The AP48 Autopilot Controller is a premium dedicated control head for Continuum autopilot systems, enhanced with modern glass helm styling.
Engineered for responsiveness and ease of use in all conditions, the AP48 pairs a large aluminum rotary control dial with dedicated 'dodge keys' to adjust heading port or starboard in one- or ten-degree increments.
With an optically bonded 4.1" diagonal display and its intuitive controls, the AP48 also provide full access to advanced Continuum steering features including automated turn patterns, No Drift steering, depth contour tracking, and more.
Key Features
- Intuitive autopilot interface with extended keypad
- Large, heavy-duty rotary control dial for precision steering
- Continuum steering technology
- Ultra wide 170-degree viewing angle
- Dedicated one-degree and ten-degree port/starboard dodge keys
- Automated turn patterns for fuel-efficient, hands-free maneuvers
- No Drift steering holds your course against wind and tide
- Depth contour tracking makes it easy to fish ledges and drop-offs
- Easy setup with auto tuning and calibration
- Low-profile glass helm design
- Certified NMEA 2000 connectivity
Intuitive autopilot interface with extended keypad: The AP48 combines the intuitive interface of the compact AP44 with a larger rotary control dial, dedicated 'dodge' keys, and other extended keypad controls. The AP48's rotary dial provides precise steering control, while dodge keys enable instant heading changes in one-degree or ten-degree increments. Designed for optimal control in all conditions, the AP48’s large buttons are ideal for use with wet or gloved hands.
Optically bonded 4.1" color display: AP48's full-color LCD panel is optically bonded to its protective glass covering—eliminating the possibility of condensation or fogging within the display.
Transflective screen: Transflective LCD technology makes use of reflected sunlight to brighten rather than obscure the screen, delivering superior day-time visibility and lower power consumption compared to traditional backlit displays.
Automated turn patterns: Your Simrad autopilot can do much more than keep you on course. The AP48 gives you easy access to a range of built-in turn patterns designed to assist with fishing, diving, or just making a quick and efficient U-turn. Choose a turn, select port or starboard, and you're away. For more control, customise your turn pattern to execute complex spirals, zigzags, and other useful maneuvers.
No Drift steering: No Drift mode integrates GPS navigation with auto-steering, using your position to counteract the effects of wind and tide. This lets you maintain a straight track over ground on your current heading, without having to manually set a waypoint or route. To unlock this powerful feature, simply combine the AP48 with an NMEA 2000 connected GPS receiver or compatible Simrad chartplotter.
Depth contour tracking: Network your AP48 autopilot system with a compatible sounder module to enable depth contour tracking. In this mode, the AP48 will auto-steer to maintain a constant depth of water beneath your boat —perfect for following depth contours while fishing or cruising, without having to define complex multi-waypoint routes.
Easy setup with auto tuning: Autopilot installation and commissioning doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. The AP48 offers automatic tuning to ensure optimal auto-steering performance, with a simple on-screen commissioning process including dockside configuration and sea trial. Automatic compass calibration is available with the Simrad Precision-9 solid-state compass, further simplifying autopilot setup while ensuring heading accuracy.
Low-profile 'Glass Helm' design: Designed to complement Simrad glass helm displays, instruments, and controllers, the AP48 features modern styling with a low flush-mount profile of just eight millimetres excluding rotary controller. A smart layout maximises the size of the AP48's display and controls, while keeping its overall footprint down to allow for easy installation almost anywhere. In addition to flush-mount installation, the controller can also be bracket mounted for additional flexibility.
What's in the Box
- Display unit and removable bezels
- Micro-C drop cable - 4.5 m (15’)
- Micro-C T-connector
- Panel mounting kit
- Suncover
- Documentation pack
