Simrad officially the world’s best autopilot

Simrad – officially the world’s best autopilot

The new Simrad AP24-AP28 autopilot series received the 2008 Best Autopilot Award during the recent National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) convention, held in California (USA).

The prestigious award is voted by non-manufacturing active NMEA members and NMEA-certified marine electronics technicians, and officially acknowledges the advanced technology and superior performance of Simrad products.

Engineered to provide power and sail boats, ranging 7.5-24m, with advanced steering functions and reliable operation, the AP24 and AP28 models feature Virtual Rudder Feedback (VRF™), SimNet compatibility and more.

The compact AP24 was developed for a wide range of vessels, especially boats with limited space at the helm. With its compact dimensions and easy-to-read 4” (10.2cm) digital display, the AP24 fits just about any boat and budget, without compromising the professional-grade performance boaters expect from Simrad.

The AP28 features a larger 4.5” (11.4cm) digital LCD screen and rotary knob control, along with the power to handle the steering needs of mid- to large-sized power and sail boats under the most challenging conditions.

Among the units’ many features, Simrad’s VRF™ eliminates the need for a rudder feedback unit when installed on outboard powered or sterndrive vessels. Eliminating the rudder feedback unit simplifies the system, increasing reliability while reducing overall cost.

Both units harness the power of SimNet, Simrad’s NMEA 2000®-based data bus, which simplifies installation and integration with other marine electronics. For example, SimNet makes the AP24 and AP28 an ideal performance match with Simrad’s latest IS20 Series instruments.

Both the AP24 and AP28 also share a new look and user-friendly interface, as well as a wealth of other innovative features, including:

Depth Contour Tracking (DCT) – which enables the vessel to follow a specific ledge. Integrated with a depth sounder, once a depth to follow is set the autopilot will take care of the rest.

Integrated Turn Patterns – turn pattern steering, which enables the autopilot to steer to a selection of different turn patterns such as U-turn, zigzag, lazy S and more. This feature is particularly useful when fishing and prefer a different pattern to DCT.

Advanced Wind Steering (AWS) – which is a new mode for sailboat steering. This innovative system allows auto steering to compass, steering to wind, or even steering to wind and GPS at the same time.

No Drift Course – which maintains a vessel’s Course Over Ground, even in severe wind and/or current conditions, saving the navigator time and fuel on long passages.

Simrad also offers several control options for the AP24 and AP28, including multi-station and wireless remote using the BWI Innovation Award-winning WR20 RemoteCommander. SimNet compatibility also ensures these autopilots are future proof and will integrate seamlessly with new systems.