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 3.2. The Simrad NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack leads on value. The Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity wins on capability range. The Simrad NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack costs $1,030 less ($1,869.99 vs $2,899.99).
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 NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack for value ($1,869.99 for the pack vs $2,899.99 for the pack).
- Choose the Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity for capability range (boats to 35 ft, cylinders to 250 cc vs boats to 30 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 | Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 40 $1,869.99 for the pack | 20 $2,899.99 for the pack |
| Capability range 30% | 29 boats to 30 ft | 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 NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Pack | Simrad AP44 VRF Pack Medium Capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | ||
| Steering type | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Boat size | To 30 ft | To 35 ft |
| Hydraulic cylinder range | - | 80 to 250 cc |
| 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 | AP44 controller, NAC-2 computer, RPU80 hydraulic pump, Precision-9 compass, NMEA 2000 starter kit |
| Control head | Auto/Standby switch | 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 |
| Electrical | ||
| Supply voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Max drive current | 8 A | - |
| NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk ng | Yes | Yes |