Product Details
AP48 Autopilot Control Unit by Simrad®. The AP48 Autopilot Controller is a premium dedicated control head for Continuum autopilot systems, enhanced with modern glass helm styling. Engineered for responsiveness and ease of use in all conditions, the AP48 pairs a large aluminium rotary control dial with dedicated ‘dodge keys’ to adjust heading port or starboard in one- or ten-degree increments. With an optically bonded 4.1" display and its intuitive controls, the AP48 also provide full access to advanced Continuum steering features including automated turn patterns, No Drift steering, depth contour tracking, and more.
Features
- Intuitive autopilot interface with extended keypad
- Large, heavy-duty rotary control dial for precision steering
- Continuum steering technology
- Optically bonded 4.1-inch colour display
- Ultra wide 170-degree viewing angle
- Dedicated one-degree and ten-degree port/starboard dodge keys
- Automated turn patterns for fuel-efficient, hands-free manoeuvres
- No Drift steering holds your course against wind and tide
- Depth contour tracking makes it easy to fish ledges and drop-offs
- Easy setup with auto tuning and calibration
- Low-profile glass helm design
- Certified NMEA2000 connectivity
Intuitive autopilot interface with extended keypad
The AP48 combines the same intuitive interface of the compact AP44 with a larger rotary control dial, dedicated ‘dodge’ keys, and other extended keypad controls. The AP48’s rotary dial provides precise steering control, while dodge keys enable instant heading changes in one-degree or ten-degree increments. Designed for optimal control in all conditions, the AP48’s large buttons are ideal for use with wet or gloved hands.
Continuum steering technology
Every Simrad steering innovation builds upon a legacy encompassing over sixty years of autopilot development, which continues today at Simrad Yachting’s autopilot research hub in Norway. This legacy is exemplified by the Continuum algorithm: the software that drives Simrad steering technology. Continuum steering brings all those years of research and on-water experience to your helm, for a smart pilot you can trust to take the wheel. Simrad autopilot solutions are available for a wide range of applications, from the smallest recreational boats up to large commercial vessels.
Optically bonded 4.1-inch colour display
To ensure optimal visibility in all conditions, the AP48’s full-colour LCD panel is optically bonded to its protective glass covering – eliminating the possibility of condensation or fogging within the display. Transflective LCD technology makes use of reflected sunlight to brighten rather than obscure the screen, delivering superior day-time visibility and lower power consumption compared to traditional backlit displays.
Automated turn patterns
Your Simrad autopilot can do much more than keep you on course. The AP48 gives you easy access to a range of built-in turn patterns designed to assist with fishing, diving, or just making a quick and efficient U-turn. Choose a turn, select port or starboard, and you’re away. For more control, customise your turn pattern to execute complex spirals, zigzags, and other useful manoeuvres.
No Drift steering
No Drift mode integrates GPS navigation with auto-steering, using your position to counteract the effects of wind and tide. This lets you maintain a straight track over ground on your current heading, without having to manually set a waypoint or route. To unlock this powerful feature, simply combine the AP48 with an NMEA2000 connected GPS receiver or compatible Simrad chartplotter.
Depth contour tracking
Network your AP48 autopilot system with a compatible echosounder module to enable depth contour tracking. In this mode, the AP48 will auto-steer to maintain a constant depth of water beneath your boat – perfect for following depth contours while fishing or cruising, without having to define complex multi-waypoint routes.
Easy setup with auto tuning
Autopilot installation and commissioning doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. The AP48 offers automatic tuning to ensure optimal auto-steering performance, with a simple on-screen commissioning process including dockside configuration and sea trial. Automatic compass calibration is available with the Simrad Precision-9 solid-state compass, further simplifying autopilot setup while ensuring heading accuracy.
Low-profile ‘Glass Helm’ design
Designed to complement Simrad glass helm displays, instruments, and controllers, the AP48 features modern styling with a low flush-mount profile of just eight millimetres excluding rotary controller. A smart layout maximises the size of the AP48’s display and controls, while keeping its overall footprint down to allow for easy installation almost anywhere. In addition to flush-mount installation, the controller can also be bracket mounted for additional flexibility.
Simrad`s® range covers recreational vessels of all sizes, from small runabouts and Sportfishing vessels up to luxury cruisers and superyachts. The Simrad`s Professional series offers equipment for search and rescue/patrol boats, work boats, commercial fishing boats, passenger vessels, super yachts and short sea/cargo vessels. Out on the water, the gear you run could make all the difference between uncertainty and confidence. With Simrad`s strong commitments to quality and reliability, as evidenced by our broad portfolio of industry awards, Simrad will get you there like no one else. In addition to delivering equipment you can rely on, they’re also committed to delivering the most forward-thinking and practically-designed equipment on the market.