Description
The FURUNO GP1871F is a 7-inch all-glass multi-touch chartplotter/fish-finder built for boaters who want navigation, sonar, vessel data and optional radar in one compact helm unit. It combines an internal GPS/WAAS receiver, support for Navionics or C-MAP cartography, a built-in TruEcho CHIRP and conventional fish finder, NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 connectivity, Wi-Fi features and direct integration with Furuno’s DRS4W wireless radar. For a single-display fishing or cruising boat, it covers a remarkably broad range of functions without requiring a full NavNet network.
- 7-inch multi-touch glass display: Edge-swipe menus, pinch/zoom chart control and customizable quick pages make the interface behave more like a modern tablet than a traditional button-driven plotter.
- Navionics or C-MAP chart support: Provides detailed vector cartography, depth information and advanced chart presentation options according to the installed chart package and software version.
- Built-in TruEcho CHIRP and CW fish finder: Supports compatible 300 W, 600 W and 1 kW transducer configurations, with CHIRP detail plus Furuno conventional-sounder features.
- Furuno fishing tools: ACCU-FISH fish-size assessment, Bottom Discrimination, RezBoost processing and Color Range Expansion help interpret fish, structure and bottom composition.
- Wireless radar and autopilot integration: Can display DRS4W radar and control compatible NavPilot 300/711C systems through the vessel network.
Multi-Touch Interface and Screen Layout
The GP1871F uses Furuno’s slide-out menu concept. Swiping from different screen edges opens quick pages, data boxes, layer controls and context-sensitive functions. This keeps the chart or sonar picture relatively uncluttered while still giving rapid access to frequently used controls. Split-screen layouts allow chart, sonar and instrument information to be combined according to the job at hand.
The 7-inch screen is large enough for serious navigation while remaining practical on smaller helms. Users moving from older button-driven Furuno plotters will find the interface much more visual, but the system still maintains the detailed marine functions expected from dedicated electronics.
Charting: C-MAP and Navionics
Depending on software and chart package, the GP1x71F series can use full-featured C-MAP 4D or Navionics cartography. Chart functions include waypoint and route creation, depth information, tide/current information where charted, and enhanced viewing modes. Later software revisions expanded Navionics support and added features such as refined depth contours, relief shading and alternate viewing perspectives.
Chart choice should be based on the actual cruising area rather than brand preference alone. Before ordering chart media, confirm that the required region, inland water, fishing detail and update method are supported by the selected chart family.
Built-In TruEcho CHIRP and Conventional Sounder
The GP1871F can automatically use TruEcho CHIRP or conventional sounder processing based on the selected transducer configuration. CHIRP transmits through a band of frequencies and can improve target separation and detail, especially when distinguishing bait, individual game fish and structure. Conventional 50/200 kHz-style operation remains valuable because it supports Furuno features that depend on dual-frequency CW data.
Output can be configured for 300 W, 600 W or 1 kW compatible transducers. The correct transducer is critical: hull material, mounting style, fishing depth, beam pattern and connector compatibility should all be considered. A poorly matched or poorly installed transducer can limit performance far more than the display itself.
ACCU-FISH, Bottom Discrimination and RezBoost
ACCU-FISH estimates the size of individual fish targets under suitable conditions, while Bottom Discrimination analyzes returns to classify the bottom into broad categories such as rock, gravel, sand or mud. RezBoost processing improves the clarity of conventional sounder returns, and Color Range Expansion helps separate strong fish echoes from the bottom or dense schools. These tools are most useful when paired with a compatible transducer and interpreted alongside traditional sonar knowledge rather than used as automatic truth.
DRS4W Wireless Radar
A major expansion option is Furuno’s DRS4W 1st Watch Wireless Radar. The radar data can be shown on the GP1871F, allowing a compact boat to add a 19-inch 4 kW radar dome without moving to a full NavNet radar architecture. Radar can be used for collision awareness, reduced-visibility navigation, shoreline reference and weather observation. The DRS4W itself requires power and appropriate installation, and its wireless design is distinct from the Ethernet-connected NXT radar family.
NavPilot Control and Vessel Data
Through the CAN bus/NMEA 2000 interface, compatible NavPilot 300 and NavPilot 711C autopilots can be connected and controlled from the chartplotter. NMEA 2000 also allows the display to show data from compatible engines, tanks, heading sensors and other network devices. NMEA 0183 remains available for selected legacy equipment, making the GP1x71F series easier to integrate into mixed-generation boats.
AIS and Situational Awareness
When connected to a compatible AIS receiver or transceiver, AIS targets can be displayed on the chart with vessel information. Combined with radar and accurate heading data, this gives the operator multiple independent sources for understanding traffic. AIS is cooperative and radar is non-cooperative; using both is significantly more informative than relying on either one alone.
Wireless Features and Software Updates
Furuno has continued to update the GP1871F/GP1971F software, adding features such as screen mirroring and chart/sonar enhancements. The display can use wireless connectivity for supported update and mobile functions. Because features can depend on software version, updating a newly installed unit to the current supported release is worthwhile before final configuration.
Standalone Architecture
The GP1871F and GP1971F are powerful single-display combination units, but they are not multi-display NavNet MFDs. Buyers planning a large helm with multiple screens, shared network radar/sonar sensors and extensive cross-display functionality should consider Furuno TZtouchE, TZtouchXL or another NavNet platform instead. For a one-display boat, however, the GP1x71F series offers excellent capability for the cost and panel space.
What’s in the Box
- GP1871F 7-inch multi-touch chartplotter/fish-finder
- Mounting bracket / knobs and standard installation hardware
- Power cable
- Protective cover / documentation as supplied
Specifications
- Display: 7-inch colour multi-touch LCD
- Positioning: Internal GPS/WAAS receiver
- Cartography: C-MAP and/or Navionics support depending on software/chart package
- Fish finder: Built-in TruEcho CHIRP and conventional CW
- Sounder output: 300 W / 600 W / 1 kW with compatible transducer
- Sounder frequency: Variable according to transducer; supports conventional 50/200 kHz and compatible CHIRP
- Fish-finder features: ACCU-FISH, Bottom Discrimination, RezBoost, Color Range Expansion, White Line and alarms
- Radar: Supports Furuno DRS4W wireless radar
- Autopilot: Compatible NavPilot 300/711C integration via CAN bus/NMEA 2000
- Data interfaces: NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183
- Wireless: Wi-Fi features for supported updates/mirroring functions
- Power: 12–24 VDC
- Transducer: Sold separately
- Architecture: Stand-alone combination display; not a full NavNet multi-display MFD
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