Furuno FE700 Echosounder is a marine echo sounder developed based on FURUNO's long-standing experience in the field of echo sounders, sonar, and underwater application equipment. The device is designed to support safe navigation by measuring and displaying the depth/clearance below the vessel, which is particularly useful when the vessel is operating in shallow waters, narrow channels, port areas, or shipping lanes with complex seabed topography.

Unlike traditional paper-recording echo sounders, FE-700 uses an electronic display, eliminating the need for paper records and consumables for data display. This reduces operating costs, minimizes regular maintenance work, and is suitable for modern bridge systems.

SOLAS ship specialized echo sounder system

FURUNO FE-700 is designed for vessels requiring marine echo sounding equipment according to international standards. The device complies with IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 4, and is also compliant with ISO 9875 standards for marine echo sounder equipment.

In practical operation, depth data from the FE700 can be used to assist captains and navigating officers in assessing the depth below the vessel, avoiding grounding, navigating safely, and providing data for related equipment such as radar, ECDIS, and VDR.

6.5-inch color LCD screen, clearly displays

Furuno FE700 is equipped with a 6.5-inch Color TFT LCD, with a resolution of 320 x 234 pixels, supporting display in 8 colors or 8 levels of monochrome. The screen has high brightness, wide viewing angles, and is suitable for observation in various lighting conditions on the bridge.

The device can display depth data in graphical and large numerical formats, making it easy for operators to monitor the instantaneous depth. Depth data history within 15 minutes can be viewed on any scale, supporting observation of depth change trends as the vessel moves.

Storage and playback of depth data for 24 hours

A strength of the FE700 Echosounder is its ability to store depth, time, and associated position data in its memory for 24 hours. Users can review the data when needed to check voyage history, analyze depth, or verify operational data.

This feature is particularly useful on vessels requiring navigation data management, commercial vessels, vessels operating in shallow waters, or vessels needing to store information for maritime safety.

Choice of 50 kHz or 200 kHz frequencies

The FURUNO FE-700 supports the choice of 50 kHz or 200 kHz frequency systems. The 200 kHz frequency is suitable for high-resolution depth measurement in shallow waters, rough seas, or busy traffic areas; while 50 kHz is more suitable for deep waters and a larger measurement range.

Choosing the appropriate transducer and frequency allows the system to operate more efficiently according to the vessel's actual operating conditions.

600W RMS transmitting power, measurement range up to 800 meters

The Furuno FE700 sounder uses a power transmitter-receiver600W RMS, supports fixed scales with a maximum range of 800 meters, equivalent to 2,500 feet or 400 fathoms depending on the display unit.

The device can automatically change the measurement range according to the actual depth, while also allowing the user to switch to manual adjustment when a desired scale needs to be selected. This is an important feature when the vessel operates in areas with rapidly changing depths or requires more detailed display control.

Shallow water, loss of bottom, and power loss alarms

FE700 supports audible and visual alarms when the depth below the transducer is less than the user-preset level. Additionally, the device alarms when the bottom signal is lost due to deteriorating detection conditions, incorrect scale settings, or power failures.

These alarms help enhance safety when the vessel operates in shallow waters, port areas, narrow channels, or when continuous monitoring of the depth below the vessel is required.

DBS Mode displays depth corrected for draft

DBS Mode – Depth Below Surface allows the display of depth corrected for draft, providing the operator with information that is more relevant to the vessel's actual condition. This feature is particularly useful when assessing the safe clearance below the vessel's hull based on the transducer installation configuration and the actual draft.

Outputs digital data for radar, ECDIS, VDR, and other navigation equipment

The Furuno FE700 can output depth data according to IEC 61162-1 / NMEA 0183 standards, supporting data transmission to radar, ECDIS, VDR, and other maritime navigation or communication equipment. The operating manual notes that the device has output data sentences such as DBT, DPT, DBS with a transmission cycle of 1 second.

Thanks to its digital communication capabilities, the FE700 can be integrated into modern bridge systems, serving to log voyage data, monitor depth, and display information on related equipment.

