NMEA 2000 uses PGNs (Parameter Group Numbers).

Examples:

  • PGN 129025 → GPS position
  • PGN 127488 → Engine RPM
  • PGN 127250 → Vessel heading

For example, Simrad listens only to the PGNs it understands.

Here’s a practical, “most-commonly-used” list of NMEA 2000 PGNs — the ones you’ll actually see on real boats (like your Robalo + Simrad setup), not the obscure edge cases.

🧠 “Top 10” Most Useful PGNs (Real-World)

If I had to pick just ten you’ll actually see and care about:

  1. 129025 – GPS Position
  2. 129026 – COG/SOG
  3. 127250 – Heading
  4. 127488 – Engine RPM
  5. 127489 – Engine data
  6. 127505 – Fuel level
  7. 128267 – Depth
  8. 130306 – Wind
  9. 129038/129039 – AIS targets
  10. 127508 – Battery voltage

🌍 Navigation / GPS PGNs

These are foundational — almost every system uses them.

PGNDescription
129025Position, Rapid Update (Lat/Lon)
129026COG & SOG, Rapid Update
129029GNSS Position Data (full GPS fix info)
129033Time & Date
127250Vessel Heading
127258Magnetic Variation
127257Attitude (Pitch/Roll/Yaw)

🧭 Waypoints, Routes, Navigation

Used by chartplotters & autopilots.

PGNDescription
129283Cross Track Error
129284Navigation Data
129285Navigation – Route / Waypoint Info
129539GNSS DOPs
129540GNSS Satellites in View

🚤 Engine & Propulsion (Very Important)

These are the ones everyone wants.

PGNDescription
127488Engine Parameters, Rapid Update (RPM)
127489Engine Parameters, Dynamic (temps, volts, hours)
127493Transmission Parameters
127497Trip Fuel Consumption
127498Engine Static Parameters
127505Fluid Level (fuel, oil, water)

⛽ Fuel System

Often misunderstood — but extremely useful.

PGNDescription
127497Trip Fuel Used
127489Engine Fuel Rate
127505Tank Level
127508Battery Status (voltage tied to fuel systems sometimes)

🔋 Electrical / Battery

Critical for monitoring power health.

PGNDescription
127508Battery Status
127506DC Detailed Status
127513Battery Configuration Status
127751DC Voltage / Current

🌊 Depth, Speed, Water

Your “classic” marine data.

PGNDescription
128267Water Depth
128259Speed (Through Water)
130310Water Temperature
130311Environmental Parameters
130312Temperature
130313Humidity

🌬️ Wind

Sailboats use these heavily, but powerboats still display them.

PGNDescription
130306Wind Data

🧭 Autopilot & Steering

Used by Simrad autopilots.

PGNDescription
127245Rudder
127237Heading/Track Control
127251Rate of Turn
127257Attitude
129283Cross Track Error

📡 AIS (Receive & Transmit)

These are the big ones for AIS targets.

PGNDescription
129038AIS Class A Position Report
129039AIS Class B Position Report
129040AIS Class B Extended Report
129041AIS Aids to Navigation
129793AIS UTC and Date
129794AIS Static and Voyage Data
129809AIS Class B Static Data (Part A)
129810AIS Class B Static Data (Part B)

📻 VHF / DSC

Used by radios like Simrad RS40.

PGNDescription
129808DSC Call Information
129802AIS Safety Related Message
129799Radio Frequency / Channel

💡 Switching, Lighting, Digital Control

Newer boats love these.

PGNDescription
127501Binary Switch Bank Status
127502Switch Bank Control
127503AC Input Status
127504AC Output Status

⏱️ Time, System & Network

Mostly behind-the-scenes.

PGNDescription
126992System Time
126996Product Information
126998Configuration Information
059392ISO Acknowledge
060928ISO Address Claim
065240ISO Request

Key Takeaway

  • PGNs are like well-known broadcast topics
  • Devices don’t “talk to each other” directly — they publish PGNs
  • Your Simrad listens only to the PGNs it understands

All major marine manufacturers use the same standardized PGN numbers for core data — but advanced features often rely on proprietary PGNs that only work within the same brand ecosystem.