ACP-2 vs NAC-3 B&G Autopilot

[toda]

Greetings. I am currently contemplating an upgrade from a B&G Network Pilot ACP-2, to a B&G NAC-3. My existing 1999 Vintage system is still functional, (wind, depth, speed), But I am interested in upgrading all of those senders to N2K compatible ultrasonic sensors, and if I am gonna do that, why not the autopilot brain?

I have been unable to find any sort of comparison information about the difference between the old ACP-2 and the newer NAC-3 computers.

Do any of you have words of wisdom to share?

Thanks

[Mal Reynolds]

Feels like wisdom is in short supply in the world these days. But here is a little input on this:

I could be wrong, but I think your ACP-2 pre-dates rate gyro compasses and the software to take advantage of the rate of change in turn rates (heel, pitch and yaw). You would see a significant difference in the ability of the NAC-3 to keep your vessel on track, particularly is seas. But, you also need a modern rate gyro compass sensor to go with it. The Precision 9 is good, pair it with a 10Hz GPS and you'd be set for sure. I think they say the ZG100 isn't good enough for autopilots. There are other NMEA headiong sensors and compasses and you can go as crazy as your interest and wallet allows.

Apparent wind mode is a great thing upwind and is easy to implement. True wind is great going downwind, but it takes a lot of effort to have good true wind downwind. Not worth the effort for most cruisers as a compass course offwind does just fine.

[toda]

Thanks for your reply... It confirms what I have thought :-)