Furuno NavNet 3D
Our MFD 12 Review

Furuno NavNet 3D is the latest iteration of this well-known marine electronics company's network operating system. I'll be reviewing the system with a 12-inch multi-function display unit.

The 12-inch MFD package ships with the display unit, metal mounting bracket, user's handbook, installation guide book, flip-card operators’ guide, and a computer disk with the full 262-page operator's manual.

Furuno NavNet 3D MFD 12

An 8-inch NavNet 3D MFD is also available. The two available NavNet 3D displays are technically known as the NavNet 3D MFD12 and MFD8.

Our MFD12 test unit is brawny and demonstrates the robust construction we’ve come to expect from Furuno. The display front panel measures 15.6-inches wide by 10-inches wide; unit depth is 5.2-inches. Normally a unit of this size and sophistication would be panel mounted. A removable front bezel provides access to mounting holes that secure the unit for flush mounting. We used the accompanying heavy-duty metal gimbal bracket to mount the MFD12 to our test rig.

Connectivity

When connected to the appropriate optional sensors a NavNet 3D MFD will interface with a GPS sensor, radar, black box fishfinder, AIS, Sirius weather receiver, and video. Multiple NavNet 3D display units can share information via high-speed Ethernet. A USB mouse can be added too. These display units will also interface with NMEA0183 devices with support for data transfer rates of up to 38,400 baud. They will also couple to a NMEA2000 network. I connected a Furuno GP330B GPS sensor via NMEA2000 to the MFD12 for this test. NavNet 3D components will operate with either 12- or 24-volt DC electrical system.

Screen Size and Viewability

The Furuno MFD12 is equipped with a 9.8-inch wide by 7.2-inch high display screen. The high contrast screen measures 12-inches on the diagonal and carries a very respectable 800 by 600 pixels of resolution.

Operation

The NavNet 3D MFD12 uses 14 single or dual function pushbuttons, a cursor pad, scrolling pad, and rotary enter knob known as the RotoKey to control and manipulate a variety of onscreen menus. This is a very powerful MFD with gobs of functions and choices available. Some review of the operating manual and/or operator’s guide is needed to begin operating this unit. This is not a machine you just crank up and go.