arich

I have a 34 Yellowfin with twin 300 Verados. Dual NSS12 EVO 3 with a Precision 9 Compass. Auto pilot should be a pretty simple upgrade.
Can I get some suggestions please.

Amity83

You need to check your steering ram capacity to be sure which drive unit you need.

You'll likely need an NAC-3 and an RPU-160. Use the AP44 controller.



EDIt: what year are the verados? Mercury makes their own steering rams for newer models so its hard to find the capacity. You may also have some power assist which could change things a little. Call your Mercury dealer.

arich

Stupid Question but aren't the functions of the AP44 built into the NSS12 EVO3 making it redundant?
2014 300s with Mercury power assist.

Amity83

yes you can choose to use the evo3 as your controller. You can decide later if you want to add a dedicated one.

Abel

Looking at tis same setup but I have the EvO2 system, will that run as the controller as well?

BCTony

It will. I have an older Simrad autopilot system with AC12 that I have always operated through MFD from NSS 1st Gen, Evo2 and now Evo3. I have never felt the need for a dedicated controller.

Goofballdev

I have both NSS evo3 and AP44 controller. I use both.

InternationalMarineBrian

While it can be done and used that way, I suggest having the independent control.

Vantaredoc

I just installed Auto Pilot on my 2018 with twin 300 Yamahammers. I have power assisted Sea Star hydraulic steering. I have twin NSS12 evo3's. Jim at BOE sent me the Seastar Autopilot Pump Type 1, Seastar HA1205 Spa Adapter, Simrad NAC-2 VRF Core Pack - NAC-2, Precision-9 & N2k Starter Kit. It was extremely simple to install. Bleeding it took the longest!

I'm using the 12's as the controls and it works great. I just ordered the blu tooth remote kit.

arich

Brian
can you PM me some pricing (if you dont want to post publicly
Simrad NAC-3 Autopilot Computer
RPU-160

I already have the precision 9. I'm going to measure for the AP44. It might just cover up a hole I have covered with a piece of Starboard

Amity83

NAC-3 is $1500. It's the same price everywhere.Come with a NMEA cable and a T.

pmgia

I have an evo2 with a Simrad NAC and AP44. I do use the AP44, but mainly the buttons not the display, if I was doing it again I’d put in the OP12, which is the buttons with no display or I’d probably put in the bluetooth transceiver with the WR10 wireless remote. These are both less expensive than the AP44 and might be more useful.

I did not use a Simrad pump, I opted to keep my hydraulic steering all SeaStar and put in a SeaStar pump, this was easier for me than having adapters between the SeaStar and Simrad products.

Vantaredoc

I literally just sat down here to check replies after installing the WR10. It is very cool! I like how the Sea Star AP pump just bolted right to the back of the assist pump.

TheJetty

Can you pleas explain why you recomend the additional control? Assuming dual nss screens.

Goofballdev

I like the control for fast course adjustment while trolling, Just turned the dial to the degree you want to turn. We normally have it holding a heading while trolling and if I want to turn around or change course I just turn the dial. Also its not to have the standby button right there to turn it off.

Electric Rooster

Definitely the NAC 3 and the RPU 160. I just put the same unit on my 28 foot Hydra Sports. I haven’t installed a separate controller yet. I Just use the evo 3 to do so. It has a small side bar that doesn’t take up much room at all on the display or a full size virtual controller if you choose to use. I made a mistake and put a nac 2 and
RPU 80 and it didnt quiet have enough power and hand to change the NAC-3 and 160 pump. I think in rough seas, more power is better. I wouldn’t skimp. Some will tell you the nac2 and rPu 80 will work. Read the installation/owners manual on the RPU pumps. It will tell you that twin cylinder hydraulic steering units require the RPU 160 for mid sized boats.

BCTony

You can do all of this with a MFD. The latest software for Simrad Evo2 and Evo3 provide a very versatile interface for autopilot control.

Goofballdev

Yes you can. And I have used it. I still bring myself back to the AP44 every time.

Brings me back to the car stereo. Do you want to touch the screen to change the volume or do you want a knob for volume adjustment.

BCTony

In the end it all comes down to what you can afford and/or have dashboard space. I think if the OP already has or has need of a compatible MFD it would be best to start off with that and add a dedicated controller if felt necessary later. An MFD offers so much more than simply controlling the autopilot.

In addition to my two MFD's (Evo3's at helm and aft station) I also have the bluetooth remote WR10 and altogether I feel I have pretty much immediate control of the autopilot wherever I am on the boat.