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 3.2. The Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity leads on capability range. The Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity costs $550 less ($3,849.99 vs $4,399.99).
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 Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack, GHC 50
Garmin’s full hydraulic kit for inboards, outboards and sterndrives, with touchscreen control.
Amazon $4,399.99$4,399.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity for capability range (boats to 50 ft, cylinders to 550 cc vs cylinders to 393 cc).
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 Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack, GHC 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 7 $3,849.99 for the pack | 1 $4,399.99 for the pack |
| Capability range 30% | 93 boats to 50 ft, cylinders to 550 cc | 65 cylinders to 393 cc |
| 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 Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack, GHC 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | ||
| Steering type | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Boat size | To 50 ft | - |
| Hydraulic cylinder range | 160 to 550 cc | 65 to 393 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 | Reactor 40 course computer, SmartPump v2, GHC 50 autopilot instrument, NMEA 2000 cables and terminators |
| 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 |