Overview

The Simrad 000-13289-001 is an AP44 autopilot controller that gives you a dedicated pilot head at the helm, with a 4.1-inch optically bonded color display and a rotary dial plus keypad for quick course changes and menu control.

It connects on NMEA 2000 through a Micro-C port and is powered from the backbone (12 V DC, 10.8 to 15.6 V). Network load is 3 LEN, with typical power draw around 1.35 W (1.8 W max), so it is easy to run on boats that already have a properly built NMEA 2000 network.

The housing is rated IPx7, the unit is flush-mount, and the face size is 118 x 115 mm with an overall depth of 48.5 mm. Keep it at least 300 mm away from a magnetic compass.

Key features

• 4.1-inch optically bonded, transflective LCD (320 x 240) for readability in sun and at night
• Rotary dial and keypad interface for fast heading and mode adjustments without digging through menus
• NMEA 2000 Micro-C connection with 3 LEN network load
• Powered from the NMEA 2000 backbone (12 V DC, 10.8 to 15.6 V); typical draw 1.35 W (1.8 W max)
• Steering modes include Heading, No drift, NAV (waypoint steering), Wind, and FU (power steer)
• Turn patterns include C-turn, U-turn, spiral, zigzag, square, S-turn, tack, gybe, and depth contour tracking
• IPx7 waterproof rating for exposed helms and washdowns
• Flush mounting with low-profile glass helm styling

What’s included

• N2K-T-RD network T-connector
• N2KEXT-2RD 2 ft network extension cable
• Install kit for AP44
• Suncover for AP44 display

Installation and setup

The AP44 mounts flush in a console or dash panel. Plan for 48.5 mm of depth behind the panel so the unit and its connector have room, and route the NMEA 2000 drop cable so it is supported and not pulling on the Micro-C port.

Once on the network, commissioning and tuning are handled through the autopilot system setup and on-screen menus. Expect to complete dockside checks and a short sea trial as part of bringing an autopilot online.

Compatibility and system integration

This is a networked control head that works with Navico autopilot computers on an NMEA 2000 backbone. For features like waypoint steering, wind steering, or depth contour tracking, the system needs the matching navigation, wind, and depth data on the network.

It is a good match for boats adding or upgrading to a Simrad autopilot system and wanting a dedicated control head at the helm alongside an MFD, especially when you want quick access to turn patterns while trolling, tracking a contour, or holding a steady course on longer runs.

Maintenance and care

Rinse and wipe the screen with fresh water and a soft cloth after salt exposure, and use the suncover when the boat is parked to reduce UV and heat on the display. Periodically check the NMEA 2000 connection for strain and corrosion, and keep the network dry and properly supported behind the dash.

The unit includes a USB port on the back for software updates when needed.