Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity
For big hydraulic outboard and sterndrive boats up to about 50 ft.
Amazon $3,849.99$3,849.99
The Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity rates 3.6 among hydraulic steering marine autopilots; the Furuno NavPilot 300 OPT Kit rates 3.0 among steer-by-wire ones. The Furuno NavPilot 300 OPT Kit costs $1,154.99 less ($2,695 vs $3,849.99).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Furuno NavPilot 300 OPT Kit
#3 in Steer-by-wireFull review
For multi-engine outboard fishing boats that already have SeaStar Optimus 360 steering.
Amazon $2,695$2,695
Scores side by side
These two sit in different steering type classes (hydraulic steering and steer-by-wire), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own steering type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity | Furuno NavPilot 300 OPT Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 7 $3,849.99 for the pack | 23 $2,695 for the pack |
| Capability range 30% | 93 boats to 50 ft, cylinders to 550 cc | 86 boats to 50 ft |
| Features 25% | 100 control head in the box, drive or pump included, heading sensor included, NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng | 25 NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng |
| Power draw 10% | 50 standby draw not published (neutral score used) | 50 standby draw not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 5% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity | Furuno NavPilot 300 OPT Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | ||
| Steering type | Hydraulic | Steer-by-wire |
| Boat size | To 50 ft | 24 to 50 ft |
| Hydraulic cylinder range | 160 to 550 cc | - |
| Pack type | Complete pack | Complete pack |
| In the pack | ||
| Contents | AP44 controller, NAC-3 high-current computer, PUMP-3 hydraulic pump, Precision-9 compass, NMEA 2000 starter kit | Autopilot components, cables and gateways for SeaStar Optimus 360 (joystick system sold separately) |
| Control head | AP44 | - |
| Control head included | Yes | - |
| Drive or pump included | Yes | No |
| Heading sensor | Precision-9 solid-state compass | - |
| Rudder feedback unit | No | No |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply voltage | 12/24 V | - |
| NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng | Yes | Yes |