Autopilot Systems provide 6 work-profile settings.

Press Release Summary:




IMO-compliant and adaptive to wind and wave conditions, IPx4-rated Model AP70 and IPx6-rated Model AP80 provide complete heading and course control for wide range of vessels. Model AP70 has 3 rudder and thruster configurations while Model AP80 offers 6. Housed in aluminum, both include sunlight-viewable 5 in. color SolarMAX(TM) PLUS TFT bonded display, and operate on CAN bus using SimNet for protocol command and control and NMEA 2000®-compatible cabling for networking.



Original Press Release:



Simrad Yachting Announces AP70 and AP80 Autopilot Systems



Electronics Leader Unveils Cost-Effective, Reliable and Easy-To-Use Heading Control System

Tulsa, Okla. - Simrad Yachting - a world-leader in the design and manufacture of professional-performance marine navigation, autopilots, communications and fish-finding systems - announced today its new top-of-the line autopilot systems, the AP70 and AP80. International Maritime Organization (IMO) compliant and adaptive to wind and wave conditions, the systems provide complete heading and course control for a wide range of vessels. Both the AP70 and AP80 feature six independent work-profile settings to quickly enable the autopilot to operate with slow speed, maneuvering, net hauling and helicopter pick up to name a few. Redesigned with a new color interface and intuitive graphics, the autopilots are simple to install and easy to operate. The AP80 and AP70 systems build upon Simrad Yachting's legacy of state-of-the-art, high-performance autopilots that offer the most feature-packed and reliable solutions on the market.

Designed with adaptive software and a dynamic positions interface, the Simrad Yachting AP70 and AP80 Autopilot Systems offer user-selectable auto and navigation modes, as well as support for independent rudders and multiple thrusters. The AP70 has three rudder and thruster configurations while the AP80 offers six. Suitable for use on a variety of vessel types including workboats, passenger ferries and superyachts, as well as fishing, patrol and short sea vessels, the systems steer water jets, pods, stern drives, azimuth thrusters and tunnel thrusters. The AP70 and AP80 provide turn pattern options, feature piracy evasion functionality; and have a dedicated alarm reset, as well as unique shaped port and starboard keys for easy finger-touch identification.

"The Simrad AP70 and AP80 raise the bar in autopilot technology," said Louis Chemi, COO, Navico Americas. "We designed the most innovative autopilots available with cutting-edge features such as advanced independent work profiles to give mariners the absolute best in performance in a full range of on-the-water conditions."

The Simrad AP70 and AP80 autopilots feature an ultra-bright sunlight viewable 5-inch color SolarMAX(TM) PLUS TFT, bonded display. They operate on the CAN bus using SimNet for protocol command and control and NMEA 2000®-compatible cabling for networking. Constructed with a ruggedized, aluminum housing, the units can be flush- or bracket-mounted to suit any installation requirement. Both systems are compatible with the new Simrad QS80, NF80, FU80, S35, S9, JS10 and R3000X dedicated remote options. The AP80 uniquely features precision and economy steering modes, a USB connection for storage and loading settings, and is waterproof to the IPx6 standard. The AP70 is rated to the IPx4 standard. The new Simrad Yachting autopilot systems are protected by a two-year parts and labor warranty, and are pending HSC and HCS (United States Coast Guard, MED, CCS) approval.

Price & Availability:

The new Simrad AP70 and AP80 control units have suggested retail prices starting at USD $1,600 and $3,500 respectively, and will be available in December 2011. For more information on complete Simrad AP70 and AP80 pack configurations - available from authorized dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada - contact 800-324-1356 (toll-free) in the USA or 800-661-3983 (toll-free) in Canada or visit www.simrad-yachting.com.

About Simrad Yachting:

The Simrad Yachting® brand is wholly owned by Navico, Inc. A privately held, international corporation, Navico is currently the world's largest marine electronics company, and is the parent company to leading marine electronics brands: Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G. Navico has approximately 1,500 employees globally and distribution in more than 100 countries worldwide. www.navico.com

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