Simrad AP information

[David J]

Plan to install one of the Simrad AP on my 2000 Carolina Classic 25 with 7.4 gas and Volvo DP outdrive. Having trouble finding information on the different units that may work on my boat. Any information would be helpful, also any installation tips. Another question is: will I need to remove my live well to install the rudder control?
Thanks
David J.

[David J]

Come on guys, need to ask some questions about the AP installation from someone who has installed one on the CC 25.
Thanks
David J

[Fissues]

I don't know about the 25' but my Simrad AP28 would work nicely if you got it with Virtual Feedback and you might not need all the bells that come with the AP28 and get an AP16. I'll bet that you can remove the livewell easily by just slicing through the bedding compound and pulling it out after you undo the pump outlet. It took me 7 hrs to install mine and I saved a bundle.

[David J]

Ethan , thanks for your reply. Have been able to find some good information on the Simrad AP. The 16 is being phased out but I got a real good price on the new 26 from a company in Florida. The total package is about 2600.00, includes the ap 26 control head, computer, compass and pump. The 26 has all the bells and whistles you mentioned. The salesman with the company in Florida told me the unit will interface with my Garmin 3206 GPS-Map unit but another sales person told me that it would not, so I plan to call a Simrad Teck to get another opinion. Do you or anyone you know have the Simrad AP and a Garmin GPS?
If they will not interface I may just buy the unit and install as a stand alone unit.
Thanks
David J

[OnTheHill]

I have an older Ap11 on my 2000 CC 25. It was already on the boat when I bought it. I upgraded to a 3210 Garmin and it tied in fine. I think the 3200 series were still NMEA0183. If the new AP is NMEA2000, you may have a problem with communication. Maybe they are reverse compatible, I don't know for sure. The livewell will have to be removed and I haven't had to do that for anything yet, but I read some good threads in these forums on how to do it. The hardest thing stated was getting the hoses off and connected again for overflow and feed. The sealer around the top should cut nicely with a razor knife.

[Fissues]

Mine works fine with all my Garmins (3000, 4000 and 5000 series). My AP 28 came with the AT10 a Simnet (nmea2000) to NMEA 0183 converter in the box, Make sure you get that and also some form of rudder feedback.

[David J]

Thanks for the replys: Talked with a Simrad teck today and got the model # for what I need for the Simrad 24 03 VRF to communicate with my Garmin 3206 GPS Map unit. Placed my order for AP24 03 vrf, AT 10,AP 24 control head, RC42 computer, RU80 pump. Total price is $2654.00 plus shipping. Hopefully the only thing left to buy will be my hyd. fittings. Looking forward to the installation. Thanks for everyones input.
David

[CC25]

My boat came with an AP11. Any tech issue I've ever had was handled great by Simrad over the phone. You won't be sorry with your choice. Good luck!