The AP48 Autopilot Controller is a premium dedicated control head for
Continuum autopilot systems, enhanced with modern glass helm styling.
Engineered for responsiveness and ease of use in all conditions, the AP48
pairs a large aluminium rotary control dial with dedicated ‘dodge keys’ to
adjust heading port or starboard in one- or ten-degree increments. With an
optically bonded 4.1-inch display and its intuitive controls, the AP48 also
provide full access to advanced Continuum steering features including
automated turn patterns, No Drift steering, depth contour tracking, and more.
Key Features
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Intuitive autopilot interface with extended keypad
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Large, heavy-duty rotary control dial for precision
steering
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Continuum steering technology
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Optically bonded 4.1-inch colour display
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Ultra wide 170-degree viewing angle
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Dedicated one-degree and ten-degree port/starboard
dodge keys
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Automated turn patterns for fuel-efficient, hands-free
manoeuvres
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No Drift steering holds your course against wind and
tide
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Depth contour tracking makes it easy to fish ledges
and drop-offs
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Easy setup with auto tuning and calibration
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Low-profile glass helm design
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Certified NMEA 2000® connectivity
Intuitive autopilot interface with extended keypad
The AP48 combines the same intuitive interface of the compact AP44 with a larger
rotary control dial, dedicated ‘dodge’ keys, and other extended keypad controls.
The AP48’s rotary dial provides precise steering control, while dodge keys
enable instant heading changes in one-degree or ten-degree increments. Designed
for optimal control in all conditions, the AP48’s large buttons are ideal for
use with wet or gloved hands.
Continuum steering technology
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. This legacy is exemplified by the Continuum
algorithm: the software that drives Simrad steering technology. Continuum
steering brings all those years of research and on-water experience to your
helm, for a smart pilot you can trust to take the wheel. Simrad autopilot
solutions are available for a wide range of applications, from the smallest
recreational boats up to large commercial vessels.
Optically bonded 4.1-inch colour display
To ensure optimal visibility in all conditions, the AP48’s full-colour LCD panel
is optically bonded to its protective glass covering – eliminating the
possibility of condensation or fogging within the display. Transflective LCD
technology makes use of reflected sunlight to brighten rather than obscure the
screen, delivering superior day-time visibility and lower power consumption
compared to traditional backlit displays.
Automated turn patterns
Your Simrad autopilot can do much more than keep you on course. The AP48 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. Choose a turn,
select port or starboard, and you’re away. For more control, customise your turn
pattern to execute complex spirals, zigzags, and other useful manoeuvres.
No
Drift steering
No Drift mode integrates GPS navigation with auto-steering, using your position
to counteract the effects of wind and tide. This lets you maintain a straight
track over ground on your current heading, without having to manually set a
waypoint or route. To unlock this powerful feature, simply combine the AP48 with
an NMEA 2000® connected GPS receiver or compatible Simrad chartplotter.
Depth
contour tracking
Network your AP48 autopilot system with a compatible echosounder module to
enable depth contour tracking. In this mode, the AP48 will auto-steer to
maintain a constant depth of water beneath your boat – perfect for following
depth contours while fishing or cruising, without having to define complex
multi-waypoint routes.
Easy
setup with auto tuning
Autopilot installation and commissioning doesn’t have to be difficult or time
consuming. The AP48 offers automatic tuning to ensure optimal auto-steering
performance, with a simple on-screen commissioning process including dockside
configuration and sea trial. Automatic compass calibration is available with the
Simrad Precision-9 solid-state compass, further simplifying autopilot setup
while ensuring heading accuracy.
Low-profile ‘Glass Helm’ design
Designed to complement Simrad glass helm displays, instruments, and controllers,
the AP48 features modern styling with a low flush-mount profile of just eight
millimetres excluding rotary controller. A smart layout maximises the size of
the AP48’s display and controls, while keeping its overall footprint down to
allow for easy installation almost anywhere. In addition to flush-mount
installation, the controller can also be bracket mounted for additional
flexibility.
