Simrad AP44 VRF High-Capacity Autopilot System: The Best Choice for Your Boat

When it comes to navigating your boat with ease, safety, and comfort, investing in the right autopilot system is crucial. One of the best solutions for both powerboats and yachts is the Simrad AP44 VRF High-Capacity Autopilot Pack. This advanced system offers a range of features designed to enhance your boating experience. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about the Simrad AP44 autopilot system, its features, installation process, and why it's considered one of the top choices for marine navigation.

What Is the Simrad AP44 VRF High-Capacity Autopilot System?

The Simrad AP44 VRF High-Capacity Autopilot Pack (000-13562-002) is a state-of-the-art autopilot system designed to offer seamless, high-performance navigation for both professional marine use and recreational boating. This system includes the AP44 autopilot controller, NAC-3 autopilot computer, Precision-9 compass, and the Pump-3 MK2 hydraulic pump. Together, they create a comprehensive solution that provides effortless steering, increased safety, and optimized fuel efficiency.

Key Features of the Simrad AP44 Autopilot

1. Intuitive Control with Rotary Dial and Color Display

The AP44 autopilot controller stands out with its intuitive interface, featuring a rotary-dial course adjustment system and a 4.1-inch color display. The glass helm design ensures that the controller fits seamlessly with modern boat interiors, giving you complete control of your navigation without the need to be at the helm. The simple design allows for easy operation, making it ideal for both novice and experienced users.

2. Automated Turn Patterns for More Efficient Navigation

One of the standout features of the Simrad autopilot for yachts is its automated turn patterns. Whether you’re fishing, diving, or just cruising, the AP44 offers a variety of pre-set turn patterns that make it easier to navigate tight areas or make efficient U-turns. This adds an extra layer of convenience, especially when performing repetitive tasks like searching for fish.

3. Simrad Continuum Steering Technology

Simrad’s legacy in autopilot technology spans over 60 years, and the AP44 benefits from the latest Simrad Continuum steering technology. This advanced system ensures smooth, precise, and reliable control over your boat, regardless of sea conditions. The Continuum technology continuously monitors and adjusts your steering to maintain course stability, providing an unmatched boating experience.

4. Easy Setup and Auto-Tuning

Setting up your autopilot system has never been easier. The AP44 comes with automatic tuning features that optimize performance right from the start. The system also includes a simple commissioning process that ensures seamless integration with your existing marine electronics. Whether you’re on a dock or at sea, the setup is quick and user-friendly.

5. High-Capacity and Low Power Consumption

The Simrad AP44 VRF autopilot for boats is designed to be both energy-efficient and high-performing. With low power consumption and the ability to handle boats up to 33 feet in length, the system is suitable for a wide range of vessels. The NAC-3 autopilot computer enables smooth steering, whether you’re cruising, navigating rough waters, or engaged in professional marine tasks.

Components of the Simrad AP44 VRF Autopilot Pack

• AP44 Autopilot Controller: This is the central control unit, allowing users to easily adjust course and access other autopilot features.

• NAC-3 Autopilot Computer: This computer acts as the brain of the autopilot system, interpreting sensor data and controlling the steering.

• Precision-9 Compass: Provides accurate heading and rate-of-turn information for precise navigation.

• Pump-3 MK2 Hydraulic Pump: Suitable for boats up to 50 feet, this pump powers the steering system, providing reliable and responsive control.

Why Choose the Simrad AP44 Autopilot for Your Boat?

Reliable Performance in All Conditions

The Simrad autopilot pack is designed to handle a variety of sea states and weather conditions, making it perfect for both recreational boating and autopilot for professional marine use. The NAC-3 computer ensures that your boat stays on course, even in challenging conditions.

Enhances Your Marine Navigation Experience

If you're looking for the best autopilot for marine navigation, the Simrad AP44 is the ideal choice. The system allows you to focus on enjoying your time on the water while ensuring that your boat stays on course. It’s especially beneficial for long trips, where having autopilot control can reduce fatigue and improve overall safety.

Perfect for Powerboats and Yachts

Whether you're operating a powerboat or a yacht, the Simrad AP44 VRF High-Capacity Autopilot Pack is designed to provide reliable and easy control. It’s a high-performance autopilot system that can be adapted for various types of vessels, ensuring that both small and large boats can benefit from its advanced features.

