Autopilot Guide

Simrad autopilot systems give you reliable and accurate control over your heading, without years of experience at the helm – saving you time and fuel by making efficient turns, and keeping you closer to your planned course.

Predetermined turn patterns and features such as automatic depth-contour following assist with fishing or diving: taking the helm so you have more time to spend on the offshore activities you love.

When combined with a chartplotter, Simrad autopilots not only manage your current heading, but provide full course-control.

Controllers

How you control and monitor your Simrad autopilot system is entirely up to you. Dedicated controllers offer an always-visible display, and instantaneous response at the touch of a button. Simrad multifunction display integration means easy touchscreen control with full waypoint and route navigation. NMEA 2000® networking means you can connect any combination of dedicated controllers and multifunction displays, anywhere on board – perfect for dual-helm vessels.

Autopilot Computers

An autopilot computer is the brains of your Simrad autopilot system. It continuously monitors data from heading sensors, rudder feedback units and other on-board instruments, and steers to your chosen heading or course. An autopilot computer also includes the electronics required to operate your drive unit – depending on the size of your boat and drive unit required, you’ll either need a standard or high-current computer.

Drive Units

An autopilot drive unit translates instructions from your autopilot system into movements of your rudder or outboard. The drive unit you’ll need depends on the type of steering system you have and the size of your boat. There are two main types of drive unit:

• Hydraulic steering pumps add autopilot capabilities to outboard or sterndrive (inboard/outboard) vessels with existing hydraulic steering systems.
• Mechanical drive units add autopilot capabilities to cable-steer runabouts and larger rudder-steered vessels with inboard engines.

Rudder Feedback Units

Rudder feedback units are small sensors that measure and report actual rudder position to your autopilot computer, enabling precise rudder control for smooth and accurate steering. On many smaller boats, Simrad Virtual Rudder Feedback (VRF) eliminates the need to install a physical sensor by using a software-based approach to calculate rudder position.

• Rudder feedbacks are typically used on boats with inboard engines and displacement hulls.
• VRF can be used on many outboard and sterndrive (inboard/outboard) boats with planing hulls.

Heading Sensors

To set and hold a course, your autopilot needs to know your current heading. This is supplied by a position sensor – an electronic compass – below deck.

The Simrad FC40 Fluxgate Compass is compatible with our full range of recreational autopilot solutions. For the best autopilot performance, we recommend the Simrad RC42 Rate Compass which includes a solid-state rate sensor, which directly measures rate of turn. This provides greater precision than a compass alone.

Remotes

Our autopilot remotes can be combined with a multifunction display at the helm to add traditional hands-on steering control, or mounted elsewhere aboard your vessel to provide autopilot heading control from a flybridge or other convenient location.

Autopilot Selection Guide

How to Select your Autopilot System

Pick the drive that complements your boat from the selection guide below. There will be a system pack available with everything needed to fit and commission your pilot.

System Pack Options: