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Simrad autopilots from the TP10, TP22 and TP32 tillerpilots to AP44 hydraulic system packs, NAC-2 and NAC-3 course computers, rudder feedback units and the NAC-D steer-by-wire pack. Click here to read more.

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Simrad Autopilots: Match the Pilot to Your Steering and Your Boat

An autopilot is a system, not a single box: a controller at the helm, a course computer, a heading sensor, a way to move the rudder (a tillerpilot arm, a hydraulic pump or a steer-by-wire interface) and, on most wheel-steered systems, a rudder feedback unit. This collection holds the Simrad packs and parts for each of those roles. The right starting point is your steering: a tiller takes a tillerpilot, a hydraulic wheel takes an AP44 pack with a pump, and a steer-by-wire boat takes the NAC-D.

Simrad Autopilot Families in This Collection
  • TP tillerpilots: the TP10 is rated for tiller-steered boats up to 32 ft, the TP22 up to 34 ft and the TP32 for sailboats up to 37 ft. The listings describe all three as quiet, low power draw and waterproof sealed; the TP22 and TP32 are SimNet compatible. See the full Simrad tiller pilots range.
  • AP44 system packs: the AP44 controller with a color display, rotary dial and four buttons, plus a course computer, a Precision-9 compass and a hydraulic pump. The Medium Capacity pack uses the NAC-2 and Pump-2 MK2 (pump for boats up to 35 ft); the High Capacity pack uses the NAC-3 and Pump-3 MK2 (pump for boats up to 50 ft).
  • NAC-2 and NAC-3 core packs: a course computer, Precision-9 compass and an NMEA 2000 starter kit, for building a system around a controller you already own or are adding. The NAC-2 core pack and NAC-3 core pack also include an RF25N rudder feedback unit; the Variable Ratio Feedback (VRF) packs, such as the NAC-3 VRF core pack, list no separate rudder feedback unit.
  • Course computers: the NAC-2 (low current) and NAC-3 (high current) sold alone, the AC70 for the AP70 and AP80 family, and the NAC-D for steer-by-wire. Browse Simrad course computers.
  • Rudder feedback: the RF25N (medium duty, Micro-C, 5 m cable) and the RF40 (medium duty, for NAC-1 and NAC-2, 15 m cable). See Simrad rudder feedback sensors.
  • Professional controllers: the AP70 Mk2 (Basic Pack or control head only), the A2004 system pack and the FU80 follow-up remote. The listings describe the AP70 Mk2 and A2004 as built for professional mariners aboard commercial vessels; the AP70 Mk2 is wheelmarked for SOLAS vessels and takes up to six drives. See Simrad autopilot controllers.
  • Accessories: suncovers for the AP44 and the A2004/AP48, and a bracket mount for the AP48.
Choosing by Steering System
  • Tiller: a TP10, TP22 or TP32 pushes the tiller directly, with no pump, course computer or rudder sensor to install. Match the model to the boat length in the listing.
  • Hydraulic wheel steering: an AP44 pack gives you the controller, computer, compass and pump in one box. Use the Pump-2 MK2 pack for boats up to 35 ft and the Pump-3 MK2 pack for boats up to 50 ft.
  • Mechanical or other drives: the NAC-2 and NAC-3 operate a hydraulic or mechanical drive unit, or solenoid valves, within their current ratings. Our autopilot drive guide shows how the drive type follows from your steering.
  • Steer-by-wire: the NAC-D is for boats with SeaStar Optimus, Yanmar VC10/JC10, Volvo IPS/EVC or Yamaha helm master and single-engine control systems. It is controlled from an AP44 or AP48, and the listing says it needs no extra hydraulic pump, rudder sensor or dockside rudder calibration.
NAC-2 or NAC-3

The NAC-2 is designed for boats up to 10 m (33 ft) and for low-current hydraulic drives, mechanical drives or solenoid valves rated 8 A continuous. The NAC-3 is rated for high-current drives, 30 A continuous (50 A peak), and its listings describe it for boats of 10 m (33 ft) or greater. The drive's current draw is what decides between them, so check the pump or drive rating before you pick the computer.

What Comes in the Pack
  • AP44 packs: AP44 controller, NAC-2 or NAC-3, Precision-9 compass and Pump-2 or Pump-3 MK2.
  • Core packs: NAC-2 or NAC-3, Precision-9 and an NMEA 2000 starter kit (network power cable, 4.5 m cable, three T-connectors and two terminators); the RF25N versions add the rudder feedback unit.
  • Precision-9: a solid-state compass that outputs heading, rate of turn, roll and pitch over NMEA 2000, with a single network connection and an adjustable bracket for bulkhead or up-mast mounting.
  • AP70 Mk2 Basic Pack: AP70 Mk2 control head, AC70 course computer and an RF300 rudder feedback with 10 m cable.
What the AP44 Does

The listings describe Simrad Continuum steering, automatic tuning with an on-screen commissioning process (dockside configuration and sea trial), built-in turn patterns, No Drift steering that uses GPS position to counteract wind and tide, and waypoint and route navigation when you connect a chart plotter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Simrad autopilot suits a tiller-steered sailboat?
A TP tillerpilot. The TP10 is rated for boats up to 32 ft, the TP22 up to 34 ft and the TP32 up to 37 ft. They install without a pump, course computer or rudder sensor.

Which Simrad autopilot suits a hydraulic wheel-steered boat?
The AP44 system pack. The Medium Capacity pack includes the Pump-2 MK2, listed for boats up to 35 ft, and the High Capacity pack includes the Pump-3 MK2, listed for boats up to 50 ft. Check your steering cylinder against the pump before ordering; the autopilot drive guide explains how.

What is the difference between a NAC-2 and a NAC-3?
Current rating. The NAC-2 runs drives up to 8 A continuous on boats up to 10 m (33 ft); the NAC-3 handles 30 A continuous (50 A peak) and is listed for boats of 10 m (33 ft) or greater.

Do I need a separate rudder feedback unit?
The RF25N core packs include one. The VRF core packs and the AP44 packs do not list one separately, so read the pack contents. Add an RF25N or an RF40 if your system calls for rudder feedback.

Can Simrad autopilots work with steer-by-wire systems?
Yes, with the NAC-D, for SeaStar Optimus, Yanmar VC10/JC10, Volvo IPS/EVC and Yamaha helm master and single-engine control systems. It connects through Micro-C and is controlled from an AP44 or AP48.