Furuno GPS Antenna Assembly
Furuno GPS Antenna Assemblies: Precision Positioning for the Water
When it comes to marine GPS navigation, the antenna is the critical first link in the chain — and few names carry more weight on the water than Furuno. GPS antenna assemblies from Furuno are purpose-built to feed accurate satellite positioning data to the chartplotters, multifunction displays, and navigation systems that mariners depend on every day. Understanding what sets Furuno's antenna engineering apart is key to making a smart purchase decision.
A Legacy of Marine-Grade Engineering
Furuno Electric Co. was founded in 1948 and has grown into one of the most trusted names in marine electronics worldwide. That decades-long heritage of building equipment for demanding commercial and recreational maritime environments is evident in every GPS antenna assembly they produce. Furuno's reputation is rooted in durability, precision, and long-term reliability — qualities that matter enormously for a component installed outdoors on a vessel.
The GPA Series: Built Tough, Tuned Precisely
Furuno's flagship GPS antenna line for marine use is the GPA series, with the GPA-017 being one of the most widely deployed antenna assemblies in their catalog. The GPA-017 is a compact and lightweight package designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments including rain, wind, sunlight, and temperature changes. Key technical specifications include Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP), an input frequency centered on 1575.42 MHz (the standard GPS L1 band), and a pre-amplifier gain of 27.5 ±5.5 dB — ensuring that even low-elevation satellite signals are captured reliably. The unit ships with a 10-meter cable terminated in a TNC connector, offering a clean, corrosion-resistant marine connection out of the box.
The GPA-017 serves as both a factory-original antenna and a replacement unit across a broad range of Furuno GPS receivers and chartplotters, including the popular GP1670F, GP1870F, the 1650/1850 series, the 7000 series, and the GP31, GP32, and GP33 standalone GPS receivers. This cross-model compatibility makes it a go-to solution for boaters upgrading aging antenna hardware without replacing the entire navigation system.
Satellite Compass Antenna Assemblies
Beyond the GPA series, Furuno also produces specialized GPS antenna assemblies for advanced systems like the SC303 Satellite Compass. The SC303 uses multiple GPS antenna elements simultaneously to derive both position and heading data — each individual antenna assembly (part number 004-382-480, ANT ASSY GSC001) is a discrete, field-replaceable unit, underlining Furuno's commitment to serviceability and long product life cycles.
Why Furuno GPS Antennas Stand Apart
- Marine-hardened construction — designed for continuous outdoor exposure to UV, moisture, and wide temperature swings
- Wide system compatibility — serves as OEM and replacement antenna for dozens of current and legacy Furuno GPS/chartplotter models
- Low noise figure — pre-amplifier noise figure of ≤1.6 dB means cleaner signal processing and faster, more accurate position fixes
- NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000 ecosystem — Furuno antennas integrate seamlessly into the broader Furuno and third-party marine electronics ecosystem
- Proven longevity — Furuno's commercial-grade approach to component design means these antennas often outlast multiple generations of associated display hardware
Whether you are replacing a worn antenna on a trusted GP-series plotter or sourcing a component for a professional satellite compass installation, Furuno's GPS antenna assemblies deliver the signal integrity and environmental resilience that serious mariners expect. Explore the full range of Furuno marine electronics to find antennas, mounting accessories, and compatible navigation systems.