Furuno SC130 Satellite Compass with Display
Furuno SC130 Satellite Compass with Display — Product description
Furuno's commercial-grade satellite compass. The SC130 delivers GNSS-based heading at gyrocompass-class accuracy for autopilot, radar stabilization, ARPA targeting, and AIS , without the maintenance overhead of a traditional spinning gyro.
The Furuno SC130 (MPN SC130) is a GNSS-based satellite compass that delivers commercial-grade heading reference to the boat's navigation and autopilot systems. The integrated display provides direct readout of heading, course, speed, and related navigation data. Where traditional spinning gyros require careful maintenance, scheduled overhauls, and long settling times after power-up, the satellite compass technology uses multiple GNSS antennas to compute heading directly from satellite signals , no moving parts, no warm-up wait, no calibration drift over time.
What it delivers. Heading accuracy at the level commercial vessels demand for radar overlay on charts, ARPA target tracking, AIS transmission, and autopilot reference. Pitch and roll data for radar stabilization. Heave and surge for sonar compensation. The SC130's output is on standard NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 protocols, so it feeds the boat's network and any compatible MFD, autopilot, radar, or AIS unit can consume the heading and motion data without proprietary adapters.
Why satellite compass over gyro. Three reasons. First, no mechanical wear , no spinning rotor, no bearings, no consumable parts. Second, instant-on operation , heading is available within minutes of power-up versus 30+ minutes of spin-up for traditional gyros. Third, lower long-term ownership cost , gyros require periodic professional overhauls that satellite compasses don't. For commercial vessels and serious cruising boats that need gyrocompass-class heading reliability without gyrocompass-class maintenance, satellite compass is the modern standard.
Why the SC130 specifically. Furuno's commercial maritime line, mature in service across commercial fishing fleets, workboats, and high-end recreational. The SC130 sits at a price point that puts it in reach of cruising boats while still being the same commercial-grade hardware used on much larger vessels. The integrated display lets you run the compass standalone for crews that want a dedicated readout, while the network output simultaneously feeds the rest of the boat's electronics.
Integration. NMEA 2000 plug-and-play with current marine electronics ecosystems. NMEA 0183 output for older or specialized equipment. Compatible with Furuno NavNet TZtouch and other major MFD lines through standard data protocols. Autopilot integration through NMEA 2000 heading sentences. Radar stabilization through pitch/roll output. AIS class A/B transmission through heading-and-motion data. The SC130 is a clean integration point in a modern marine electronics stack.
Install considerations. The antenna unit mounts on an unobstructed upper-deck position with clear sky view in all directions (radar shadow degrades performance). The display unit can mount at the helm or any convenient location. Cable runs between the antenna, display, and the boat's network require careful routing. Power is standard marine DC. Total install is a marine electronics installer half-day to full-day for a clean job. Not casual DIY because the antenna positioning has specific requirements for performance.
Who this is for. Commercial vessel operators (fishing, workboats, pilot/tow, charter), serious offshore cruisers running full Furuno or compatible electronics, and any boat where heading reference reliability matters enough to justify the satellite compass investment over basic GPS-derived course-over-ground. For inshore daytime cruising with basic GPS, the SC130 is overkill. For serious operational use where heading accuracy and reliability are operationally important, it's the right tool.
Why pay this much. Commercial-grade satellite compass technology with mature Furuno engineering, proven service network, and integration depth across the marine electronics ecosystem. The price reflects what the technology actually delivers , gyrocompass-class heading reference at significantly lower long-term cost than spinning-gyro alternatives, with the reliability and serviceability that commercial maritime users require. For owners and operators who need this capability, the SC130 earns its position.
One more practical note for owners coming from spinning-gyro experience. The behavior at sea is different in a useful way. A traditional gyro accumulates settling errors after extended heavy maneuvering and needs time to re-settle on a steady course. The satellite compass updates continuously from the GNSS constellation, so heading is always current regardless of maneuvering history. After a hard course change or tight maneuvering, the satellite compass output is immediately accurate while a spinning gyro would still be working through its settling cycle. For boats that operate in commercial-traffic waters with frequent course changes, the responsive update is operationally meaningful.
Key Features
- GNSS-based satellite compass with integrated display, commercial-grade Furuno SC130
- Gyrocompass-class heading accuracy without spinning-gyro maintenance overhead
- Instant-on operation, heading available within minutes of power-up
- No moving parts, no consumable bearings, no scheduled gyro overhauls
- NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 output for full marine electronics integration
- Pitch and roll output for radar stabilization compensation
- Heave and surge data for sonar motion compensation
- Autopilot, radar, ARPA target tracking, AIS, MFD heading reference
- Used by commercial fishing fleets, workboats, pilot/tow operators, high-end cruising
- Mature Furuno engineering with proven commercial maritime service network
- Integrated display for standalone readout plus network feed simultaneously
- Lower long-term ownership cost than traditional spinning-gyro compasses
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Furuno reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Genuine Furuno SC130 satellite compass with integrated display (MPN SC130, UPC 611679368393). Furuno standard warranty. Ships from NVN Marine on this $11,895 commercial-grade compass. Plan a marine electronics installer for proper antenna mounting and integration.
