furuno autopilot for sailboats

7 Best Sailboat Autopilot Systems

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Essential in increasing efficiency, safety, and convenience, marine autopilots are a sailor's best friend when out there on the water. A properly operating sailboat autopilot will keep your sailboat on a selected course even in strong currents and winds and that why you need to go for the best sailboat autopilot.

Steering a sailboat is always fun. And even though many sailors are so good at it, some circumstances can make steering a boat on a straight line or the right course almost impossible. The tides, winds, and the complex hull-bottom designs can throw your sailboat off route and the adjustments that you have to make to return to course can be your voyage killers. Even if you have a crew that regularly sails with you, having an autopilot can help you stay on course and that's exactly why you need the best sailboat autopilot.

In the simplest term possible, an autopilot is an extra pair of hands that can help you in steering your sailboat on the right course. It is a self-steering device for powerboats or sailboats and even the most basic autopilot can help in holding your vessel on a pre-set compass course. Some advanced autopilots can even gather data from your boat and determine whether or not the boat is capable of handling the task in hand.

So whether you have a mechanically-steered boat or a tiller-steered sailboat, an autopilot is of great importance for both you and your boat. And it doesn't matter whether you want to explore your nearest lake for a day or want to sail to the Caribbean on your sailboat, it will make your job a lot easier, efficient, and safer. This is why we've put together this article to help you find the best sailboat autopilot. Read on and find which is best for you and your sailboat.

Table of contents

How to Choose the Best Sailboat Autopilot for Your Vessel

When it comes to choosing the best sailboat autopilot for your vessel, the easiest thing to do would be to go for an autopilot that can steer your sailboat in calm seas. However, this is not advisable since you want an autopilot that works perfectly under very demanding sea conditions. With that in mind, here are the most important things to consider when looking at the best sailboat autopilot for you. 

Speed of Helm Adjustment

The best way to measure the speed on an autopilot that's appropriate for your boat is by looking at the number of degrees per second of helm correction. As such a 40-feet boat requires 10 degrees per second, a 25-feet boat requires 15 degrees per second, and a 70-feet boat requires 5 degrees per second. 

An above-deck or below-deck Autopilot

Do you want an autopilot that's designed to be used above the deck or below the deck? Well, the most important thing is to choose an autopilot that matches the displacement of your boat. More importantly, above-deck autopilots are ideal if you have a smaller boat while below-deck autopilot is ideal if you have a larger boat.

The Steering System

What type of steering system does your boat have? It's important to understand whether your boat has rotary drives, linear drive, or hydraulic drives. 

Control Interfaces

You should choose what's perfect for you as far as the control interface is concerned because this is one of the most crucial parts of an autopilot. The best features to consider include ease of use, waterproof, intuitive display, backlit options, and compatibility with SimNet, SeaTalk, and NMEA 2000.

7 Best Sailboat Autopilots

Here are the 7 best sailboat autopilots.

Raymarine ST1000 Plus Tiller Pilot

(Best for Tiller-steered Sailboats)

The Raymarine ST100 Plus Tiller Pilot is a classic tiller pilot that's one of the best accessories for your sailboat and your everyday sailing escapades. It's designed in such a way that it can accept NMEA data while still offering accurate navigation thanks to its incredibly intelligent software.

This autopilot is designed with a backlit LCD to help you see your navigational data, locked course, and other important information that can make your sailing safer and much better. The fact that the backlit LCD works perfectly in low-light conditions is an added plus.

That's not all; the ST1000 comes with an AutoTack feature that works like an extra hand when you're engaged in other responsibilities. For example, it can tack the sailboat for you when you adjust the sails. Better still, this autopilot is fully-fitted with everything that you need to install it on your sailboat and use it.

• ‍ It's easy to use thanks to the simple six-button keypad
• It's perfect when sailing in the calm sea as well as in stormy conditions
• It is waterproof so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged
• Its intelligent software minimizes battery usage thereby prolonging its battery life
• Perfect for tiller-steered sailboats
• ‍ The 2-year warranty could be improved
• It's a bit heavier

Garmin Ghc 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control

(Best for Night Sailing)

If you're planning to go on a voyage, chances are you'll find yourself sailing overnight. With that in mind, you should go for an autopilot that works perfectly both during the day and at night. The Garmin Ghc 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control is your best sailboat autopilot for these types of adventure.

This amazing autopilot is designed with a 4-inch display that can improve your nighttime readability. This display is glass-bonded and comes with an anti-glare lens that is essential in preventing fog and glare in sunny conditions. This is crucial in helping you maintain control in all conditions, both during the day and at night.

This autopilot also provides a 170-degree viewing angle. This is essential in viewing the display at almost any angle. So whether you're adjusting the sails up on the deck or grabbing an extra sheet below the deck, you can be able to look at the display and see what's going on. So whether a sailing vessel or a powerboat, this autopilot is easy to use thanks to its five-button control. 

