Furuno Autopilots
G'day mates, at Shotgun Marine Services we're the blokes who sort Furuno autopilots properly here in Port Macquarie, along the Mid North Coast NSW, and right across New South Wales. We're fully authorised and accredited technicians for the full Furuno range-NAVpilot 300, NAVpilot 711C, SCX-21 heading sensors, PG-700, and all the bits that make hands-free steering reliable in our coastal waters.
We're not an online shop pushing add-to-cart. We start with a proper yarn about your boat—tinnie, centre console, game boat, cruiser, cat, or commercial charter—and only spec the right Furuno autopilot after checking your steering type, helm setup, and how you actually use the vessel. No guesswork; it's about gear that keeps you on course when the swell's running or you're running lines offshore without wearing out your arms.
Why Furuno Autopilots Work So Well Locally
Furuno pilots are tough as nails—built for commercial fishing, workboats, and serious offshore use. Features like gesture control on the NAVpilot 300, adaptive steering algorithms, self-learning for different sea states, and integration with TZTouch or GP-1871F make them spot-on for Mid North Coast conditions: variable winds, choppy inlets, and long runs chasing fish or doing survey work. The SCX-21 satellite compass gives rock-solid heading even when you're rolling around.
We've installed these on heaps of local boats—from weekend fishos to charter operators and council vessels—and we know what lasts in the salt and humidity around Port Macquarie and beyond.
How We Handle Your Furuno Autopilot Job
We keep it dead simple:
- Quick chat—phone or on the boat—tell us your steering setup, boat size, typical ops, any existing Furuno gear.
- On-vessel check-inspect helm, hydraulic/mechanical drive, power supply, NMEA 2000/0183 backbone, transducer placement.
- Diagnosis-led pick-we match the right processor, pump/drive, control head, and extras without wasting your coin.
- Pro install-clean runs, solid mounts, proper plumbing or cable routing, full networking.
- Sea trial & commissioning-calibrate heading, test in different sea states, fine-tune response, check integration with plotter/radar.
- Ongoing support—fault finding, software updates, transducer checks—whatever keeps you steering straight.
Spot-on for recreational boaties wanting less fatigue or commercial skippers who need uptime and compliance without the drama.
Typical Furuno Autopilot Jobs We Do
- NAVpilot 300 compact installs on smaller consoles and tinnies
- NAVpilot 711C full systems with hydraulic pumps on mid-size cruisers and game boats
- Upgrades from older Furuno or non-Furuno pilots to the latest series
- Integration with existing TZTouch MFDs, radar, and engine data
- Commercial-grade fits for charters, survey, or council vessels needing 24/7 reliability
- SCX-21 or PG-700 heading sensor additions for better accuracy in slop
We tune everything for local charts, tides, currents, and the marks off the Mid North Coast and eastern NSW.
Ready to Get Your Steering Sorted?
Skip the online roulette or hoping the cheap kit works. Give us a ring for a straight-up marine electronics consultation—we'll check the boat, talk real options, and give you clear pricing on supply, install, and commissioning.
Furuno Autopilot Frequently Asked Questions
What Furuno autopilot suits my boat size in NSW?
Depends on how big your rig is, what steering you've got (hydraulic, cable, tiller), and what you're actually doing out there. We have a yarn and check it properly—NAVpilot 300 is beaut for smaller tinnies and consoles up to about 10m, while the 711C handles bigger cruisers, game boats or commercial jobs in New South Wales waters no worries.
Do you fit Furuno autopilots on charter or workboats Mid North Coast?
Too right we do. We're flat out with commercial marine electronics—charters, survey boats, fishing fleets, council vessels all along the Mid North Coast NSW. These things need to stay on the water, not sitting in the shed waiting for parts.
How long will the install take and stuff around my roster?
Simple swap or compact unit? Usually 1–2 days and you're back on the water. Full hydraulic setup, wiring, integration and sea trial? 3–5 days tops. We work around your fishing trips, charters or work roster—no mucking you about.
Will the new Furuno pilot play nice with my existing plotter, radar or sounder?
Most times yeah, mate—we're bloody good at marine electronics system integration. We keep your good gear (TZTouch, legacy Furuno, or mixed brands) and hook it all up via NMEA 2000 or 0183 so everything talks properly without dramas.
What's the warranty like on a Furuno autopilot install?
You get our workmanship warranty on the install plus the full Furuno manufacturer cover. We're authorised so we handle any warranty claims straight away—no running around or excuses.
Can these autopilots handle the rough stuff off Port Macquarie?
Bloody oath. The adaptive steering and optional satellite compass (SCX-21) make them handle chop, swell and wind changes like a champ—perfect for offshore game fishing, trolling in the slop, or pushing through a southerly buster off Port Macquarie. We sea-trial it all to make sure it holds course when it counts.
