Simrad Cruise 5-5-inch GPS Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Coastal Maps

Curated from 46 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 8, 2025

Simrad Cruise 5-5-inch GPS Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Coastal Maps

Brand: Simrad
Price: $313
Snoop Score:
5.9
Sentiment
5.0
Popularity
5.0
Technical
6.0

Snoop's Take

Simrad Cruise is a compact 5-inch GPS chartplotter preloaded with US coastal charts, designed to provide essential navigational data and reliable sonar depth tracking. It guides boaters with its straightforward interface and easy-to-read display, ensuring you know where you stand on the water. Community chatter reveals a mix of intrigue and reservation; as one reviewer noted, "it fit perfectly in my dashboard," emphasizing the system's user-friendly control and basic functionality. However, some experts argue that while the menu system is intuitive, the device may fall short in offering advanced integrations expected by more demanding users. Overall, the sentiment leans towards its adequacy for everyday coastal navigation without overcomplicating the experience. In conclusion, the Simrad Cruise earns its recommendation for those seeking an uncomplicated, coast-focused GPS chartplotter. Its solid core features and simplicity make it a practical choice for casual boaters, even if it doesn't cater to the high-end marine enthusiast.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Marine GPS Chartplotters

If there is anything wrong with the unit, you can take it back and get another one within the 30 or 90 days.

Insightful Chatter

If you’re not doing much fishing, just go with the least expensive model you can find.

Insightful Chatter
Product
5.9
Simrad Cruise 5-5-inch GPS Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Coastal Maps
Coastal Navigation
5 / 10
Recreational Fishing
6 / 10
Vessel Monitoring
10 / 10
Integrated Marine Systems
4 / 10
See how this compares to all Marine GPS Chartplotters

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Simrad GO9 XSE - 9-inch ChartplotterSimrad GO9 XSE - 9-inch Chartplotter$999
9.3
DetailsBuy
Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv Combo GPS/FishfinderGarmin GPSMAP 943xsv Combo GPS/Fishfinder$1319
8.4
DetailsBuy
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV Chartplotter/FishfinderGarmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder$399
7.8
DetailsBuy
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv ChartplotterGarmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv Chartplotter$1299
7.4
DetailsBuy
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV Chartplotter/FishfinderGarmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder$349
6.3
DetailsBuy
Simrad Cruise 5-5-inch GPS Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Coastal MapsSimrad Cruise 5-5-inch GPS Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Coastal Maps$313
5.9
DetailsBuy
Simrad NSS 4-16" SolarMAX HD Display Chartplotter and FishfinderSimrad NSS 4-16" SolarMAX HD Display Chartplotter and Fishfinder$5799
4.7
DetailsBuy
Garmin GPSMAP 79s Marine GPS HandheldGarmin GPSMAP 79s Marine GPS Handheld$264
4.3
DetailsBuy
Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS NavigatorGarmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator$449
4.1
DetailsBuy
RAYMARINE Axiom+ 9-9" MFD ChartplotterRAYMARINE Axiom+ 9-9" MFD Chartplotter$1461
3.7
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Differences in transducer and imaging features in chartplotters
If you’re not doing much fishing, just go with the least expensive model you can find.
Differences in MFD User Interface and Menu Structures
Tech support response is "that happens sometimes." Not helpful.
Every time I play with a Garmin I feel envy.
Intuitive menu and user interface matter
I am more than unimpressed with... this thread is making start to seriously consider a stronger package.
the menu structure makes my head hurt.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
DIY navigation solution using Raspberry Pi
I don’t need anything fancy, just need to know what’s around me.
Tablet-based and alternative navigation device solutions
Get a 8" android tablet with built in gps.
This is perfect
I would get a nice big iPad with an external gps unit and use the money I saved to get a nice radar.
I generally prefer to use a phone/tablet for primary navigation.
Affordable Alternatives and DIY Navigation Solutions
the amount they want for even a 9" screen is criminal.
I have a brand new unused still in the box B&G Zeus 3 9in chart plotter and halo 20+ radar I would sell you for $3500.
Almost might be worth a lowrance or garmin with the suction cup mount and the 12v socket for power?
Do you trust the suction cup?

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Price matching via West Marine
If there is anything wrong with the unit, you can take it back and get another one within the 30 or 90 days.
Good to know, thank you!
Alternative chart loading methods and subscription issues
Chart providers are essentially where the music industry as in the 1980s.
You can say confidently that I'm not a fan of Navionics.
Seaiq app pay one time. GPS all the charts you can download.
Navionics is going to do it and I'll use a different app for anchor alarm.
Mixed Experiences with Mobile Navigation Apps
Navionics has worked well for me.
you’re gonna wish you had a dash installed regular chartplotter.
Understanding Chart Plotter Map Symbology
The black dotted lines in nautical charts are usually obstructions(OBSTRN). Red dashed lines are usually restricted area(RESARE).
Debate over chart plotter versus tablet navigation
I hate to spend a bunch of $$ on a plotter that sucks up huge amounts of my limited power supply.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Commercial vs. Recreational Brand Preferences
I have three personal boats...most of my electronics are Garmin, despite half of the year using Furuno electronics daily.
Garmin seems to be marketed to rec guys.
Garmin's radars are not great.
Wireless Sensor Reliability Concerns
wireless is dodgy & generally doesn't last.
B&G gear is the same as simrad but for sailing.
Reliable off‐grid navigation in harsh conditions
A chart plotter and your electronics are all pieces of safety gear.
All that said, dedicated chartplotters are more robust than tablets/phones, can be read in full sun, and dim better for night use.
GPS has nothing to do with your cell phone plan.
It works. Period. Dot.

You May Also Like

Explore more Categories
Marine Amplifiers
Marine Amplifiers: Power and Performance for Boating Audio
Marine Amplifiers: Power and Performance for Boating Audio
Marine Antennas
High Performance Marine Antennas for Reliable Ocean Communications
High Performance Marine Antennas for Reliable Ocean Communications
Fish Finders & Depth Finders
Top Marine Fish Finders & Depth Finders for Your Boat
Top Marine Fish Finders & Depth Finders for Your Boat