratch, this is your command center. It’s for the boater who wants a full-featured chartplotter and fishfinder in one box, without the need for separate radar right now.

What stands out here is the balance of power and control. The iMX 8 processor makes the interface feel instant. You can run Active Imaging sonar alongside the C-MAP charts without any slowdown. The hybrid control scheme is also a plus; the touchscreen is great for quick waypoint drops, but the keypad and rotary dial are invaluable when the screen is wet or you’re wearing gloves.

The limitation is the same as the first pick; it’s a chartplotter, not a transducer. You’ll still need to pair it with the right transducer for your hull. The preloaded C-MAP charts are good, but you might want to budget for a more detailed regional chart card if you fish specific inland lakes or remote coastal areas.

• High-definition 12-inch display with iMX 8 processor
• Full-featured chartplotter with built-in GPS receiver
• Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced inland and coastal charts
• Exceptional fish-finding performance with Active Imaging sonar
• All-weather touchscreen with multi-touch gestures

Best for: The builder equipping a new boat who wants the latest NSS12 Evo3S as the central hub for navigation and sonar.

Simrad NSS12 evo3S HALO Bundle

This bundle is the complete package for the serious offshore angler or the cruiser who needs radar. If you’re upgrading from an Evo2 and you’ve been running a separate, older radar unit, this simplifies everything. It combines the NSS12 evo3S with the HALO20+ radar, giving you a unified system that sees both below and above the water.

The HALO20+ is a solid pulse compression radar. It gives you clear target separation and fast updates, which is critical when you’re picking out bird schools or navigating in poor visibility. Having it integrated into the Evo3S interface means you can overlay radar data on the chart and switch to sonar with a single tap. It’s a powerful setup for running canyons or making long offshore runs.

Here’s a catch: this bundle has no HDMI video outport. If you wanted to feed the display to a larger monitor at the helm or a TV in the cabin, you can’t do it with this specific unit. Check your current wiring and display needs before you commit. For most anglers, this won’t matter, but it’s a dealbreaker for some larger boats.

• Includes NSS12 evo3S chartplotter and HALO20+ radar
• Integrated radar overlay on C-MAP charts
• iMX 8 processor powers fast radar and sonar updates
• No HDMI video output port on this specific bundle
• Complete solution for navigation, fish finding, and radar

Best for: The offshore boater who wants a single, integrated system for radar and sonar without piecing together separate components.

How We Chose These Products

We focused on the NSS12 Evo2’s capabilities and what it needs to perform. The Evo2 supports CHIRP, downscan, and sidescan, so we looked for units that either enhance that experience or directly replace the display with a newer version. We prioritized products that solve a real problem, whether that’s a lack of performance, sun damage, or the need for radar integration.

Each pick was evaluated on build quality, compatibility, and the specific use case it serves. We didn’t just grab the most expensive items. We considered the angler running a small bay boat versus the one on a 30-foot walkaround. The goal was to cover the spectrum of needs, from simple protection to a full system overhaul, ensuring every NSS12 Evo2 owner has a clear path forward.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Before you buy anything, check your current wiring. The NSS12 Evo2 requires a clean power source. Run the power leads directly to the battery with an inline fuse, typically 5 amps, and use 18-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs. Poor connections cause voltage drops that show up as screen flickers or random shutdowns, not transducer issues.

Software compatibility is another trap. Your Evo2 needs to be on a recent software version to properly handle CHIRP frequencies from newer transducers. Go to the Simrad system settings, check the software version, and update it via the network or a microSD card before you install a new transducer. An outdated unit won’t recognize all the frequencies, and you’ll think the transducer is faulty when it’s not.

Think about your hull’s deadrise. A deep-V hull needs a thru-hull transducer with a fairing block to keep the element level with the water. A flat-bottom bay boat can get away with a transom mount. Also consider the cone angle; a wider 50/200 kHz cone is great for shallow water, but a narrower CHIRP cone is better for deep drops. Match the transducer to the depth you fish most.

Our Top Recommendation

If you’re starting fresh or upgrading the whole unit, the Simrad NSS12 Evo3S Chartplotter is the one to beat. It delivers the fastest processor and best screen in this lineup, and it powers the latest Active Imaging sonar without breaking a sweat. It’s the closest you’ll get to a future-proof setup for your helm.

For a budget-conscious alternative, consider just adding the Simrad NSS12 evo3 Sun Cover if your current Evo2 and transducer are still performing well. It’s a low-cost way to extend the life of your gear. And if you’re building a serious offshore rig and need radar, the Simrad NSS12 evo3S HALO Bundle is the complete solution, just be sure you don’t need that HDMI output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a transducer from my old Simrad unit on the NSS12 Evo2?

Usually, yes, if it’s a Simrad or Lowrance transducer with an 8-pin or 9-pin connector. The Evo2 is compatible with older HDI and StructureScan transducers. The catch is performance; older units may not support the full CHIRP range of the Evo2. You’ll get a picture, but you might miss out on the sharper target separation that newer CHIRP transducers provide.

How do I know if my NSS12 Evo2 software supports CHIRP?

Check the software version in the System Settings menu. You need version 3.0 or higher for full CHIRP support. If you’re below that, connect the unit to the internet via Wi-Fi and update it, or download the update to a microSD card from the Navico website. It’s a straightforward process that takes about ten minutes.

What’s the difference between a transom mount and a thru-hull transducer?

A transom mount is easier to install and sits on the back of the boat, but it can lose the bottom signal at high speeds or in turbulent water. A thru-hull is mounted through the hull, giving a cleaner, more consistent signal, especially at speed. Thru-hulls are better for deep water and high-performance boats, but they require a hole in your hull and a fairing block for angled hulls.

Is the Airmar B150M a good match for the NSS12 Evo2?

Yes, the Airmar B150M is an excellent CHIRP thru-hull transducer that works perfectly with the NSS12 Evo2. It offers a wide 25-45 kHz low CHIRP and a 130-210 kHz high CHIRP, which covers both deep water and shallow structure. It’s a bronze unit, so it’s best for fiberglass hulls, and it requires a fairing block on most deep-V hulls to operate correctly.