Product comparison
B&G H5000 Pilot vs NAC-3: Sailing System Comparison
Compare B&G H5000 Pilot and NAC-3 for sailing yachts: instrument inputs, sailing functions, drive selection, commissioning and complete-system costs.
- Option 1
- B&G H5000 Pilot
- Option 2
- B&G NAC-3
This is a sailing-system decision, not simply a comparison of two computer prices. H5000 adds a performance-sailing approach whose value depends on the instruments, drive and time allocated to commissioning. NAC-3 must also be matched to a suitable drive and supported control arrangement.
Review the condition and calibration of the boat’s wind and heading inputs. A more sophisticated pilot cannot make unreliable input data trustworthy. Record the intended sailing modes and ask the supplier to demonstrate them during the handover.
Side by side
B&G H5000 Pilot vs NAC-3: specifications and installation
| Criterion | B&G H5000 Pilot | B&G NAC-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing emphasis | Manufacturer-listed Gust Response, Recovery and High Wind Response | Sailing autopilot arrangement with supported instruments and controls |
| Equipment scope | H5000 Pilot Computer is not a complete drive package | NAC-3 computer also needs correctly selected peripheral equipment |
| Instrument planning | Specify the supported H5000 instrument and control architecture | Verify existing wind, heading and control-device compatibility |
| Australian pricing | Manufacturer listed AUD $3,699 computer only when checked; out of stock | Use an itemised quote for computer, drive, sensors and commissioning |
| Commissioning priority | Demonstrate intended sailing functions with calibrated inputs | Verify response, steering limits and supported sailing modes |
Specifications and installation scope from manufacturer documentation. Any AUD prices shown are indicative; confirm current package contents and installed costs with a dealer.
Which should you choose?
Choose if
Which autopilot configuration suits your boat?
Choose B&G H5000 Pilot if…
- The required sailing functions are part of the documented system design
- The crew and installer can allocate time to instrument calibration and trials
Choose B&G NAC-3 if…
- The supported modes cover the boat’s actual sailing programme
- The drive and existing instruments suit a NAC-3 installation
Separate sailing-data requirements from drive suitability
Write down which sailing functions and data sources the crew needs, and ask the supplier to map them to the proposed H5000 or NAC-3 configuration. Include the exact instruments, controls and software. A system’s available features depend on more than the pilot computer named in the quote.
Assess the actuator and its installation independently. More advanced instrument processing does not correct an unsuitable drive or mounting arrangement. A useful proposal explains both the sailing-data architecture and how the rudder will be driven on this boat.
Budget for setup and ongoing ownership
Ask who will select and verify data sources, commission the pilot and teach the crew the intended modes. If the plan involves performance-oriented sailing functions, agree what will actually be demonstrated and what conditions the trial requires.
Compare the complete cost of instruments, pilot components, installation and instruction. H5000 is an established system, not a newly launched replacement for every NAC-3 installation. The practical question is whether its supported capabilities address a defined need that the simpler proposed configuration does not.
The systems in this comparison
Questions
B&G H5000 Pilot vs NAC-3: frequently asked questions
Is H5000 a new 2026 release?
No. It is an established system newly covered on this site.
Does the H5000 computer price include a drive?
No. The observed price is for the computer. Budget for compatible controls, instruments, drive and installation separately.
Manufacturer sources for this comparison
Source-based comparison checked 20 September 2026. No comparative sea trial is claimed.
Autopilot training after installation
The best pack badly understood is a worse autopilot than a modest one used well. A half-day handover covers modes, override, alarms and a failure drill.