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Simrad Autopilots

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Simrad Autopilots at Bottom Line Discount Marine

Hours behind the wheel on a long run take a toll - on your focus, your body, and your ability to handle whatever the water throws at you when it matters most. A Simrad autopilot takes the helm so you can monitor your electronics, tend to the cockpit, or simply stay sharper for the moments that require your full attention. At Bottom Line Discount Marine, we carry Simrad autopilot systems trusted by serious recreational boaters and working captains who cannot afford for their steering automation to let them down offshore.

Simrad has built a reputation in the commercial and professional marine world that carries directly into their recreational lineup - these are not consumer-grade products dressed up in marine packaging. A Simrad auto pilot is engineered for demanding use, and it shows in how the hardware performs on the water.

How Simrad Autopilot Systems Work and What Sets Them Apart

Simrad's autopilot architecture is built around a separation of intelligence and drive. The Simrad autopilot controller handles the user interface and command input, while a dedicated Network Autopilot Computer - known as the NAC - processes heading data, wind information, GPS input, and vessel dynamics to generate precise steering commands. That separation means the system can be tailored to a wide range of vessel types and drive configurations without compromising performance. Here is what the platform delivers:

  • NAC-based architecture - The Simrad NAC autopilot computer supports multiple drive types including hydraulic, mechanical, and power steer systems, making it adaptable to a broad range of powerboats and sailboats.
  • NMEA 2000 and Simrad network integration - A Simrad autopilot system communicates natively with Simrad NSS, NSO, and GO series chartplotters, allowing you to engage and control autopilot directly from your MFD touchscreen.
  • Precision heading sensors - Simrad uses solid-state heading sensors and optional GPS compass inputs to deliver stable, accurate course keeping even in rough water with cross-currents and following seas.
  • Multiple steering modes - Compass heading, NAV mode following a plotted GPS route, NoDrift mode for current compensation, and wind mode for sailing applications are all supported depending on your system configuration.
  • Intuitive Simrad autopilot controller options - Compact, well-built control heads with straightforward button layouts that work with gloves on and in wet conditions.

Simrad Autopilot Kits - Everything You Need in One Package

For boaters who want a clean, straightforward path to installation, a Simrad autopilot kit bundles the core components - NAC computer, control head, rudder feedback unit, and the necessary cables - into a single purchase. A complete Simrad auto pilot kit removes the guesswork from component selection and ensures everything you receive is designed to work together from day one.

Getting the right kit for your vessel means knowing your steering system type, your hull's displacement, and whether you are running hydraulic or mechanical steering. That is where buying from a knowledgeable dealer pays off - our team at BLD Marine can help you identify the correct configuration before you order, rather than after.

Every purchase at Bottom Line Discount Marine contributes to something worth supporting. Rifles to Rods connects veterans with fishing as therapy. The Fishing Academy builds the next generation of anglers. Reeling in Serenity uses fly fishing to support women battling breast cancer. Your auto pilot Simrad purchase does more than upgrade your helm - it helps put more people on the water for all the right reasons.

Browse our full selection of Simrad autopilots below and find the system built for your boat and how you run it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What components are included in a Simrad autopilot kit, and what else might I need to buy?

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A standard Simrad autopilot kit typically includes the NAC autopilot computer, a control head or Simrad autopilot controller, a rudder feedback unit, a heading sensor, and the primary interconnect cables. What is not always included - and what you will need to source separately depending on your installation - is the drive unit itself. Hydraulic systems require a hydraulic pump or linear drive matched to your steering system's flow rate and pressure requirements, while mechanical steering setups use a mechanical drive unit. You may also need additional NMEA 2000 network cables, power cables, and mounting hardware depending on your boat's layout. Before you purchase, it is worth mapping out your installation to understand exactly what your specific vessel requires beyond the base kit.

How does a Simrad autopilot compare to a Raymarine autopilot at a similar price point?

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Both Simrad and Raymarine produce highly capable autopilot systems that outperform most recreational boaters' needs, and the comparison often comes down to ecosystem and integration rather than raw autopilot performance. If you are already running Simrad NSS or GO series chartplotters, a Simrad autopilot system integrates natively with your existing displays, allowing autopilot control directly from your MFD touchscreen over the Simrad network. The same logic applies to Raymarine - their Evolution autopilot is purpose-built to work within the Raymarine SeaTalk ecosystem. Simrad carries a strong heritage in professional and commercial marine electronics, and that engineering DNA is evident in their NAC-based architecture, which is notably flexible across different hull and drive configurations. If you are starting fresh with no existing electronics, both brands are worth evaluating - the better choice is the one that matches the broader electronics platform you intend to build around.

Can I control a Simrad autopilot from my chartplotter, or do I need a separate control head?

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Yes - one of the practical advantages of a Simrad autopilot system is its tight integration with Simrad chartplotters over NMEA 2000 and the Simrad proprietary network. When paired with a compatible NSS, NSO, or GO series display, you can engage autopilot, adjust heading, switch steering modes, and follow a plotted GPS route directly from the chartplotter touchscreen without touching a dedicated control head. That said, most installation configurations still include a standalone Simrad autopilot controller at the helm for direct tactile control - particularly useful when conditions are rough and navigating a touchscreen is impractical. Running both gives you redundancy and flexibility, and is the setup most experienced offshore boaters prefer.

Is a Simrad autopilot hard to install, and can an experienced DIY boater handle it?

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The complexity of installing a Simrad auto pilot kit varies significantly depending on your boat's steering system and how accessible your helm and bilge areas are for cable runs. The control head and NAC computer installation is manageable for a boater comfortable with 12V marine wiring - the NMEA 2000 network connections are straightforward, and Simrad's documentation is thorough. The more involved part of the job is installing the rudder feedback unit and the drive unit itself, both of which require precise mechanical positioning and, in the case of hydraulic systems, interfacing with your existing steering hydraulics. Improperly installed hydraulic components can create serious steering system issues, so if your boat uses hydraulic steering and you are not experienced with marine hydraulic systems, professional installation is the right call. For smaller boats with mechanical steering, the job is considerably more approachable.

Will my Simrad autopilot hold course reliably in rough water and following seas?

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A properly installed and sea-trialed Simrad autopilot system is designed to maintain course in challenging conditions, including cross-currents, quartering seas, and moderate following sea scenarios. The NAC computer continuously monitors heading deviation and applies corrections based on the vessel's dynamic response, and Simrad's sea trial calibration process tunes the system's steering gain, counter-rudder, and response parameters to your specific hull's behavior. That said, no autopilot replaces situational awareness in truly severe conditions - most experienced captains disengage autopilot in heavy confused seas where rapid manual corrections may be needed. The difference between a well-calibrated Simrad auto pilot and a poorly tuned one is significant, so taking the time to complete the sea trial setup properly after installation is not optional - it directly determines how well the system performs in the real conditions you encounter on your water.