Simrad Auto Pilot compatibility

[Hat4Shay]

I have an AP 25 (lower helm) and an AP 26 (upperhelm) and they work well, but the screens are burned out.

I can replace the screens for about 850.00 for both or I can buy two new AP 44 controllers for 1080.00

My question is, would the newer controller be backward compatible with the AP 25/26 set up?


And, if they are not, what are some other options?

[Bob Bradley]

Generally speaking, I've found Simrad to be not so good at backward compatibility. I bought a boat with an EVO2 system and wanted to add wx capability, but the weather modules that integrated with the EVO2 stuff pretty much all failed, and the new one that came out with the EVO3 was not backward compatible.

That said, I honestly don't know the answer to your specific question, but I'd recommend that you post it on the Electronics forum on The Hull Truth. There's a Simrad specialist there (I think he works for Simrad) named Abbor who will likely know the answer.

I swapped my electronics over to Furuno, but I kept the autopilot. The AP is, in my opinion, the shining star at Simrad. Probably because they bought Robertson and used their technology. The unit on my boat does interface with the Furuno system. So, you might be able to keep the AP you have and control and display it on another MFD.

[CGHOST4]

My experience with Simrad is that control head interchangeability depends on which Simrad Autopilot Computer you are using. If you are running the Simrad AC-42 Computer then yes the new heads would be plug and play. I am running a AP-24 on the upper station and the newer AP-48 on the lower. I was running a AP-28 on the lower but upgraded to the AP-48 with no issues.

Also, have you contacted "Gauge Saver" in Green Cove Springs Fl. they replaced some screens for me and the price was very reasonable. 904-701-9726

Caesars Ghost
1980 58' YF Hull #472

[Fanfare]

In 2022 I had both my Simrad autopilot screens replaced by Dan Gerhardt, 35 Michael Way, in the seafaring town of Durango, CO 81301. Mine are AP 20 and 25. Discount for two, $315 each. Worked great, looks like new.

I found Dan by searching Simrad on Ebay. Also found someone who renewed my FloScan screens. A benefit to having these screens renewed was that I did not have to fit a newer--but possibly better--unit into my existing mountings. And, of course, compatible with the rest of my Simrad machinery.

[Captain Ralph]

Once Simrad discontinued the RobNet I/O and went all SimNet (N2K) I/O life got easier.
All SimNet stuff will talk to all other SimNet stuff.
Sometimes it takes certain packages for all options to work above the basics.

You probably have the AC10 or AC20 computer. Rugged & reliable. Not many tricks or options.
Sadly support on all of this seasoned equipment has been dropped by the factory, as Simrad does quickly.

If your happy with your AP, I would shop for the same displays or have yours fixed.
That Gauge Saver guy is just up hy 17 from me. I have not used him yet but hear great reports often.

In the Simrad AP world, Some fancy options displays were designed to work with certain computers.
Use this as a guide, sadly, does not include the good ole stuff.
https://www.simrad-yachting.com/help--support/?contentTitle=Simrad-autopilot-compatibility-table&contentId=023_056-315

[Hat4Shay]

I guess it's a very bad sign that AP 25 and AP 26 are not on the list, even though it starts with AP 24. lol

Once Simrad discontinued the RobNet I/O and went all SimNet (N2K) I/O life got easier.
All SimNet stuff will talk to all other SimNet stuff.
Sometimes it takes certain packages for all options to work above the basics.

You probably have the AC10 or AC20 computer. Rugged & reliable. Not many tricks or options.
Sadly support on all of this seasoned equipment has been dropped by the factory, as Simrad does quickly.

If your happy with your AP, I would shop for the same displays or have yours fixed.
That Gauge Saver guy is just up hy 17 from me. I have not used him yet but hear great reports often.

In the Simrad AP world, Some fancy options displays were designed to work with certain computers.
Use this as a guide, sadly, does not include the good ole stuff.
https://www.simrad-yachting.com/help--support/?contentTitle=Simrad-autopilot-compatibility-table&contentId=023_056-315

[Hat4Shay]

yeah, now he is 460.00 for the screens plus installation now. Good to know he's legit... never know on Ebay lol

Who did your floscans? I have one acting up, but it was working before. Another issue to figure out, lol I had a new secondary fuel filter come apart (best way to describe what happened) and the bits covered up the intake and starved the port engine... this mechanic took the hose loose from the flo scan canister in the engine room and since then it's been acting up. Not sure why taking a hose off and on the flow scan canister would cause that, but it's on the list.

I may post the pics of the fuel filter issue... I'm still stumped on how what ever those extra bits got in the canisters. Thankfully removing them and priming the engine fixed the issue.

In 2022 I had both my Simrad autopilot screens replaced by Dan Gerhardt, 35 Michael Way, in the seafaring town of Durango, CO 81301. Mine are AP 20 and 25. Discount for two, $315 each. Worked great, looks like new.

I found Dan by searching Simrad on Ebay. Also found someone who renewed my FloScan screens. A benefit to having these screens renewed was that I did not have to fit a newer--but possibly better--unit into my existing mountings.

[Captain Ralph]

I guess it's a very bad sign that AP 25 and AP 26 are not on the list, even though it starts with AP 24. lol

AP16 is not on the list either.
I have the AP48 on the helm and AP16 on the bridge. AC12 below.
AP16 works well.

[Fanfare]

My FloScan displays were becoming very dim from daily sun exposure. Now I know to cover them up with something. I found this guy on Ebay, sent both mine off, and they came back like new. Will they hold up? Guess I will find out. Alas, no discount for two, $300 each, but with FloScan out of business I felt I should not put this off much longer.

Performance Design, 586 Whittingham Place, Lake Mary, FL 32746. 470 790 5642