Technical specifications
| Title | Furuno SC130 Satellite Compass with Integrated Display |
|---|---|
| Brand | Furuno |
| Manufacturer Part Number | SC130 |
| UPC | 611679368393 |
| Technology | GNSS-based satellite compass, multiple-antenna heading derivation |
| Heading Accuracy Class | Commercial-grade, gyrocompass-class |
| Output Protocols | NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 |
| Output Data | Heading, course, speed, pitch, roll, heave, surge |
| Integrated Display | Yes, standalone readout while feeding network |
| Compatible With | MFDs, autopilots, radars, AIS, sonar (any NMEA 2000/0183 consumer) |
| Antenna Mount | Upper-deck with clear sky view, no radar shadow |
| Install Type | Professional marine electronics installer recommended |
| Install Time | Half-day to full-day for clean install |
| Use Case | Commercial vessels and serious cruising boats requiring reliable heading reference |
| Warranty | Furuno standard warranty |
Frequently asked questions
Why satellite compass instead of a traditional gyro?
Three reasons. No mechanical wear (no spinning rotor or bearings). Instant-on operation (no 30+ minute spin-up). Lower long-term ownership cost (no scheduled gyro overhauls). For modern marine installations, satellite compass is the standard choice for gyrocompass-class heading reference.
How accurate is the heading output?
Commercial-grade accuracy suitable for radar overlay, ARPA target tracking, AIS transmission, and autopilot reference. The specific accuracy spec is in the Furuno SC130 data sheet, but it's in the class used by commercial maritime operators where heading reliability matters operationally.
Will it integrate with my non-Furuno MFD?
Yes. The SC130 outputs standard NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 data, so any compatible MFD or marine electronics device can consume the heading and motion data. Integration is most mature with Furuno NavNet TZtouch and other major MFD lines through standard protocols.
Can I install it myself?
Not recommended unless you have marine electronics experience. The antenna unit needs proper upper-deck mounting with clear sky view (no radar shadow), and cable routing between antenna, display, and boat network requires careful planning. Plan a marine electronics installer half-day to full-day for a proper install.
Does it work with autopilot?
Yes. The SC130 provides heading reference via NMEA 2000 to compatible autopilots. For commercial-grade autopilot installations where reliable heading is critical, the satellite compass is the standard heading source. Autopilot compatibility depends on the autopilot model accepting standard NMEA 2000 heading sentences (most do).
Will it work near radar?
The antenna needs to be positioned outside radar beam shadow for full performance. Most installs place the antenna and radar dome on different mast positions or use a stacked mast with adequate vertical separation. The marine electronics installer will plan the mounting positions based on your specific upper-deck layout.
How does it compare to other GNSS heading sensors?
Both are GNSS-based heading sensors. The Furuno SC130 has integrated display and is positioned for commercial-grade use with the Furuno service network and integration ecosystem. The competing brands is the natural choice for competing brands-ecosystem installs. The choice depends on the rest of your marine electronics ecosystem and whether the integrated display matters for your operational use.
What's the warranty?
Furuno standard warranty applies. Furuno's commercial maritime support network is mature for the marine electronics product line.
Will it work at extreme latitudes?
GNSS-based satellite compasses work well across normal cruising latitudes including high arctic and antarctic regions. Performance is best at mid-latitudes where satellite geometry is most favorable, but the SC130 functions at the latitude range typical of any cruising operation.
How long does the GNSS antenna last?
The antenna is solid-state with no moving parts, and the typical service life is well beyond the boat's electronics refresh cycle. Furuno backs the unit with their standard warranty, and replacement is straightforward through the Furuno service network if needed years down the road.
Why pay this much instead of basic GPS COG?
Basic GPS gives you course-over-ground (the direction you're moving), which differs from heading (the direction the boat is pointing) when you have current or wind. For autopilot, radar overlay, and AIS, you need actual heading, not COG. The SC130 provides accurate heading regardless of current or set, which matters for any boat that operates in current or wind.
Does the integrated display show more than just heading?
Yes. The display can show heading, course, speed, pitch, roll, and related navigation data depending on configuration. For operators who want a dedicated compass-and-motion readout at the helm, the integrated display is genuinely useful. For installs where the data only needs to feed the MFD, the display can be configured minimally.
