Overview

The B&G Zeus S is a touchscreen sailing chartplotter and fishfinder-capable multifunction display offered in 7 inch, 9 inch, and 12 inch screen sizes for different helm layouts. It is built for a 12 V DC supply and accepts 10 to 17 V DC, with display brightness over 1000 nits to stay readable in open cockpits.

For navigation and system data, it combines an internal GPS with 10 Hz position updates (WAAS, MSAS, EGNOS, GLONASS support), NMEA 2000 via a Micro-C port, and Ethernet for sharing data with compatible networked electronics. Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 are onboard for connectivity with mobile devices and supported accessories, and the microSD slot handles charts, software updates, and backups.

It is rated IPX6 and IPX7 for spray and washdowns, with an operating temperature range of -15 C to 55 C. Plan the mounting location with the 50 cm compass safe distance in mind, and allow airflow behind the unit to manage heat on long passages.

Key features

• 12 V DC input (10 to 17 V DC) with recommended fuse rating of 2 A for the 7 inch and 3 A for the 9 inch and 12 inch
• Waterproof rating IPX6 and IPX7 for exposed helm installations
• Brightness over 1000 nits with full multi-touch control and wide 85 degree viewing angles
• Internal GPS with 10 Hz updates and support for WAAS, MSAS, EGNOS, and GLONASS
• NMEA 2000 (Micro-C) for sharing wind, instruments, autopilot, AIS, and other onboard data
• Ethernet port for radar and network data sharing between compatible devices
• Built-in echosounder port (9-pin) supporting CHIRP sonar, DownScan, SideScan, and compatible transducer families
• microSD slot supports up to 256 GB (FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS) for charts, updates, and user data
• USB-A port on the 9 inch and 12 inch models (5 V DC, 1.5 A) for storage devices or card readers
• Shock and vibration rating of 100,000 cycles at 20 G to handle typical helm vibration and pounding

Variants

This product is offered in multiple screen sizes so you can match the display footprint to your pedestal, nav pod, or flush panel layout.

Screen resolution, power draw, and physical dimensions change by size. Core ratings and interfaces are consistent across the range, including 12 V DC input (10 to 17 V), internal 10 Hz GPS, NMEA 2000, Ethernet, and IPX6/IPX7 water resistance.

• 000-15216-001 - Size: 7 inch (1024 x 600; max 11.5 W; recommended fuse 2 A). This size works well for compact helm stations where space is limited but you still want charting and sailing data in one display.
• 000-15220-001 - Size: 9 inch (1280 x 720; max 18.8 W; recommended fuse 3 A; includes USB-A). The added screen area makes split views more comfortable when you keep charts and instrument pages up at the same time.
• 000-15224-001 - Size: 12 inch (1280 x 800; max 29.7 W; recommended fuse 3 A; includes USB-A). The larger display helps when you run multi-panel views for charts, sailing tools, and sonar together from the helm.

What’s included

• Display unit
• Panel mounting kit
• Sun cover
• Corner clips
• Power cable
• Fuse holder and fuse
• Documentation package
• U-bracket mounting kit (hardware differs by screen size)

Installation and setup

The unit supports panel mounting and U-bracket mounting. Leave clearance for cable routing and for plugging in microSD and, on the 9 inch and 12 inch models, USB accessories. When mounting in an enclosed console, give the back of the unit ventilation space so heat can escape during long runtimes.

Touch performance can suffer if the display is left in direct sunlight for long periods or exposed to prolonged rainfall, so a helm location with some protection tends to be easier to live with day to day. Keep cable runs tidy, avoid sharp bends, and build drip loops so water cannot track into connectors.

Electrical and network integration

Power is through the 4-pin connector and is intended for a 12 V DC system. Connect the positive feed through the correct fuse and keep the wiring run appropriate for voltage drop. The yellow power control wire can be used for external on/off control, and the blue external alarm output can trigger a buzzer or siren, using a relay for loads over 1 A.

NMEA 2000 networking uses a powered backbone with terminators at both ends. Keep individual drop cables within 6 m and avoid powering the network from the same terminals as high-current equipment such as engine start batteries or thrusters.

Sonar and transducer pairing

The 9-pin echosounder port supports CHIRP sonar plus DownScan and SideScan when paired with compatible transducers. A 7-pin transducer cable can be used with a 7-pin to 9-pin adapter, but water-speed data from a paddle wheel speed sensor will not display through that adapter setup.

Use on board

This is a good match for cruising and performance sailboats that want a central helm display that can pull wind and instrument data over NMEA 2000 while keeping charting and sonar available on the same screen. It also suits crews that use sailing-focused pages such as laylines and race panels, where fast position updates and clear screen space matter.

Maintenance and care

Keep unused connectors capped and make sure the microSD slot cover is fully closed after inserting or removing a card so the seal stays watertight. For best long-term reliability in saltwater helms, support cables so vibration does not work on the connectors, and periodically check mounting hardware for tightness after heavy weather runs.