Simrad AP48 Autopilot Control Head w/Rotary Knob
Simrad AP48 Autopilot Control Head w/Rotary Knob — Product description
Take command of your vessel with confidence using the Simrad AP48 autopilot control head. This robust controller elevates your boating experience by blending precision engineering with user-friendly design, perfect for anglers chasing deep-water structures or cruisers navigating open seas. Its standout rotary knob delivers smooth, fingertip adjustments, while rugged construction stands up to salty sprays and rough handling.
Precision Steering at Your Fingertips
The heart of the AP48 is its oversized aluminum rotary dial, built for exact course corrections even when waves are crashing or winds are howling. Paired with dedicated dodge keys, you can snap one- or ten-degree turns instantly—ideal for dodging obstacles or making quick maneuvers during busy anchoring sessions. Fishermen love how these controls lock in headings without constant monitoring, freeing hands for rods and reels.
Weatherproof Visibility That Never Fails
Crafted with an optically bonded 4.1-inch transflective LCD, the display harnesses ambient light for crystal-clear readability under blazing sun or overcast skies. Say goodbye to foggy screens or dim backlighting; this setup slashes power draw while boosting contrast, ensuring you see critical data like heading, depth, and turn status at a glance. The ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle means crewmates can check in from any angle without distortion.
Advanced Steering Modes for Real-World Boating
Beyond basic autopilot, the AP48 unlocks Simrad's Continuum steering smarts. No Drift mode battles crosswinds and currents to hold your ground track straight—no waypoints needed. Depth Contour Tracking keeps you skimming perfect depths for trolling ledges or exploring drop-offs, turning complex navigation into effortless cruising. Built-in turn patterns automate U-turns, circles, and spirals, optimizing fuel use during searches or repositioning.
Whether you're running a center console for offshore adventures or a sportfisher scanning for bait balls, these features adapt to your style, making long days on the water less tiring and more productive.
Seamless Integration and Setup
Designed for NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers, the AP48 slips into modern glass helm cockpits with its low-profile, IPX7-rated glass face. Auto-tuning and calibration simplify commissioning, so you spend less time tweaking and more time boating. NMEA 2000 connectivity ensures it plays nice with your existing chartplotters, radars, and sensors for a unified system.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.1 inches (diagonal, 4:3 aspect ratio) |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels |
| Display Type | Transflective TFT-LCD with white LED backlight |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 |
| Input Voltage | 13.5V |
| Power Draw | 1.62W (key backlight off) to 2.97W (max) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 177 x 115 x 56 mm |
Built to Last on the Water
Heavy-duty buttons respond reliably even with gloves or wet hands, and the slim design mounts flush for a clean helm. Backed by Simrad's commitment to marine durability, it's ready for seasons of hard use—from coastal hops to bluewater passages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What autopilot systems is the Simrad AP48 compatible with?
The AP48 works seamlessly with NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers, integrating into Simrad Continuum systems for reliable performance.
How do the dodge keys on the AP48 work?
Dedicated port and starboard dodge keys allow instant heading adjustments in one-degree or ten-degree increments, perfect for quick evasions or course tweaks.
What makes the AP48 display suitable for marine use?
Its optically bonded transflective LCD prevents fogging, offers a 170-degree viewing angle, and uses sunlight for bright, low-power visibility in any light.
Can the AP48 help with fishing-specific navigation?
Yes, Depth Contour Tracking maintains constant water depth for ledge fishing, while automated turns and No Drift steering keep you on target against currents.
Is the AP48 easy to install and set up?
Absolutely—auto-tuning and calibration make setup straightforward, with NMEA 2000 plug-and-play connectivity to your existing network.
What is No Drift steering on the AP48?
No Drift compensates for wind and tide to hold a straight track over ground on your current heading, eliminating manual corrections.
Intuitive Autopilot Control: 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 enables precise steering adjustments, 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. To ensure all-weather visibility, an optically bonded display panel eliminates 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 daytime visibility and lower power consumption compared to traditional backlit displays. Easy Access to Advanced Features: 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. No Drift Steering counteracts the effects of wind and tide; making it easy to maintain a straight track over ground on your current heading, without having to manually set a waypoint or route. Depth Contour Tracking works to maintain a constant depth of water beneath your boat, and is an ideal tool for fishing ledges and drop-offs.
Simrad 0013894001 Attributes
- Compatibility: NAC-2 And NAC-3 Autopilot System
- Function: Combines Simrad Steering Technology With 4.1 Inch Display With Large Rotary Dial/ Keypad Controls
Simrad 0013894001 Features & Benefits
- Intuitive Autopilot Interface With An Extended Keypad
- Large, Heavy-Duty Rotary Control Dial For Precision Steering
- Optically Bonded 4.1 Inch Color Display
- Dedicated One-Degree And Ten-Degree 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
- Limited 2 Year Warranty
Simrad 0013894001 Installation Instructions
Simrad 0013894001 Warranties
Simrad 0013894001 Technical Bulletins
AP48 Autopilot Control Head with Rotary Knob
Presented on a wide-angle and zero-fog color display, the AP48 is engineered for responsiveness and ease of use in all conditions. It pairs a large aluminium rotary control dial with dedicated keys for instant access to steering modes, automated turn patterns, 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 color 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 maneuvers
- No Drift steering holds your course against wind and tide
- Depth contour tracking makes it easy to fish ledges and drop-offs
Easy control of Simrad autopilot AP48 autopilot controller allows you to intuitively use the compatible Simrad autopilot. The thin, optically bonded 4.1-inch glass display is fully illuminated, making the display easy to view both day and night. The large aluminum rotary dial and dedicated dodge keys allow you to easily adjust the autopilot's heading and other functions. The Simrad Autopilot Core Pack is required and sold separately. Simrad's AP48 is an independent component that can realize the complete interface and control of the autopilot. Just add the Core Pack to access automatic steering mode, drift steering, deep contour tracking and other features. Whether you are fishing or cruising, this autopilot controller will enable you to take full advantage of everything the autopilot can do for you. No Drift Steering allows you to easily maintain your route, and deep contour tracking will ensure that you find excellent fishing holes and automatic steering methods, allowing you to relax and enjoy driving. The setup is simple and straightforward. With automatic adjustment and calibration, you can easily ensure that the AP48 remains accurate. NMEA 2000-certified connectivity can be integrated with Simrad Chartplotter products and other electronic devices to create a seamless navigation system throughout the ship.
SKU: NVN-65971
MPN: 000-13894-001
UPC: 9420024162514
Technical specifications
| Brand | Simrad |
| Model | Simrad AP48 Autopilot Control Head w/Rotary Knob |
| SKU / MFR# | 65971 |
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