Description
The FURUNO NavPilot 711C is a self-learning adaptive autopilot package built around a dedicated 4.1-inch colour control head, Furuno processor, rudder feedback and heading input. This version is supplied without a hydraulic pump so the steering drive can be sized correctly to the vessel. That is important: an autopilot is not a universal plug-and-play accessory, and the correct pump or mechanical drive must be matched to steering type, cylinder volume, voltage and vessel dynamics.
- Self-learning adaptive steering: Furuno control logic learns vessel steering characteristics and continuously adjusts parameters to improve course keeping.
- 4.1-inch colour control head: Dedicated QVGA display keeps heading, set course, mode and pilot status visible independently of the MFD.
- Multiple steering modes: Supports standby, auto, dodge/turn, remote and navigation-related modes, with additional functions available when required external data is present.
- Strong drive output capability: Processor is designed to control marine steering pumps/solenoids up to Furuno’s specified current limits when properly matched.
- Pump selected separately: Lets the installer match the autopilot drive to the actual hydraulic cylinder or steering mechanism rather than accepting a one-size-fits-all pump.
Self-Learning Steering Control
Traditional autopilots require manual tuning of rudder gain and counter-rudder to suit the vessel. NavPilot’s adaptive control is designed to learn how the boat responds and adjust steering behaviour as conditions change. The goal is a more stable course with less unnecessary rudder movement, which can improve comfort and reduce steering-system workload on long passages.
Steering Modes
The NavPilot processor supports standby, auto, dodge, turn and remote-control functions. With compatible navigation data, it can steer to navigation information rather than simply holding a compass course. Other modes such as wind or advanced fishing functions depend on vessel type and external sensors. Furuno’s 711C documentation also lists FishHunter-related steering modes for supported configurations.
Colour Control Head
The 4.1-inch FAP7011C control head uses a 320 × 240 colour TFT display with multiple backlight levels. A dedicated pilot display is valuable even when the vessel has a large MFD because the steering status remains visible while the MFD shows radar, sonar or chart information. Physical pilot controls also remain easy to use when the boat is moving.
Heading Sensor: PG700 or Satellite Compass
Autopilot performance is only as good as the heading data provided to it. The traditional NavPilot 711C package uses the PG700 rate-compensated magnetic heading sensor, while Furuno also recommends satellite-compass options such as SCX20 for premium installations. A satellite compass avoids magnetic deviation and can improve low-speed heading performance, but costs more.
Rudder Feedback
The standard inboard NavPilot 711C package includes a rudder reference unit. Rudder feedback tells the processor the actual steering angle, which helps the autopilot understand and control the steering system precisely. Some special steering architectures can operate differently, so the exact installation should follow Furuno’s configuration guidance.
Pump / Drive Sizing
This SKU is supplied without a pump. Before selecting one, identify the steering type and, for hydraulic systems, the cylinder volume. Furuno offers different pump displacements and voltages for different steering loads. An undersized pump can steer too slowly, while an oversized pump can make the pilot aggressive and difficult to tune. Mechanical steering may require a different type of drive entirely.
Electrical Drive Capacity
Furuno specifies the NavPilot processor for motor/solenoid drive current up to 25 A continuous and 50 A for five seconds, with separate clutch/bypass capability. These ratings describe processor capacity; they do not remove the need for correct circuit protection, cable sizing, steering-drive matching and professional commissioning.
Network Integration
The NavPilot 711C supports NMEA 2000/CAN bus and NMEA 0183 interfaces. When connected to compatible Furuno chartplotters and MFDs, route/navigation data can be sent to the pilot and pilot control can be integrated into the display. A well-designed system uses one clearly defined heading source and one navigation source to avoid conflicting data.
Fishing Functions
Furuno autopilots are popular with anglers because selected modes can control turns or patterns that are useful while trolling or working bait. Sabiki mode is available only in specific outboard configurations, so buyers should not assume every 711C installation has every fishing mode. Confirm the steering architecture and software-supported modes for the actual boat.
What’s in the Box
- FAP7011C 4.1-inch colour control unit with control cable
- FAP7002 NavPilot processor unit
- FAP6112 rudder reference unit
- PG700 heading sensor with 6 m NMEA 2000 cable where included in this package configuration
- Standard installation materials / documentation
- Hydraulic pump or steering drive is not included
Specifications
- System type: Adaptive/self-learning marine autopilot
- Control display: 4.1-inch colour TFT, 320 × 240
- Steering modes: Standby, Auto, Dodge, Turn, Remote, Navigation and additional supported modes with required data
- Weather/response modes: Automatic and selectable manual sea-state behaviour
- Course-change speed setting: 1–30°/s
- Rudder-angle setting range: Approx. 10–45°
- Motor/solenoid drive: Up to 25 A continuous, 50 A for 5 seconds
- Clutch/bypass output: Up to 3 A
- Interfaces: NMEA 2000/CAN bus and NMEA 0183
- Drive/pump: Sold separately; must be matched to vessel steering
- Typical heading options: PG700 or compatible Furuno satellite compass such as SCX20
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