Autopilot Guide
Simrad autopilot systems give you reliable and accurate control over your
heading, without years of experience at the helm – saving you time and fuel by
making efficient turns, and keeping you closer to your planned course.
Predetermined turn patterns and features such as automatic depth-contour
following assist with fishing or diving: taking the helm so you have more time
to spend on the offshore activities you love.
When combined with a chartplotter, Simrad autopilots not only manage your
current heading, but provide full course-control.
Controllers
How you control and monitor your Simrad autopilot system is entirely up to you.
Dedicated controllers offer an always-visible display, and instantaneous
response at the touch of a button. Simrad multifunction display integration
means easy touchscreen control with full waypoint and route navigation. NMEA
2000® networking means you can connect any combination of dedicated controllers
and multifunction displays, anywhere on board – perfect for dual-helm vessels.
|
Dedicated |
Integrated |
Full Control |
AP44 Autopilot Controller |
x |
|
x |
IS42 Smart Instrument Display |
x |
|
Requires OP12 |
GO XSE |
|
x |
x |
NSS evo2 |
|
x |
x |
NSO evo2 |
|
x |
x |
Autopilot Computers
An autopilot computer is the brains of your Simrad autopilot system. It
continuously monitors data from heading sensors, rudder feedback units and other
on-board instruments, and steers to your chosen heading or course. An autopilot
computer also includes the electronics required to operate your drive unit –
depending on the size of your boat and drive unit required, you’ll either need a
standard or high-current computer.
|
NAC-1 |
NAC-2 |
NAC-3 |
Voltage |
12V |
12/24V |
12/24V |
Max Drive Current (Avg/Peak) |
8/12A |
8/16A |
30/50A |
Clutch Output |
12V DC
min 10mA
max 3A |
12/24V DC
min 10mA
max 3A |
12/24V DC
min 10mA
max 3A |
Solenoid Support |
|
x |
x |
NMEA2000 |
x |
x |
x |
NMEA1830 Input/Output |
|
|
x |
NMEA2000 Rudder Feedback |
x |
x |
x |
Compatible with Simrad 80 Series Remotes |
|
x |
x |
Compatible with passive remotes |
|
|
x |
Dedicated Pilot Head Control |
|
x |
x |
Configurability |
5 response levels |
All Settings |
All Settings |
Drive Units
An autopilot drive unit translates instructions from your autopilot system into
movements of your rudder or outboard. The drive unit you’ll need depends on the
type of steering system you have and the size of your boat. There are two main
types of drive unit:
-
Hydraulic steering pumps add autopilot capabilities to outboard or sterndrive
(inboard/outboard) vessels with existing hydraulic steering systems.
-
Mechanical drive units add autopilot capabilities to cable-steer runabouts and
larger rudder-steered vessels with inboard engines.
Steering System |
Size/Capacity/Compatibility |
Recommended AP Drive |
Required Computer |
Outboard/Stern Drive with Hydraulic Steering |
Hydraulic cylinder < 15 cubic in or 250cc |
RPU80 |
NAC-2 |
|
Hydraulic cylinder(s) 10-33 cubic in or 160-550cc |
RPU160 |
NAC-3 |
|
Hydraulic cylinder(s) 17-58 cubic in or 290-960cc |
RPU300 |
NAC-3 |
Outboard/Stern Drive with Mechanical Steering |
Compatible with Morse 290,304411 and TeleflexSSC52 cables. |
Helm-1 |
NAC-2 |
Inboard with Hydraulic Steering |
Hydraulic cylinder < 15 cubic in or 250cc |
RPU80 |
NAC-2 |
|
Hydraulic cylinder(s) 10-33 cubic in or 160-550cc |
RPU160 |
NAC-3 |
|
Hydraulic cylinder(s) 17-58 cubic in or 290-960cc |
RPU300 |
NAC-3 |
Inboard with Mechanical Steering |
Boats up to 9000kg |
T0 |
NAC-2 |
|
Boats up to 12000kg |
T1 |
NAC-3 |
|
Boats up to 20000kg |
T2 |
NAC-3 |
|
Boats up to 36000kg |
T3 |
NAC-3 |
|
Boats up to 55000kg |
T4 |
NAC-3 |
Sailing Boat with Quadrant or Tiller |
25ft to 37ft |
SD10 |
NAC-2 |
|
Up to 45ft |
DD15 |
NAC-3 |
|
Boats up to 9000kg |
T0 |
NAC-2 |
|
Boats up to 12000kg |
T1 |
NAC-3 |
|
Boats up to 20000kg |
T2 |
NAC-3 |
|
Boats up to 36000kg |
T3 |
NAC-3 |
|
Boats up to 55000kg |
T4 |
NAC-3 |
Rudder Feedback Units
Rudder feedback units are small sensors that measure and report actual rudder
position to your autopilot computer, enabling precise rudder control for smooth
and accurate steering. On many smaller boats, Simrad Virtual Rudder Feedback (VRF)
eliminates the need to install a physical sensor by using a software-based
approach to calculate rudder position.
-
Rudder feedbacks are typically used on boats with inboard engines and
displacement hulls.
-
VRF can be used on many outboard and sterndrive (inboard/outboard) boats with
planing hulls.
Heading Sensors
To set and hold a course, your autopilot needs to know your current heading.
This is supplied by a position sensor – an electronic compass – below deck.
The Simrad FC40 Fluxgate Compass is compatible with our full range of
recreational autopilot solutions. For the best autopilot performance, we
recommend the Simrad RC42 Rate Compass which includes a solid-state rate sensor,
which directly measures rate of turn. This provides greater precision than a
compass alone.
Remotes
Our autopilot remotes can be combined with a multifunction display at the
helm to add traditional hands-on steering control, or mounted elsewhere aboard
your vessel to provide autopilot heading control from a flybridge or other
convenient location.
Autopilot Selection Guide
How to Select your Autopilot System
Pick the drive that complements your boat from the selection guide below.
There will be a system pack available with everything needed to fit and
commission your pilot.
System Pack Options:
Pro-pack:
Includes a rate gyrocompass for the ultimate in steering performance
Standard pack:
Contains a standard fluxgate compass
Virtual Rudder Feedback pack:
Select this for outboard systems where the rudder position sensor cannot be
fitted.
Autopilot Selection Guide Yachts
TP 10/22/32 Tiller Steered Yachts |
TP10
Tiller steering up to 29 ft. |
|
TP22
Tiller steering up to 33 ft. |
|
TP32
Tiller steering up to 35 ft. |
|
AP 24/28 systems Mechanical Drives for Wheel
Steered Yachts |
SD10
Wheel steering up to 36 ft. |
|
DD15
Wheel steering up to 45 ft. |
|
AP 24/28 systems Hydraulic Drives for Wheel
Steered Yachts |
HLD350
Wheel steering up to 39 ft. |
|
HLD2000L
Wheel steering up to 50 ft. |
|
HLD2000LD
Wheel steering up to 65 ft. |
|
SD10 Systems
A flexible inboard pilot that is a true alternative to lightweight
cockpit mounted pilots.
|
DD15
High efficiency and low back drive are key characteristics of this
Direct Drive actuator.
|
Hydraulic Linear Drives
Hydraulic drives, renowned for their rugged power and reliability,
mount directly on the steering quadrant. |