Differences between B&G autopilot core packs

[mrangry]

I am looking to purchase a B&G nac-3 core pack to control an autopilot drive on a 44ft monohull yacht. I see that you can buy a core pack with rudder feedback and one labelled "virtual rudder feedback". Are these two packs the same except one doesn't have a rudder feedback unit? Can a rudder feedback unit be added?

The reason I ask is, that I can buy the VRF pack and a separate rudder feedback unit a lot cheaper than the other...if that makes any sense

 

[jwfrary]

An NAC 3 is an NAC3. They can do VRF with outboards, or you need the rudder sensor for other applications. I'm surprised they are cheaper separately.

Theres also packs that include the helm station. Ap44 or whatever b&g call it.

Simrad prices might be cheaper (it's the same thing)

 

[lustyd]

Weird, when I was shopping this summer the VRF was always more expensive than the one with the sensor which led to a lot of confusion about why it was cheaper to have more things. The B&G packs are literally a plain cardboard box with the components inside which have been picked for your order, they aren't really a SKU as it were. As such, buy the components you need as cheaply as you can get them, Force4 seems very competetive and show their stock level (usually zero for Navico right now!). B&G, Simrad, Lowrance are all the Navico NAC 3, it's one of the few components to not have any branding, the SKU is identical accross brands so don't be concerned buying "other" brand versions. I bought Simrad I think as it happened to be the one on the website. The compass is Navico Precision 9 (not B&G) and the rudder sensor is I think Airmar. Navico never seem to rebrand third party bits so the rudder sensor and the DST810 sensor are in their original packaging as purchased by Navico, the DST810 certainly has proud Airmar branding. No control unit included unless you go "Simrad" so bear that in mind.

Once you get it, check the rubber grommets. Mine were installed on the "wrong" sides for the cables I needed. The smaller one suits 6mm battery cables and the larger one the NMEA cable and you'll want them on the correct sides. The unit is larger than you'd think looking at pictures so look at measurements and available space first. All contacts terminate on screw terminal plugs and you may want to put bootlace crimps on wires for a neat and easy install.