Simrad AP80 named 'Best Autopilot' at NMEA Product Awards

by Andrew Golden on 16 Oct 2012 Simrad Yachting, a leader in the design and manufacture of world-class marine navigation, autopilot, radar, communications and fishfinding systems, announced today that its professional-grade autopilot system, the AP80, was named 'Best Autopilot' in this year’s National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Product Awards, as voted by NMEA members. Continuing a long-standing tradition as an industry favorite, the honor represents the 43rd NMEA distinction for Simrad Yachting autopilot systems.

'We are honored to receive this award and recognition from our valued dealers,' said Louis Chemi, COO, Navico Americas. 'We have worked hard to be the best partner with our customers and deliver best-in-class technology that provides reliable solutions with real benefits for boaters. This award is a testament to both.'

Recognized as the premier autopilot solution for both power and sailing vessels, the AP80 system builds upon Simrad Yachting’s legacy of state-of-the-art, high-performance autopilots, which offers the most feature-packed and reliable solution on the market. International Maritime Organization (IMO) compliant and adaptive to wind and wave conditions, the system provides complete heading and course control for a wide range of vessels.

The Simrad AP80 features adaptive software and a dynamic position interface that offers user-selectable auto and navigation modes including 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. The AP80 also provides turn-pattern options, features piracy-evasion functionality; and has a dedicated alarm reset, as well as uniquely shaped port and starboard keys for easy finger-touch identification.

Available from authorized Simrad Yachting dealers and distributors in the United States and Canada, the AP80 control unit has a suggested retail price of US $3,500. For more information on the Simrad AP80 autopilot solution or the entire line of Simrad Yachting professional-grade marine electronics, visit the Simrad Yachting website.