Offshore Racing Autopilot Comparator — Skysat

NKE Marine Electronics is distributed by Skysat — 141 references in the catalog. Full online availability on the store is in progress (most NKE products are currently in draft and accessible via quote). The Gyropilot 3 NKE is the French racing standard alongside the Madintec MAD Brain Box (often used together: Gyropilot 3 + MAD Brain Box + NKE 3D HR II sensors). For a quote for the Gyropilot 3 or any NKE product not listed, contact us.

The cruising autopilot comparison tool covers Raymarine Evolution + Garmin Reactor 40 + B&G NAC-3 + B&G H5000 CPU Performance — cruising segment + IRC club. This racing comparison tool goes further: H5000 Hydra + Hercules + MAD Brain Box + Pixel sur Mer Exocet — for offshore racing programs and professional tiers. The key difference: here we talk about central navigation processors (tactical + polars + multi-source data acquisition), whereas there we talk about autopilots (heading-only control).

Wave Mode is a control algorithm that anticipates the effect of 3D swell on the boat's trajectory. Without Wave Mode, the autopilot reacts to the heading deviation after the swell has already caused the boat to drift (delay of 1–2 seconds = 5–10° of heading lost). With properly configured Wave Mode, the autopilot anticipates the arrival of a wave and adjusts preemptively, reducing average heading deviation by 50% in rough seas. 2026 market reference: Madintec MAD Modes (Super-pilot). A good alternative is B&G v3.5 refined (Hercules). The H5000 Hydra has a basic version (more limited effect).

The 3D HR sensors (high-resolution 3D) measure wind in 3 axes + compensate heel + heel/heading to provide accurate true wind to ±0.3°. NKE 3D HR II: French racing standard, compatible with Madintec MAD Brain Box and NKE Gyropilot 3. B&G WS720 / WS730: vertical ultrasonic sensors 1.1 m / 1.4 m, compatible with H5000 + Hercules. Pixel sur Mer Exocet: accepts custom calibrated sensors (proprietary analog acquisition). Sensor choice must be made before the processor — not the other way around.

Pixel Exocet is a modular system — the base central unit at 9 990 € HT includes the processing unit + WiFi/Ethernet + I/O acquisition protocol. The complete system adds: expansion modules (Digital In 16 channels ~ 1 200 € HT, connection boxes ~ 500 € HT each, control keypads ~ 320 € HT, custom cables ~ 300 € HT/m). On a full IMOCA, the integrated Pixel system easily runs from 30 000 to 80 000 € HT, with optional structural monitoring (Luna Technology fiber optic interrogator at 25 573 € HT for Vendée Globe programs).

The used MAD Brain Box market exists (Madintec hardware very reputed for its longevity, units from 8-10 years old are still in service in Class40). Mandatory checks before purchase: firmware version (advanced MAD modes require firmware ≥ v4.2), condition of I/O connectors (sensitive to corrosion in humid environments), is warranty still valid (Madintec usually offers 12 months on certified used units). Our recommendation: go through an authorized dealer (Skysat offers a certification service + 6-month warranty on used racing equipment).