Autopilot Guide

Product catalog summary

Introduction
This document is a buyer's guide for Simrad autopilot systems, detailing their benefits, components, and installation procedures. These systems are designed to reduce workload, improve situational awareness, and enhance safety by maintaining a set course and adjusting for wind and tide.

The Autopilot Advantage
Simrad autopilots provide reliable and precise control over a vessel's heading, saving time and fuel. They facilitate easy waypoint setting and obstacle navigation without disengaging the autopilot. With over 60 years of experience, the systems feature modular components customizable for any vessel type and size.

Building a System
An autopilot system comprises a drive unit, rudder feedback unit, autopilot computer, and controller. Component selection depends on the steering system type and boat size. The Simrad Continuum algorithm is central to the system, offering smart steering decisions based on extensive real-world experience.

Components Overview

Drive Unit: Converts autopilot instructions into rudder movements, selected based on steering system and boat size.
Autopilot Computer: Uses data from compasses and other instruments to steer the vessel.
Controllers: Provide a user interface for course setting and advanced features, available as dedicated controllers or multifunction displays.
Rudder Feedback Units: Measure and report rudder position for precise control, with Virtual Rudder Feedback available for smaller boats.

System Selection and Installation
Selecting the right components requires understanding the boat's steering mechanism and choosing compatible drive units and computers. Simrad offers various packs and core components to simplify selection. Professional installation by certified dealers is recommended for optimal performance and warranty coverage.

Conclusion
Simrad autopilot systems significantly enhance navigation efficiency and safety, offering a reliable solution for both recreational and commercial vessels with customizable options and professional support.

Catalog excerpts

AUTOPILOT BUYERS GUIDE

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THE AUTOPILOT ADVANTAGE Whether you have already enjoyed it, or are yet to experience the freedom of a really good autopilot, you will see that Simrad autopilots reduce your workload and fatigue, improve your situational awareness and safety, helping you arrive fresher at your destination. Compensating for wind and tide, a Simrad autopilot frees you from constant course corrections when you’re busy trawling for game fish, planning your next destination, or just cruising. Set waypoints simply by tapping where you want to go onscreen, and your autopilot will take you there. Simply put, an autopilot...

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BUILDING A SYSTEM: THE MAIN COMPONENTS There are a number of components that make up an autopilot system, but if you approach it in the right order, it’s straight forward. A lot of the choices are made for you based on the type of steering system you have on your boat. Start by understanding what type of steering you have, then work through the drive selection process, this will in turn select the right computer for you and help you understand if you need a rudder feedback unit, then you can you can select the controller and any additional accessories you may need. 2. Rudder Feedback Units An...

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BUILDING A SYSTEM: WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR BOAT? 1. HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT DRIVE UNIT FOR YOUR STEERING MECHANISM Below deck, the steering mechanism and size of your boat decide what sort of autopilot computer and drive system you’ll need –the hardware that actually moves your rudder and keeps track of its position. There are two main types of drive unit: A) A reversible hydraulic steering pump is used to add autopilot capabilities to outboard or sterndrive (inboard/ outboard) vessels with existing hydraulic steering systems. Larger boats need larger pumps; your choice of pump will decide whether...

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4. CHOOSE YOUR CONTROLLER – IT’S UP TO YOU! With a Simrad autopilot, the choice of display (controller) is up to you. Dedicated controllers offer an always-visible display and instantaneous control at the touch of a button. It’s also possible to control your autopilot system using a Simrad multifunction display for an on-screen touch interface. NMEA 2000® networking lets you connect multiple dedicated controllers and multifunction displays anywhere on board – perfect for dual-helm vessels. 5. SELECT ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES Compasses: to set and hold a course, your autopilot needs to know your...

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DRIVE & COMPUTER SELECTION & COMPATIBILITY Steering System Typical Vessel Outboard Pilot/ DrivePilot Hydraulic Pack NAC-2 & VRF Twin Outboards (Single hydraulic cylinder < 15 cubic in or 250cc) Twin/Tripe/Quad Outboards (Dual Cylinder/Cylinder Capacities 10-33 cubic in or 160-550cc ) Inboards (Dual Cylinder/Cylinder Capacities 10-33 cubic in or 160550cc) Inboards (Dual Cylinder/Cylinder Capacities 17-58 cubic in or 290960cc) Required Computer & RFU Drive Inboards (Steering cylinder < 15 cubic in or 250cc) Hydraulic & Hydraulic Power Assisted (with RAM or Cylinder) Required Drive Unit Single Outboard...

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FINALISE THE PARTS YOU NEED Part Number Popular Packs, everything you need in one box (some packs exclude hydraulic hose/fittings) 000-11748-001 Outboard Pilot Hydraulic Pack Affordable small boat Autopilot pack for lake or coastal conditions for vessels with Hydraulic Steering Outboard Pilot Cable Steer Pack Affordable small boat Autopilot pack for lake or coastal conditions for vessels with Cable Steering DrivePilot Hydraulic Pack Affordable small boat Autopilot pack with premium compass for improved steering in rougher water AP44 VRF Medium Capacity Pack Premium Autopilot bundle for vessels...

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Visit our website for a list of certified dealers Sales & service ASIA PACIFIC Navico Asia Pacific 44 Arrenway Drive, Rosedale, Auckland, New Zealand 10 Al Paul Lane, Suite 101, Merrimack NH 03054 Donker Duyvisweg 56 Dordrecht 3316BM Netherlands © Navico 2017. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Products, features and specifications are the most recent available and are subject to change without notice. No liability can be accepted for errors or omissions in this document. Use a QR Code reader app on your smartphone to access Simrad-Yachting.com

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Autopilot Guide

Autopilot Guide

Catalog excerpts

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