Overview

The Simrad 000-15447-002 is a 24V DC reversible hydraulic gear pump used as the drive unit in an autopilot system for boats with hydraulic steering. It moves 3.0 L/min (183 cu in/min) and is sized for steering cylinders with a total displacement of 290 to 960 cc (17.7 to 58.5 cu in), which puts it in the range commonly seen on larger outboards, inboards, sportfishers, and cruising yachts.

This pump is intended to run with Simrad NAC-3 or AC42 autopilot computers and supports SteadySteer when used in that setup. Hydraulic ports use O-Ring Boss (ORB) connections, and the included adaptors make it easier to tie into common 9/16 UNF hose-end hardware without hunting down fittings before installation.

It is a good match for owners rigging a 24V autopilot on a boat up to about 70 ft who want to confirm cylinder size, pump voltage, and autopilot computer compatibility before committing to the drive unit.

Key features

• 24V DC reversing pump for hydraulic autopilot steering systems
• 3.0 L/min (183 cu in/min) output for responsive helm corrections at cruise speeds
• Supports 290 to 960 cc (17.7 to 58.5 cu in) cylinder displacement range
• Works with NAC-3 or AC42 autopilot computers as the hydraulic drive
• O-Ring Boss (ORB) hydraulic connections on the pump body
• SteadySteer compatible when integrated with the required autopilot computer
• Application guidance up to about 70 ft boats (system sizing still depends on steering cylinder displacement)

What’s included

• PUMP-5 MKII 24V reversible hydraulic pump
• 3 x ORB-5 to 9/16 UNF fittings

Compatibility and fit

To confirm fit, check your steering cylinder displacement in cc or cubic inches. If your boat has more than one steering cylinder, use the combined displacement when comparing to the 290 to 960 cc (17.7 to 58.5 cu in) range. This pump is for 24V electrical systems; it is not a drop-in choice for 12V boats without changing the system voltage.

On the control side, plan on pairing it with a NAC-3 or AC42 autopilot computer. That combination is the expected match for operating the Pump-5 and for SteadySteer support.

Installation and setup

Mount the pump in a clean, accessible area where it can be securely fastened and where hydraulic lines can be routed without tight bends or chafe. Keep the pump positioned so the fittings and hoses are easy to inspect, since a small seep is much easier to catch early than after a long run.

Use the ORB ports and included ORB-5 to 9/16 UNF adaptors as the connection point into your steering plumbing. After plumbing, bleed the steering system thoroughly and follow the standard autopilot commissioning steps so the computer can learn the drive and steering response.

Maintenance and care

Periodically check hydraulic connections for weeping, keep the mounting hardware tight, and make sure hoses stay supported so vibration does not work fittings loose over time. If steering feel changes or the autopilot starts hunting more than usual, recheck for air in the system and confirm fluid level and condition.