Overview

The Simrad 000-13338-001 is a NAC-3 VRF autopilot core pack that includes the NAC-3 autopilot computer, the Precision-9 solid-state compass, and a Micro-C NMEA 2000 backbone starter kit. It is intended for outboard and sterndrive boats over 10 m (35 ft) that need a high-current autopilot computer below decks.

The NAC-3 runs on 12/24 VDC (+30/-10%) and drives reversible pump or motor outputs at 30 A continuous and 50 A peak (1 second). It is bulkhead-mounted and the housing measures 204 x 190 x 57 mm (W x H x D), so it typically lives in a space that stays dry and sheltered.

The Precision-9 reports heading and rate of turn, plus pitch and roll, over NMEA 2000 and carries an IPX7 waterproof rating. This pack covers the core electronics, but a complete autopilot still needs a drive unit matched to your steering and an autopilot controller or compatible multifunction display on the NMEA 2000 network.

Key features

• Core pack combines the NAC-3 autopilot computer, Precision-9 compass, and a Micro-C NMEA 2000 backbone starter kit
• Recommended for outboard and sterndrive boats over 10 m (35 ft)
• VRF support can eliminate a mechanical rudder feedback unit on many outboard and sterndrive planing-hull installations
• 12/24 VDC input (+30/-10%); reversible motor control rated 30 A continuous and 50 A peak (1 second)
• NMEA 2000 network connectivity plus an NMEA 0183 input for integrating compatible legacy talkers
• Precision-9 outputs heading, rate of turn, pitch and roll over NMEA 2000; heading accuracy is +/-2 degrees after calibration
• Micro-C backbone kit includes a network power cable, 4.5 m (15 ft) N2K cable, 3 T-connectors, and 2 network terminators
• NAC-3 carries an IPX2 rating, which suits mounting inside the boat away from washdowns

What's included

• NAC-3 Autopilot Computer
• Precision-9 Compass
• Micro-C Backbone Kit (network power cable, 4.5 m (15 ft) N2K cable, 3 T-connectors, 2 network terminators)

Compatibility and fit

The NAC-3 is built for steering systems that use higher-current drive outputs, including drive pumps such as Simrad RPU160 and RPU300, mechanical drives such as Simrad DD15, hydraulic linear drives in the HLD2000 series, and solenoid valves. It is also able to work with rudder feedback options when a physical feedback sensor is required, but that sensor is not part of this pack.

On the network side, everything ties together over NMEA 2000 Micro-C connections, so it fits cleanly into boats that already have an NMEA 2000 backbone or are ready to build one. The NMEA 0183 input can be useful when you need to bring in data from compatible NMEA 0183 sources alongside the NMEA 2000 network.

Installation and setup

Plan cable routing and mounting locations before you start. The NAC-3 should be installed where it stays protected from spray and vibration, and the bulkhead mounting footprint is worth checking against the space you have available.

Precision-9 placement matters more than most owners expect. It should be secured to a firm surface and kept away from ferrous metals, speakers, and high-current cabling that can distort the magnetic field. The adjustable bracket and IPX7 rating also allow mounting in locations that see moisture, including an up-mast option when avoiding magnetic interference is the bigger priority.

The included Micro-C backbone kit provides the basics for a small NMEA 2000 network, including termination and a dedicated network power connection. If the boat already has an NMEA 2000 backbone, the kit parts can be used to extend the backbone and add connection points for the autopilot components.

On-board use

This pack is a practical match for larger outboard and sterndrive boats that spend long hours on course, whether that is coastal cruising, offshore runs, or holding a steady track while trolling. It also fits refits where the boat already has NMEA 2000 electronics and you want the core autopilot components ready to integrate without piecing together the network hardware separately.