Simrad Radars & Autopilots

Simrad Radars & Autopilots: Situational Awareness and Hands-Free Helm Control

Simrad has been building marine electronics since 1946, and its name comes from Simonsen Radio, a company that converted surplus radios for use on fishing vessels after the Second World War. That heritage in radio, steering, and navigation technology shows in the brand's modern radars and autopilots, which are designed to work as one connected system with Simrad multifunction displays rather than as standalone boxes. For a broader look at the manufacturer, visit the Simrad brand page.

HALO Pulse Compression Radar

Simrad's best-known radar technology is the HALO series, which uses Pulse Compression. Instead of relying on a high-power magnetron, pulse compression radar provides a detailed picture at both close and long range. Boaters use it to work through crowded harbors, navigate in poor visibility, and keep an eye on distant weather squalls. Anglers also use radar to spot flocks of feeding birds that point to productive fishing areas.

The HALO20+ is a popular dome-style option. It has a 20-inch dome, and its feature set includes VelocityTrack Doppler target coloring and dual-range operation. The wider HALO family also includes larger dome and open-array models for boats that need greater range and resolution. Dome radars suit center consoles and cruisers, while open arrays are favored on larger vessels.

Autopilots Built Around the NAC Computer

Simrad autopilot systems are centered on a course computer, with the NAC-2 and NAC-3 being common choices. The computer pairs with the right drive unit for your steering system, whether hydraulic, mechanical, or outboard-specific, and Simrad also offers dedicated solutions such as OutboardPilot and DrivePilot. Steering modes include Auto, Nav, No Drift, Follow-up, and Non-follow-up, along with turn patterns and wind-based modes on sailboats. SteadySteer is an enhancement for systems that use RPU drive pumps.

Simrad's autopilot lineage runs deep. The AP50 is among the products the company has pointed to as milestones in its history, and today's systems build on decades of steering experience.

Designed to Integrate

The real strength of Simrad's radar and autopilot lineup is how cleanly it ties into the helm. Simrad NSS evo3S and NSX displays can show radar imagery, and they can act as the control point for a compatible autopilot over NMEA 2000, so you can engage modes, adjust course, and run turn patterns from the same screen you use for charts and sonar. Many displays are also offered in bundles that pair them with a HALO radar.

What to Consider When Choosing

• Vessel size and range needs: a dome radar is compact and simple to mount, while an open array offers narrower beamwidth for sharper target separation.
• Display compatibility: confirm that your multifunction display and network connections support the radar or autopilot you choose.
• Steering system: the correct autopilot drive depends on whether your boat uses hydraulic, mechanical, or outboard steering.
• Boat use: offshore passagemaking, sportfishing, and coastal cruising each place different demands on range, heading accuracy, and mode selection.

Browse the Simrad selection below to find radar and autopilot components that fit your boat and your style of boating.