Simrad NAC-3 Autopilot Core Pack, NAC-3,
Precision-9, RF25N, 000-13336-001
This pack includes all of the core components you need to
upgrade your boat with a Simrad Continuum autopilot system – just add a
hydraulic pump or mechanical drive unit to suit your steering system, and
choose a dedicated autopilot controller or Simrad multifunction display.
Designed for rudder-steered vessels greater than 10 metres (35 feet) in
length, this pack includes the high-current NAC-3 autopilot computer, RF25N
rudder feedback unit, Precision-9 solid-state compass, plus all necessary NMEA
2000® cables and connectors.
Key Features
- Core components for a Simrad Continuum autopilot system – just add a
drive unit and controller
- Ideal for boats above 10 metres (35 feet) in length
- Includes the high-current NAC-3 autopilot computer
- Compatible with high-current drive pumps, mechanical drives, hydraulic
linear drives, and solenoid valves
- Control with the Simrad AP44 Autopilot Controller, IS42 display and OP12
keypad, or a networked multifunction display
- Includes the RF25N rudder feedback unit
- Includes the Precision-9 solid-state compass for accurate heading data
that’s automatically fine-tuned as you travel
- Includes all required NMEA 2000® network connectors and cables
- Easy setup with automatic tuning and compass calibration
- NMEA 0183® input
Autopilot Core Pack
This pack includes the Simrad NAC-3 autopilot computer, RF25N rudder feedback
unit, Precision-9 solid-state compass, plus all cabling and connectors required
to build an NMEA 2000® network backbone or connect your autopilot system to an
existing NMEA 2000® network. To create a complete Simrad Continuum autopilot
system, just add a hydraulic pump or mechanical drive unit to suit your steering
system, and choose a dedicated autopilot controller or Simrad multifunction
display.
NAC-3 Autopilot Computer
The NAC-3 Autopilot Computer is recommended for boats above 10 metres (35
feet) in length. It is rated for high-current output of up to 30 amps continuous
and 50 amps peak, plus a clutch output; this is suitable to operate high-current
drive pumps including the Simrad RPU160 and RPU300, mechanical drives such as
the Simrad DD15, hydraulic linear drives such as the HLD2000 series, and
solenoid valves.
Multiple Control Options
Choose from a range of dedicated autopilot controllers, or control your
autopilot from your existing multifunction display or glass bridge with full
Simrad display integration. Install extra autopilot stations, ideal for
dual-helm vessels, or add the Simrad WR10 wireless remote for instant steering
and autopilot control from anywhere on board.
RF25N Rudder Feedback Unit
Rudder feedback units are sensors that connect to your rudder via a
mechanical linkage and continuously report actual rudder position to your
autopilot computer – allowing the Simrad Continuum steering algorithm to make
the best-informed steering decisions possible. These sensors are typically used
on boats with inboard engines, on larger vessels, and in special applications
where Virtual Rudder Feedback may not be suitable. The RF25N included in this
pack connects directly to your boat’s NMEA 2000® network, simplifying the
cabling required for installation.
Simrad Precision-9 Compass
The Precision-9 Compass supplies accurate heading and rate-of-turn
information to your autopilot and other onboard systems over an NMEA 2000®
connection. Heading is determined by an internal array of solid-state sensors
that constantly measure motion and orientation on nine axes. The Precision-9’s
solid state technology is not only accurate and precise, but also exremely
reliable with no internal moving parts. An easily adjustable mounting bracket
and single-cable connection allow simple installation aboard any vessel,
including up-mast mounting suitable for interference-free operation with steel
hulls.
Automatic Tuning and Calibration
Auto-tuning simplifies setup and ensures optimal steering performance.
Automatic compass calibration improves heading accuracy as you travel, using
data gathered by the Simrad Precision-9’s internal array of solid-state sensors.
Easy Installation
Industry-standard NMEA 2000® networking and NMEA 0183® input allow simple
connectivity to sensors, autopilot controllers, and multifunction displays
located anywhere on board.
WARNING:
This product can expose you to chemicals including Di-n-hexyl Phthalate (DnHP)
which is known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm, and
Vinyl Chloride which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For
more information go to 
