Using an autopilot when on your boat has several benefits. The main one being that a steady course can be held so that the crew can concentrate on other tasks. In effect you have an extra pair of hands. It can help improve fuel consumption and speed. We should add that the use of the autopilot should not be at the expense of safe navigation and seamanship! An autopilot used correctly can make life afloat a lot more enjoyable.
Once you've decided to purchase one, you then need to select the right one for your boat and the intended use. If you need help, ASK, but initially you need to establish the following points.
Do you have a prefered manufacturer? If you already have a Navigation System, it may make sense to source your autopilot from the same manufacturer in order to end up with a fully integrated system. Mixing brands usually works but some advanced functionality is often lost.
Do you have a motor boat or a sail boat?
Steering system type, hydraulic, solenoid, push/pull cable, stern drive, chain and cable (whitlock/lewmar), tiller, "fly-by-wire".
For a hydraulic steering system you will need the steering ram capacity. (this is in cc's and usually on a label on the ram).
For sailboat systems you will need the vessel builders quoted displacement, unless it has a hydraulic helm.
As an approved service centre for Raymarine, Simrad and B&G, we can advise you on which pilot suits your boat. We offer the full range of AutoPilot products from Raymarine, Simrad and B&G.
