December 2012
Navico’s Auckland-based R&D team is celebrating as the Simrad AP80, a professional-grade autopilot system partly developed by the team in Albany, received ‘best autopilot’ in this year’s National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) product awards in the US.
Continuing a long-standing tradition as an industry favourite, the honour represents the 43rd NMEA distinction for Simrad-branded autopilot systems.
“We are honoured to receive this award and recognition from our valued dealers,” said John Scott, head of product management at Navico. “Our team has worked hard to provide cutting edge technology that provides reliable solutions with real benefits for boaters. This award is a testament to both.”
Recognised as the premier autopilot solution for both power and sailing vessels, the Simrad AP80 system builds upon the company’s legacy of high-performance autopilots, which offers the most feature-packed and reliable solution on the market. International Maritime Organization (IMO)-compliant and adaptive to wind and wave conditions, the system provides complete heading and course control for a wide range of vessels.
Aside from the accolade for the AP80 system, the Albany-based R&D team have also contributed towards many significant new product launches for Navico, including the Lowrance HDS® Gen2 Touch display.
Delivering the same award-winning benefits that made the High Definition System (HDS) the world’s top-selling multifunction display series, Gen2 Touch models incorporate new easier-to-use, wide touch-screens in 7, 9 and 12 inch sizes. The new Lowrance line-up also features the best, built-in fish-finding technologies on the market – the Broadband Sounder™ and StructureScan® HD – as well as powerful chart-plotting capabilities and seamless integration of Lowrance’s comprehensive range of performance modules including the award-winning Broadband Radar™ and SonicHub® marine audio server.
Visit http://pro.simrad-yachting.com for further information on the Simrad AP80 Autopilot System.
Visit http://www.lowrance.com for information on the Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch displays.