Installation and Setup of the Simrad AP44 Autopilot

Installing the Simrad AP44 for boat navigation is straightforward, thanks to its simple integration process. The NMEA 2000® connectivity ensures that the system easily communicates with compatible chart plotters and marine electronics. The auto-tuning feature adjusts the system for optimal performance, reducing the time spent on manual setup. Once installed, the autopilot system requires minimal maintenance, making it a long-lasting solution for your vessel.

Conclusion: Is the Simrad AP44 the Best Autopilot for You?

If you’re looking for a high-performance autopilot for boats that combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use, the Simrad AP44 VRF High-Capacity Autopilot Pack is the ideal solution. Whether you’re cruising on a powerboat, navigating a yacht, or using it for professional marine use, the Simrad AP44 offers advanced features that make navigation smoother and safer. With its intuitive controls, automated turn patterns, and reliable performance, the Simrad AP44 is one of the best choices available for marine autopilot systems with VRF.

Don’t compromise on your boating experience. Equip your vessel with the Simrad AP44 autopilot system and experience seamless navigation like never before.

AP44 VRF High Capacity Autopilot Pack - AP44, NAC-3, Precision 9 & Pump-3 MK2

The AP44 Autopilot Controller combines Simrad Continuum steering technology with a full-color display, intuitive rotary dial and button controls, and modern glass helm styling. Free your hands from the wheel, cruise in comfort, and discover new ways to search for fish; this dedicated controller offers easy access to automated turn patterns, No Drift steering, depth contour tracking, and other advanced pilot features. Connect your chart plotter to add waypoint and route navigation, and enjoy full autopilot control from compatible Simrad displays.

Features:

• Rotary-dial course adjustment with new intuitive autopilot control
• Optically bonded 4.1-inch color display
• Easy setup with auto-tuning and calibration
• Simrad Continuum steering technology
• Intuitive autopilot control
• Automated turn patterns
• No Drift steering
• Depth contour tracking
• Low-profile 'Glass Helm' design
• Low power consumption
• Certified NMEA 2000® connectivity
  
  Intuitive Autopilot Control

The point of a dedicated autopilot controller is to enable immediate access to auto-steering functionality, placing key controls within easy reach. Designed with that purpose in mind, the AP44 includes an intuitive interface with just four buttons and a push-to-enter rotary control dial

Automated Turn Patterns

Your Simrad autopilot can do much more than keep you on course. The AP44 gives you easy access to a range of built-in turn patterns designed to assist with fishing, diving, or just making a quick and efficient U-turn.

Simrad Continuum Steering

Every Simrad steering innovation builds upon a legacy encompassing over sixty years of autopilot development, which continues today at Simrad Yachting's autopilot research hub in Norway.

Easy Setup with Auto-Tuning & Calibration

Autopilot installation and commissioning don't have to be difficult or time-consuming. The AP44 offers automatic tuning to ensure optimal auto-steering performance, with a simple on-screen commissioning process including dockside configuration and sea trial.

NAC-3

The NAC-3 Autopilot Computer is the brain behind your autopilot system. NAC-3 contains the control algorithms developed to helm a yacht across a broad range of weather conditions and sea-states, alongside the electronics needed to operate a hydraulic or mechanical drive unit, while also interfacing with other components including heading sensors and rudder feedback units. The NAC-3 was designed for boats up to 10M (33') in length and is suitable for low-current hydraulic drives, mechanical drives, or solenoid valves with a current rating of 30 Amps continuous (50 Amps peak).

Precision-9

The Precision-9 Compass supplies heading and rate-of-turn information to Simrad, B & G, and Lowrance autopilot, radar, and navigation systems. Based on reliable solid-state sensor technology, this compact compass offers easy installation aboard any vessel.

Pump-3 MK2

The PUMP-3 MK2 type 2 is a reversible hydraulic steering pump for boats up to 50ft.

Unique Selling Points:

• Heading, Rate Of Turn (ROT), roll, and pitch output over NMEA 2000®
• Heading and ROT calculated using sensor data from 9 axes of rotation and motion
• Accurate and reliable solid-state sensor technology
• Heading accuracy after calibration
• Easily adjustable mounting bracket allows bulkhead or up-mast installation
• IPX7 waterproof. Best in class
• Simple installation with a single NMEA 2000® connection

Specifications:

• Steering Type: Hydraulic
• Box Dimensions: 10"H x 11"W x 17"L WT: 5 lbs
• UPC: 9420064128228