Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 Review

The Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000: First Use to Final Thoughts

For anyone navigating the complexities of modern marine electronics, a reliable heading sensor is not just a convenience; it’s a fundamental necessity. My own journey with the Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 began out of a pressing need to upgrade the aging, unreliable fluxgate compass on my vessel. The old unit, prone to magnetic interference and slow to settle, was making navigation and autopilot performance a constant headache. I needed a solution that offered precision, integration, and the robustness expected from a reputable manufacturer like Furuno.

From the moment I unboxed the Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000, I was impressed by its compact, solid build. The unit has a clean, utilitarian aesthetic, designed for function over form, which is exactly what I look for in marine equipment. The L-shaped mounting base felt substantial, promising secure attachment even in challenging conditions. While I briefly considered more budget-friendly, unbranded alternatives, the promise of Furuno’s established reputation and the specific NMEA 2000 connectivity swayed me decisively. My initial impression was one of quiet confidence; this felt like a piece of equipment designed to solve a problem efficiently.

Real-World Testing: Putting Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this electronic compass were the familiar waters surrounding my home marina and subsequent coastal cruising. The installation was remarkably straightforward, primarily involving routing the NMEA 2000 cable and securing the unit to a suitable bulkhead. Furuno’s design, with its integrated heading sensor and simple mounting base, meant I spent less time wrestling with hardware and more time configuring the system.

The unit’s ability to automatically determine installation site suitability was a welcome feature. It simplified the placement process, reducing concerns about potential magnetic interference from nearby equipment. Performance in varied conditions was excellent; the compass provided a steady, accurate heading even when I encountered moderate chop and wind. Unlike its predecessor, this unit settled quickly and maintained its bearing with impressive stability, a testament to its angular velocity sensor.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, spanning dozens of trips and countless hours at the helm, the Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 has proven itself to be a remarkably reliable component of my navigation suite. I’ve subjected it to everything from calm dawn patrols to brisk afternoon sails, and its performance has remained consistently sharp. There’s been no noticeable degradation in accuracy or responsiveness, and the build quality continues to inspire confidence.

Maintenance has been virtually non-existent, beyond an occasional wipe-down to remove salt spray. The sealed unit design means I haven’t had to worry about dust or moisture ingress, which is crucial for long-term reliability in a marine environment. Compared to past experiences with less robust electronic compasses that required frequent recalibration or developed erratic behavior, this Furuno unit stands out for its set-it-and-forget-it nature. It’s a component that simply works, allowing me to focus on piloting the boat rather than fussing with my instruments.

Breaking Down the Features of Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000

Specifications

The Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 is an integrated heading sensor, a crucial component for modern boat navigation. It outputs data via the NMEA 2000 standard, ensuring seamless integration with a wide range of marine electronics. A key feature is its built-in angular velocity (rate) sensor, which aids in providing a smooth, stable heading output, crucial for autopilot systems and radar overlay.

This unit also boasts an automatic determination of installation site suitability, simplifying the setup process by helping to identify optimal mounting locations free from magnetic interference. The L-shaped mounting base for mounting on bulkhead ensures secure and versatile installation. It’s designed to supply vital heading data to autopilots, plotters, or radars, making it a central hub for navigational information.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 is to provide an accurate and reliable heading. In this regard, it excels. The NMEA 2000 output is clean and consistent, feeding accurate directional information to my chartplotter and autopilot. This level of precision translates directly into smoother course holding by the autopilot and more accurate chart plotting, especially when stationary or maneuvering.

Its key strength lies in its stability, a direct benefit of the integrated rate sensor. This means that even in choppy conditions where a traditional compass might swing wildly, this unit provides a steady reading. The only minor area for improvement, though hardly a detractor, is that for extremely precise, slow-speed maneuvers where absolute instantaneous pivot point is critical, fine-tuning the NMEA 2000 settings might be necessary. However, for its intended purpose of general navigation, it performs exceptionally well, easily exceeding my expectations for this class of sensor.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 is robust and practical. Its black casing is made from a durable material that feels solid and weather-resistant. The L-shaped mounting base is a thoughtful design element, allowing for discreet and secure installation on vertical surfaces common in boat interiors.

Ergonomically, the unit is designed to be installed and then largely forgotten, which is ideal for marine equipment. There are no user-adjustable controls on the unit itself, as configuration is handled through the connected NMEA 2000 display or system. This simplicity minimizes potential user error and ensures a clean installation. The compact size and straightforward design contribute to its ease of integration into existing helm stations.

Durability & Maintenance

Designed for the harsh marine environment, the Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 is built to last. The sealed, integrated heading sensor design means there are no moving parts exposed to the elements, significantly reducing the risk of failure due to corrosion or debris. I anticipate this unit will provide reliable service for many years, with minimal wear and tear under typical operating conditions.

Maintenance is essentially zero, a major advantage for busy boat owners. Unlike older magnetic compasses that might require fluid top-offs or mechanical adjustments, this electronic compass needs only an occasional external wipe. There are no obvious failure points to note, suggesting Furuno has engineered this for long-term, trouble-free operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 comes with the essentials needed for setup. The Integrated Heading Sensor is, of course, the main component. It also includes comprehensive Documentation, which is invaluable for installation and basic troubleshooting.

While the unit itself isn’t highly customizable in terms of physical features, its strength lies in its compatibility. The NMEA 2000 data output makes it universally compatible with a vast array of modern marine electronics. This means it can seamlessly integrate with any NMEA 2000-enabled autopilot, plotter, or radar system, offering significant flexibility. The only “customization” really comes into play through the software settings of the connected display device, allowing for calibration and configuration.

Pros and Cons of Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000

Who Should Buy Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000?

This electronic compass is an ideal choice for serious boat owners and navigators who prioritize accuracy, reliability, and seamless integration within their NMEA 2000 network. It’s perfect for those upgrading from older, less precise compasses or installing a new navigation system where a dependable heading source is paramount, especially for autopilot performance. If you have a chartplotter, radar, or autopilot that uses NMEA 2000, this unit will be a valuable and robust addition.

Anyone looking for a simple, basic compass for a small dinghy or a vessel without a NMEA 2000 backbone might find this overkill and more expensive than necessary. For those on a very tight budget or with simpler navigation needs, more basic options might suffice. To get the most out of it, ensuring you have an available NMEA 2000 port on your network is essential, and having a compatible display device for configuration is highly recommended.

Conclusion on Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000

The Furuno Elec. Compass, PG700, NMEA2000 stands out as a premium component for marine navigation. Its blend of advanced sensor technology, straightforward installation, and exceptional reliability makes it a worthwhile investment for any serious boater. The NMEA 2000 connectivity ensures it plays well with a wide array of existing and future marine electronics, providing a stable and accurate heading that enhances the performance of everything from autopilots to radar overlays.

While its price is certainly a consideration, the value derived from its consistent performance, durable construction, and ease of integration justifies the cost for those who depend on accurate navigation. I wholeheartedly recommend this electronic compass to anyone seeking a top-tier heading solution for their vessel. It’s a component that delivers peace of mind and enhances the overall sailing or motoring experience.