Mar 6, 2018

Furuno’s NavPilot series of Autopilots have been widely acclaimed for their innovations in steering automation, utilizing what they call ‘self-learning’ algorithms to adapt to your boat’s handling characteristics. Because it is constantly gathering data about your boat’s handling, NavPilot makes the boat handle better with every voyage, reacting quicker and with more precision to the Autopilot’s commands.

Furuno has taught their self-learning autopilot some new tricks, and steering your boat is about to become easier than ever before with the introduction of the NavPilot 300. This new Autopilot is designed for center consoles with outboard engines and drive by wire systems on small- to mid-sized boats. The NavPilot 300 features a single-DIN, 4.1″ color LCD and a new Gesture Controller. The Gesture Controller allows you to simply point and shoot in any direction, controlling your vessel’s steering from anywhere onboard within ten meters of the helm. Using Furuno’s Bluetooth-enabled Gesture Controller, you just push the button, point to the desired heading, and release the button to let the Autopilot redirect the boat. Imagine true point-and-click steering, from anywhere on the boat!

The NavPilot 300 incorporates Furuno’s popular SABIKI mode, as well as four Fish Hunter turning maneuvers, perfect for fishing. Furuno’s SABIKI mode lets the NavPilot stay in control while you are drifting astern, so you can focus less on steering, and more on fishing. SABIKI mode is, of course, uniquely tailored for Sabiki fishing, jigging and bottom fishing. The FishHunter function uses a Zigzag, Orbit, Figure 8 or Spiral maneuver around a specified target at the distance you select, putting you right on the fish. This feature can also be used for Man Overboard (MOB) situations.

The NavPilot 300 includes Furuno’s tried and true Fantum Feedback steering and self-learning software. With Fantum Feedback, NavPilot outboard installations no longer require use of a physical rudder feedback unit, resulting in streamlined installation. Combined with Furuno’s unique adaptive learning technology, the NavPilot 300 provides unmatched outboard Autopilot performance. Fantum Feedback is designed for planing and semi-displacement outboard vessels from 24 feet and up, with one to four outboard engines, where it achieves precise course control from slow trolling to speeds of well over 60 knots.