Discover Effortless Steering with the Simrad AP44 VRF High Capacity Pack
Imagine gliding across open waters without constantly gripping the wheel, letting advanced technology handle the helm while you focus on the horizon, fishing spots, or simply enjoying the ride. The Simrad AP44 VRF High Capacity Pack delivers exactly that for hydraulic-steered outboard and sterndrive boats up to 15 meters. This powerhouse bundle integrates the AP44 autopilot controller, NAC-3 computer, Precision-9 compass, and robust RPU160 pump, creating a seamless system that transforms how you navigate challenging seas.
Crafted for serious boaters who demand precision and reliability, this pack stands out with its Continuum steering technology—a culmination of over six decades of Norwegian engineering expertise. Whether you’re trolling for trophy fish, charting new dive sites, or cruising long distances, it frees your hands for what matters most, all while sipping minimal power from your 12-24V system.
Core Components That Power Superior Performance
AP44 Autopilot Controller: Your Command Center
The heart of the system, the AP44 features a vibrant 4.1-inch optically bonded color display that’s sunlight-readable and built to withstand harsh marine environments. Its low-profile glass helm design blends seamlessly into modern cockpits. Navigate with a single intuitive rotary dial for quick course changes, backed by just four buttons for simplicity. Unlock automated turn patterns like spirals, circles, and U-turns—perfect for bait deployment or quick maneuvers—plus No Drift mode to hold position against wind and current, and depth contour tracking for hands-free following of underwater features.
NAC-3 Autopilot Computer: Intelligent Brainpower
Handling the heavy lifting, the NAC-3 processes data from sensors to deliver smooth, adaptive steering across varying sea states. Designed for vessels up to 10 meters but scaled perfectly in this high-capacity pack for larger hulls, it drives hydraulic systems with up to 30 amps continuous (50 peak). Its advanced algorithms anticipate rudder needs, reducing wear and enhancing fuel efficiency on longer voyages.
Precision-9 Compass: Unmatched Heading Accuracy
This compact 9-axis solid-state sensor fuses data from multiple axes for heading accuracy within 2 degrees post-calibration. Outputting heading, rate-of-turn, roll, and pitch over NMEA 2000, it mounts easily on bulkheads or masts with an adjustable bracket. IPX7 waterproofing ensures it thrives in spray and submersion, providing rock-solid stability even in rough conditions where traditional compasses falter.
RPU160 Pump: High-Capacity Hydraulic Muscle
The RPU160 delivers the torque needed for demanding hydraulic setups on bigger boats. Compact at roughly 4.64 x 4.64 x 4.72 inches, it fits tight engine spaces while packing serious power for responsive steering. Pair it with the NAC-3 for instantaneous response, making tight turns feel effortless and straight-line tracking laser-precise.
Why Boaters Choose This Pack for Real-World Adventures
Beyond specs, this system shines in practical scenarios. Anglers love the automated patterns for precise circling over reefs, keeping lures in the strike zone without fatigue. Cruisers appreciate No Drift for anchoring in currents, saving generator runtime. Its auto-tuning wizard simplifies setup—dockside config followed by a quick sea trial gets you piloting autonomously fast. Low power draw means longer outings without draining batteries, and full NMEA 2000 integration lets you control everything from compatible Simrad multifunction displays, syncing routes and waypoints effortlessly.
Proven in diverse conditions from coastal chops to offshore swells, it minimizes helm corrections, reduces crew workload, and boosts safety by letting skippers stay vigilant for traffic or wildlife.
Seamless Integration and Setup Tips
Plug-and-play NMEA 2000 connectivity means fewer wires and quicker installs. Start with mounting the Precision-9 for baseline heading, connect the NAC-3 as the hub, link the RPU160 to your hydraulic ram, and dash-mount the AP44. The onboard wizard handles calibration, adapting to your boat’s specifics like weight distribution and steering geometry. For best results, perform initial trials in calm water, gradually introducing wind and waves to fine-tune.
Verify all connections are secure and waterproofed.
Update firmware via compatible displays for latest features.
Test turn patterns in open water before prime use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What boats is the Simrad AP44 VRF High Capacity Pack suited for?
It’s optimized for hydraulic-steered outboard and sterndrive boats up to 15 meters, handling everything from sportfishers to larger center consoles with ease.
