Simrad autopilot suggestion
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,741

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.
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.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 743

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.
#9
Admirals Club 

Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,208

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.
I'm using the 12's as the controls and it works great. I just ordered the blu tooth remote kit.
#10
Admirals Club 

Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 217

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
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
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,741

NAC-3 is $1500. It's the same price everywhere.Come with a NMEA cable and a T.
#12
Admirals Club 

Join Date: May 2016
Location: Tampa/Clearwater, FL
Posts: 302

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.
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.
#13
Admirals Club 

Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,208

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.
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.
#15
Admirals Club 

Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 843

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.
#16
Admirals Club 

Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Goose Creek, NC
Posts: 233

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.
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.
Last edited by Electric Rooster; 12-09-2017 at 09:09 PM.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 743

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.
#18
Admirals Club 

Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 843

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.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 743

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.
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.
Last edited by BCTony; 12-10-2017 at 12:59 PM.