Keeping your Furuno maps updated is essential for safe and accurate marine navigation. Updated charts provide the latest information on coastlines, harbors, navigation aids, depth contours, restricted zones, and other critical marine details. Whether you use a Furuno chartplotter, multifunction display (MFD), or GPS navigator, regularly updating your maps helps ensure reliable route planning and improved on-water safety.

This guide explains how to update Furuno maps, what you need before getting started, and how to troubleshoot common update issues.

Why Update Furuno Maps?

Marine environments constantly change due to dredging, construction, shifting channels, and new navigational hazards. Map updates help ensure your navigation data reflects these changes.

Benefits of updating Furuno maps include:

• Access to the latest nautical charts
• Improved navigation accuracy
• Updated depth and contour information
• New ports, marinas, and waterways
• Current buoys and navigation markers
• Better route planning
• Enhanced compatibility with the latest Furuno software
• Improved boating safety

Which Furuno Devices Support Map Updates?

Many Furuno navigation products support chart updates, including:

• Furuno NavNet TZtouch Series
• Furuno NavNet TZtouch2
• Furuno NavNet TZtouch3
• Furuno GP-1971F
• Furuno GP-1871F
• Furuno GP-39
• Furuno Multifunction Displays (MFDs)
• Compatible chartplotters

The exact update procedure may vary depending on your device model and chart provider.

Before Updating Furuno Maps

Before beginning the update process:

• Back up your routes and waypoints.
• Ensure your device has the latest firmware installed.
• Use a reliable SD card if required.
• Verify you have enough storage space.
• Keep your device connected to a stable power source.
• Confirm that your chart subscription or license is active if applicable.

What You'll Need

Prepare the following items:

• A computer with internet access
• A compatible SD or microSD card
• SD card reader
• Latest chart update files
• Your Furuno GPS or chartplotter
• Stable power during installation

Step 1: Check Your Current Chart Version

Before downloading new charts:

1. Turn on your Furuno device.
2. Open the Menu.
3. Navigate to Chart Information or System Information.
4. View the installed chart version.
5. Note the version number for comparison.

Step 2: Download the Latest Furuno Map Update

Visit the official Furuno support or chart provider website and locate the correct chart package for your specific device and region.

Download:

• Latest chart files
• Update utility (if required)
• Installation instructions
• Release notes

Always choose charts that are compatible with your Furuno model.

Step 3: Prepare the SD Card

Insert your SD card into your computer.

Then:

1. Format the card if recommended.
2. Extract downloaded files if compressed.
3. Copy the chart files to the SD card.
4. Do not rename or modify any folders.
5. Safely eject the card.

Step 4: Insert the SD Card into the Furuno Device

1. Turn off your Furuno GPS or chartplotter.
2. Insert the SD card into the correct slot.
3. Restart the device.
4. Wait for the system to recognize the chart files.

Some models automatically detect updates, while others require manual installation.

Step 5: Install the Map Update

Navigate to:

Menu → Charts → Chart Management → Update Charts

Select the available update and begin installation.

Depending on the size of the chart package, the installation may take several minutes.

Avoid turning off the device or removing the SD card during the process.

Step 6: Restart the Device

Once installation is complete:

• Remove the SD card if instructed.
• Restart the Furuno unit.
• Allow the charts to load fully.

The first startup after an update may take slightly longer than usual.

Step 7: Verify the Installation

After restarting:

1. Open Chart Information.
2. Confirm the updated chart version.
3. Zoom into your local navigation area to ensure charts display correctly.

If everything appears normal, the update was successful.

Tips for Successful Furuno Map Updates

For the best experience:

• Use only official chart files.
• Install firmware updates before updating maps.
• Keep your device powered throughout the process.
• Back up important navigation data.
• Verify model compatibility before downloading.
• Follow the installation guide included with the update.

Common Furuno Map Update Problems

Maps Not Detected

Possible causes:

• Incorrect chart files
• Unsupported SD card
• Improper folder structure
• Corrupted download

Solution:

• Re-download the charts.
• Reformat the SD card.
• Copy the files again exactly as instructed.

Update Fails During Installation

Possible reasons:

• Interrupted power
• Damaged SD card
• Incomplete download

Solution:

• Restart the update.
• Use a different SD card.
• Download the files again.

Charts Missing After Update

If maps do not appear:

• Restart the device.
• Check chart licensing.
• Verify that the correct chart region was installed.
• Confirm the files were copied properly.

Slow Chart Loading

Large chart databases may take longer to load after an update.

If performance remains slow:

• Restart the device.
• Remove unnecessary files from the SD card.
• Ensure your firmware is current.

Best Practices After Updating

After installing new charts:

• Test your GPS positioning.
• Verify important routes.
• Confirm waypoint accuracy.
• Check harbor and marina information.
• Review updated navigation aids.
• Test route planning features before your next trip.

How Often Should You Update Furuno Maps?

Most recreational boaters should check for updates:

• Every 3 to 6 months
• Before boating season
• Before long-distance cruises
• Before offshore fishing trips
• Whenever new chart releases become available

Commercial operators may need more frequent updates to maintain compliance and ensure navigational accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update Furuno maps myself?

Yes. Most Furuno chartplotters and GPS units allow users to install chart updates using an SD card and the appropriate chart files.

Do map updates delete my saved routes?

Normally, no. However, backing up your routes and waypoints before updating is always recommended.

How long does a Furuno map update take?

Most installations take between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the chart size and device model.

Why are my new charts not showing?

This may happen if the chart files are incompatible, improperly installed, or require an active license.

Should I update firmware before updating maps?

Yes. Installing the latest firmware first helps ensure compatibility with newer chart releases and may improve overall system performance.

Conclusion

Regular Furuno map updates help keep your navigation system accurate, reliable, and ready for changing marine conditions. By installing the latest chart data, you gain access to updated waterways, navigation markers, harbor information, and safety enhancements that support confident route planning. Following the correct update process, maintaining current firmware, and backing up your navigation data before each update will help ensure your Furuno GPS or chartplotter continues to deliver dependable performance on every voyage.