Simrad NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack
A DIY-friendly hydraulic autopilot for a single outboard boat up to about 30 ft.
Amazon $1,869.99$1,869.99
The Simrad NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack is the better marine autopilot overall, rated 3.3 to 3.1. The Simrad NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack leads on capability range. The Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 costs $70 less ($1,799.99 vs $1,869.99).
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 NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack for capability range (boats to 30 ft vs boats to 25 ft).
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 NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack | Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 40 $1,869.99 for the pack | 42 $1,799.99 for the pack |
| Capability range 30% | 29 boats to 30 ft | 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 NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack | Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic, GHC 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | ||
| Steering type | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Boat size | To 30 ft | To 25 ft |
| Pack type | Complete pack | Complete pack |
| In the pack | ||
| Contents | NAC-1 computer, PUMP-1 MkII 0.8 L hydraulic pump, Precision-9 compass, hoses, fittings, Micro-C network parts, Auto/Standby button | Compact Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot with GHC 50 instrument |
| Control head | Auto/Standby switch | 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 |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Max drive current | 8 A | - |
| NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng | Yes | Yes |
| Support | ||
| Warranty | - | 1 year |
| Released | - | 2022-06 |