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 Medium Capacity wins on value. The Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity costs $950 less ($2,899.99 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.
Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity
A complete hydraulic autopilot for outboard and sterndrive boats up to about 35 ft.
Amazon $2,899.99$2,899.99
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 35 ft, cylinders to 250 cc).
- Choose the Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity for value ($2,899.99 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 | Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 7 $3,849.99 for the pack | 20 $2,899.99 for the pack |
| Capability range 30% | 93 boats to 50 ft, cylinders to 550 cc | 38 boats to 35 ft, cylinders to 250 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 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Simrad AP44 VRF Pack High Capacity | Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | ||
| Steering type | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Boat size | To 50 ft | To 35 ft |
| Hydraulic cylinder range | 160 to 550 cc | 80 to 250 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 | AP44 controller, NAC-2 computer, RPU80 hydraulic pump, Precision-9 compass, NMEA 2000 starter kit |
| Control head | AP44 | AP44 |
| Control head included | Yes | Yes |
| Drive or pump included | Yes | Yes |
| Heading sensor | Precision-9 solid-state compass | Precision-9 solid-state compass |
| Rudder feedback unit | No | No |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply voltage | 12/24 V | 12 V |
| NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng | Yes | Yes |