Furuno's latest compact displays offer familiar navigation and fishing tools, but networking, radar and sonar expansion make the difference when planning a new helm.
Furuno is bringing its TZMAP and NavNet TZtouchE multifunction displays to the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, alongside its established TZtouchXL range. The exhibition runs from 28 October to 1 November, giving boat owners another opportunity to compare the company's latest navigation and fishing electronics.
Both compact ranges were announced earlier this year, with Furuno introducing them to the American market in February. Their appearance at Fort Lauderdale is another opportunity to examine how the company is extending technology developed for larger NavNet installations into smaller displays.
For New Zealand boat owners considering a helm upgrade, the interesting question is not simply which screen looks better. It is how much equipment the display needs to support, both now and several seasons down the track.
| Capability | TZMAP | TZtouchE |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | 9 and 13 inch class | 9 and 13 inch class |
| Multiple NavNet displays | No | Yes |
| Internal CHIRP and Side Scan | Yes | Yes |
| External network sounders | No | Yes |
| DFF3D compatibility | No | Selected functions |
| Radar selection | Selected radomes | Broader DRS range |
| Automated routing | Yes | Yes |
| Risk Visualizer | No | Yes |
| AI Avoidance Route | No | Yes |
The two ranges also include automated route generation. Furuno uses artificial intelligence terminology for these features, although the company explains that the system does not learn a skipper's behaviour.
TZtouchE adds Risk Visualiser and AI Avoidance Route functions, subject to compatible radar equipment. Risk Visualiser can operate with a broader selection of supported DRS radars, while AI Avoidance Route requires a DRS-NXT radar.
These tools provide additional information for passage planning and collision avoidance decisions. They do not replace a proper lookout, navigation checks or the skipper's responsibility under the collision regulations.
For fishing owners, the practical decision comes down to the sonar they intend to use. A boat relying on its internal sounder may have little need for NavNet expansion. Someone planning a more specialised offshore sounder installation should investigate TZtouchE or TZtouchXL before committing to a display.
Where TZtouchXL still matters
Furuno's TZtouchXL range remains the more comprehensive option for owners who need larger displays or more specialised electronics integration.
The distinction is particularly relevant for DFF3D multibeam sonar. TZtouchE can display selected DFF3D information, but it cannot natively record or display DFF3D Personal Bathymetric Generator data. It also lacks the DFF3D History Mode available through more capable installations.
For an owner interested in building detailed records of fishing grounds, underwater structure and previous sonar observations, those limitations matter.
TZtouchXL also offers additional screen layout flexibility. Furuno's 2026 catalogue lists up to six screen divisions for XL, compared with four for TZtouchE and TZMAP.
Camera integration is another consideration. Furuno's technical documentation excludes IP camera support on TZtouchE and TZMAP, while selected XL equipment offers broader camera options. Anyone planning to display engine room or cockpit cameras should confirm the exact XL model and camera compatibility.
These differences help explain why Furuno continues to offer several display families. A smaller networked display can handle many everyday navigation requirements without necessarily providing every specialist function of the larger system.
What New Zealand owners should consider
The New Zealand connection is well established through Electronic Navigation Limited, better known as ENL, Furuno's local distributor.
ENL has represented Furuno for more than 60 years and also developed the WASSP multibeam sonar technology. Go Boating has previously covered both ENL's eight decades of marine electronics innovation and 20 years of WASSP sonar development.
For owners considering the new displays, local installation advice will be important. The price of a multifunction display is only part of the cost. Transducers, radar equipment, charts, networking components and installation labour can change the final figure considerably.
Owners upgrading existing equipment should also check whether their current radar, transducers and network components are compatible. Retaining suitable equipment can influence the economics of an upgrade, but an existing Furuno badge does not guarantee compatibility with a new display.
For a straightforward helm replacement, TZMAP may provide everything required. TZtouchE becomes more attractive when a second display, external sonar or broader radar selection forms part of the plan.
TZtouchXL remains worth considering where advanced sonar functions, larger displays or specialist integration justify the additional equipment.
The best starting point is an inventory of what is already aboard, followed by a realistic assessment of what might be added later. That is a more useful way to choose between Furuno's three ranges than comparing screen dimensions alone.
