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 is the better marine autopilot overall, rated 3.6 to 3.1. The Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity leads on capability range. The Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 wins on value. The Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 costs $2,050 less ($1,799.99 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.
Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50
The cheapest complete Garmin autopilot, built for small single-outboard hydraulic boats.
Amazon $1,799.99$1,799.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity for capability range (boats to 50 ft, cylinders to 550 cc vs boats to 25 ft).
- Choose the Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 for value ($1,799.99 for the pack vs $3,849.99 for the pack).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every hydraulic steering marine autopilot; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity | Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 7 $3,849.99 for the pack | 42 $1,799.99 for the pack |
| Capability range 30% | 93 boats to 50 ft, cylinders to 550 cc | 14 boats to 25 ft |
| Features 25% | 100 control head in the box, drive or pump included, heading sensor included, NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng | 100 control head in the box, drive or pump included, heading sensor included, 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 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity | Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | ||
| Steering type | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Boat size | To 50 ft | To 25 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 | Compact Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot with GHC 50 instrument |
| Control head | AP44 | GHC 50 touchscreen |
| Control head included | Yes | Yes |
| Drive or pump included | Yes | Yes |
| Heading sensor | Precision-9 solid-state compass | Solid-state 9-axis AHRS |
| Rudder feedback unit | No | - |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply voltage | 12/24 V | 12 V |
| NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng | Yes | Yes |
| Support | ||
| Warranty | - | 1 year |
| Released | - | 2022-06 |