Why Choose the Simrad AP70 MK2 for Your Commercial Vessel?
For professional mariners navigating challenging seas on workboats, tankers, or any commercial craft, reliable autopilot performance is non-negotiable. The Simrad AP70 MK2 Basic Pack steps up as a robust solution, blending proven engineering with cutting-edge enhancements. This system replaces legacy models like the AP70 and AP80, delivering IMO/SOLAS compliance while supporting complex setups with up to six drives or thrusters. Imagine effortless course holding against relentless wind and currents, precise control from a heavy-duty rotary dial, and seamless integration across multiple stations— that’s the everyday reality with this autopilot pack.
Crafted for the demands of real-world operations, it features an optically bonded 5-inch color display offering a wide 170-degree viewing angle, ensuring clear readouts even in harsh lighting. Mariners appreciate the intuitive interface: dedicated buttons for quick mode switches, customizable work profiles for laden vessels or thruster-heavy maneuvers, and advanced tuning to match your hull’s dynamics, from retrofits on older ships to sleek new builds.
Key Features That Drive Superior Performance
Wheelmark Certification: Approved for SOLAS vessels, guaranteeing safety and reliability on regulated commercial operations.
Continuum Steering Technology: Delivers smooth, adaptive control that anticipates vessel behavior for minimal overshoot and steady tracking.
Multi-Drive Mastery: Handles up to six rudders or thrusters, ideal for dual-rudder setups, fore/aft thrusters, or redundancy-critical applications.
No Drift Steering: Leverages GPS data to maintain true course over ground, countering wind and tide without constant adjustments.
Versatile Compatibility: Works with water jets, azimuth pods, Voith-Schneider drives, traditional rudders, outboards—plus hydraulic pumps, solenoids, and analog signals.
Configurable Modes: Tailor low/high-speed and work modes for optimal response in towing, fishing, or heavy-load scenarios.
Command Transfer: Securely shift control between bridge stations, wings, or remote units, with options for open or restricted flow.
Navigation Integration: Follows routes from Simrad MFDs, ECDIS, or compatible third-party systems for automated waypoint steering.
Heavy-duty rudder feedback support ensures accurate positioning, even under extreme loads, making this pack a go-to for pros who can’t afford downtime.
Real-World Benefits for Professional Operations
Steering a commercial vessel demands tools that reduce crew fatigue and boost efficiency. The AP70 MK2 excels here: its precision dial allows fine adjustments during tight maneuvers, while work modes optimize for specific tasks—like fine-tuning thruster assist for docking in crosswinds. No more fighting leeway; the No Drift function keeps you on track, saving fuel and time on long hauls.
Installation flexibility shines in multi-station setups, where command transfer prevents errors during watch handovers. Tunable parameters adapt to any sea state or vessel type, from agile workboats dodging gear to behemoth tankers plowing through swells. Backed by a solid two-year warranty, it’s built to endure the grind of daily commercial use.
What’s in Your Basic Pack?
This complete starter kit equips you with essentials for immediate deployment:
AP70 MK2 Autopilot Control Head: The command center with vibrant display and responsive controls.
AC70 Course Computer: Powers solenoid drive for rudder or thruster precision, compatible with AP70/AP80 heads.
RF300 Rudder Feedback Unit: Includes 10m cable and link for real-time position accuracy.
Ready to integrate into your existing Simrad ecosystem or expand with additional drives, this pack scales with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Simrad AP70 MK2 suitable for SOLAS-compliant vessels?
Yes, it’s wheelmarked for SOLAS use, making it ideal for commercial ships requiring IMO certification, from workboats to large tankers.
