Navigation compatible with SIMRAD AP20

[Jad99125]

Hello All,

I recently purchased a 2000 Mariner 350. It does not have a gps or navigation but it does have a SIMRAD Robertson AP20 that seems to work. What gps/navigation can I get that would be compatible with it?

Thank you very much,
Jeff

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum........I guess it depends on your budget , these systems can really get up there when you upgrade. The sky is the limit, hopefully someone can offer some help with what if anything is compatible.

[g36]

Looks like a gps with nmea 0183 will work assuming its already got all the otherhere pieces installed. . Heres the manual for the ap20.page 37 . shows some tech specs. Not sure if you have the manual . https://www.manua.ls/simrad/ap20/manual?p=1.

[Sgodfrey]

Hello -

I had a similar decision to make on a Caver Voyager 450 with the same simrad system. You will need a pig tail from the JX simrad computer and GPS that supports the older 0183. The Simrad line will allow you to control the autopilot from the GPS unit (but you will need to carefully check that out)

Before you start this project you might ask if you really need the integration - you might find that the AP20 head unit works just fine for you and integration with the new GPS won't add much value to your boating experience.

In my case, my AP20 head unit failed - so I ended up with a new NAC-3 and used the Simard GPS to control the autopilot - I didn't replace the RPU160 pump but that recently started having issues on a beginning of a 1,000 mile trip down the east coast. Replacing brushes didn't seem to help so I am now just going to replace my 20 year old pump with a new Simard pump.

We have never bothered trying to follow a GPS track with the auto - we just set a heading and make small adjustment and would like have been happy with the AP20 control (if it hadn't failed!)

Good luck