Simrad AP48 Autopilot Control Head with Rotary Knob
- Brand:
- Simrad
- Part no:
- 000-13894-001
Image: seaandlandsupply.com
Where to buy
The AP48 is the control head for a Simrad autopilot, with an optically bonded 4.1 inch color display that can be read at viewing angles up to 170 degrees. Steering is set with a large aluminium rotary dial, backed by dedicated keys for steering modes and turn patterns. Separate keys dodge to port or starboard by one or ten degrees. No Drift steering holds course against wind and tide, and depth contour tracking follows ledges and drop-offs.
Our take
Dedicated one and ten degree dodge keys let you nudge the heading to port or starboard with a dedicated key press, and the 170 degree viewing angle on the 4.1 inch display means the screen can still be read from off to the side of the helm.
From our buying guide
Raymarine describes a typical autopilot as four parts: a heading sensor, a control unit, a drive and a control head. Bought alone, the parts don't steer, and Raymarine says the operator must stay at the helm at all times.
Check before you buy:
- The box list has the drive and control head you need, since packs can leave out a major part.
- It's rated for your boat the way the maker measures it. Raymarine sizes on fully laden displacement, often 20% above the designed figure.
- On hydraulic steering, the pump's range covers your steering cylinder's volume.