Key Features of the Furuno FE700 Echosounder

• Marine echo sounder meets standardsIMO MSC.74(69) Annex 4.
• Compliant with standards ISO 9875 for marine echo sounder equipment.
• No paper, no consumables required.
• Display 6.5-inch Color TFT LCD, 320 x 234 pixels resolution.
• Transmitter Power 600W RMS.
• System Frequency Selection 50 kHz or 200 kHz.
• Maximum Depth Range to 800 m 2,500 ft 400 fathoms.
• Store and review depth data for 24 hours.
• Depth history 15 minutes viewable at all scales.
• Displays instantaneous depth in large digits with graphical overlay.
• Audio/visual alarms for shallow water, bottom contact, and power loss.
• Features a DBS mode displaying depth corrected for trim.
• Outputs digital data according to IEC 61162-1 / NMEA 0183.
• Integrates with radar, ECDIS, VDR, and other navigation equipment.
• Optional transmission of sounder data to a personal computer via optional interface.

Basic System Configuration

series offers configurations for different needs. According to product information,Furuno FE700 Echosounder basic system typically includes:

The basic system of FE700 is described as includingdisplay unit, distribution box, matching box and transducer.

Application of Furuno FE700 on vessels

Furuno FE700 Echosounderis used to measure and monitor depth in marine applications such as:

• SOLAS vessels.
• Commercial vessels.
• Cargo ships.
• Passenger ships.
• Offshore service vessels.
• Vessels operating in shallow waters.
• Vessels requiring depth data for VDR, ECDIS or radar.
• Integrated bridge systems requiring depth data according to IEC/NMEA standards.

The equipment is particularly suitable for vessels that require a standard-compliant echosounder, capable of data logging, shallow water alarms, and data integration with existing navigation systems.

Why choose Furuno FE700 Echosounder?

FURUNO FE700is a suitable choice for vessels requiring a dedicated, stable, and internationally compliant marine echo sounder. The device is paperless, features an easy-to-view color display, has a transmitting power of 600W RMS, supports 50/200 kHz frequencies, stores 24 hours of data, and exports IEC 61162-1 data for other marine equipment.

For ship owners, ship management companies, and marine technical units, the FE700 is an appropriate solution to replace traditional paper echo sounders, upgrade echo sounding systems, or maintain compliance with navigational safety requirements on board.

Notes when ordering Furuno FE700

, please check:Furuno FE700 Echosounder, check the actual configuration carefully:

• Does the device include a complete display unit, distribution box, matching box, and transducer?
• Is the transducer type50 kHzMX575C DGPS Compass200 kHz.
• Are the lengths of the transducer cable and signal cable suitable for the vessel?
• Is data export required for radar, ECDIS, VDR, or other equipment?
• Is data transmission to a personal computer an option?
• Are the power supply and installation location compatible with the current system?
• What is the condition of the equipment if it is stock, replacement, or used?

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Furuno FE700 device?

Furuno FE700 is a marine echo sounder, used to measure the depth below the vessel and support safe navigation, especially in shallow waters.

Does the FE700 use recording paper?

No. The FE700 is an electronic display echo sounder, it does not use recording paper and does not require consumables like traditional paper echo sounders.

What frequency does the Furuno FE700 use?

The device has frequency options of. The 200 kHz frequency is suitable for shallow waters and high resolution requirements; 50 kHz is more suitable for deep waters.50 kHz or 200 kHzDoes the FE700 store depth data?

Yes. The device stores depth data for and allows viewing of the last 15 minutes of depth history on all scales.

Can the FE700 connect to ECDIS, radar, and VDR?24 hoursYes. The FE700 can output depth data according to the standard for radar, ECDIS, VDR, and other marine equipment.

Does the Furuno FE700 comply with IMO standards?

Yes. The device meets and complies with the for hydrographic echo sounders.IEC 61162-1 / NMEA 0183 standard for radar, ECDIS, VDR, and other marine equipment.

Does the Furuno FE700 comply with IMO standards?

Yes. The device meets IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 4 and complies with the ISO 9875 for hydrographic echo sounders.