• ‍ The five-button control makes it easy to use
• Comes with a bright 4-inch display
• The display works in all conditions thanks to its glass-bonded, anti-glare lens
• The display offers optimal view both during the day and at night
• It's compatible with other Garmin products
• ‍ Only good for sailboat under 40 feet in length
• The battery life should be improved

Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot

(Best for 32-feet or less Sailboat)

For many lone sailors, going with a sailboat that measures 32-feet or less in length is always ideal. Under such scenarios, it's always best to go with a sailboat autopilot that's perfect for such types of boats, and the Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot can be a superb option for you. This autopilot is so perfect as it brings to the table a combination of advanced technological software and simplicity.

Its five-button display makes it user-friendly, easy to use, and perfect in controlling your sailboat accordingly. This autopilot has a low-power draw, which means that your battery will last longer even when used for prolonged periods. This is an excellent autopilot that's designed with the sailor in mind as it goes about its business quietly so that you can enjoy your sailing adventures without noise and interruption from a humming autopilot.

• ‍ One of the quietest sailboat autopilots
• The battery life is excellent
• It's designed with one of the most advanced software
• It's waterproof to protect it from spray and elements
• It offers precision steering and reading in all types of weather conditions
• It's easy to use and control
• ‍ Not ideal for big boats

Raymarine M81131 12 Volt Type 2 Autopilot Linear Drive

(Best for Seasonal Cruising)

For those of us who love cruising during winter when other sailors are drinking hot coffee from the comfort of their abodes, the Raymarine M81131 is the right sailboat autopilot for you. Well, this autopilot can be an ideal option if your sailboat is large enough to have a full motor system.

This autopilot is one of the most powerful in the marine industry and has an incredible electromagnetic fail-safe clutch. This autopilot is also compatible with other devices such as NMEA 2000 ABD SeaTalk navigation data. In terms of precision navigation, this autopilot will never disappoint you in any weather condition.

So whether you're looking to go ice-fishing or sailing the oceans during winter, this is your go-to autopilot.

• ‍ Offers optimal sailing experience and navigation precision
• It's very quiet
• It offers high performance with minimal battery usage
• It's great for adverse winter conditions 
• ‍ It's expensive

Furuno Navpilot 711C Autopilot System

(Best for Accuracy)

If you're looking for the best sailboat autopilot that will take your navigation to the next level in terms of accuracy, look no further than the Furuno Navpilot 711C. This is an autopilot that enhances your boat's precision as far as staying on course is concerned. This is because the autopilot is designed with a self-learning software program that offers step by step calculations of your navigation and course.

This autopilot also offers real-time dynamic adjustments so that you can steer your sailboat more accurately. Thanks to this self-learning algorithm also offers great power application that significantly reduces the manual helm effort when maneuvering various situations. Its colored graphic display is of great benefit as you can easily read the information even in low-light conditions. So it doesn't matter whether you're sailing at night or during the day, this autopilot will serve you right in any condition. 

• ‍ It's great for power and fuel efficiency
• The display is intuitive
• It's easy to set up and use
• Its power assist is essential in reducing steering system complexity
• Great for both outboard and inboard motors
• ‍ Quite expensive

Si-Tex SP120 Autopilot with Virtual Feedback

(The Most Affordable Autopilot)

If you're on a budget and looking for one of the most affordable yet reliable sailboat autopilots, look no further than the Si-Tex SP120 Autopilot. This is a perfect high-performance sailboat autopilot that can be great for small to medium-sized powerboats and sailboats.

One of the most important features that this autopilot brings to the table is the ability to offer virtual feedback. This is great in eliminating the manual rudder feedback and thereby enhances your sailboat's performance. Its splash-proof 4.3-inch LCD offers one of the best transflective displays in the marine industry. The 4-button operation makes it a lot easier to use and provides the information you need to steer your sailboat safely and perfectly.

This autopilot can be great for you if you have a small or medium-sized sailboat thanks to its ease of use. The fact that it's one of the most affordable sailboat autopilots makes it highly popular with sailors who are on a budget.

• ‍ It's simple to install and use
• The virtual feedback is great
• The display is one of the best in the game
• It's quite affordable
• ‍ It's not ideal for big boats

Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot

(Best for Outboard Motor Boats)

If you have a motorboat that has a single-engine outboard, The Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot can be an ideal option. This is a great autopilot that mitigates heading error and unnecessary rudder movement while offering more flexible mounting, which is essential in offering a more comfortable sailing even in the roughest of weather conditions.

This autopilot can be easily fine-tuned thanks to its throttle settings with a touch of a button. Of course, this can be useful especially when the seas are rough and you're trying to remain on course. This autopilot is also waterproof to ensure that it doesn't get damaged with spray or other elements.

With this autopilot, you're guaranteed to enjoy an awesome sailing trip even when going against the wind or when sailing in rough conditions. 

• ‍ Easy to install and use
• It's waterproof
• It's beautifully designed
• It comes with a floating handheld remote control
• It's great for maintaining heading hold and route.
• ‍ It's only ideal for motorboats with up to 20 horsepower
• It's relatively expensive

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing an ideal sailboat autopilot for you. The best thing about the above-described sailboat autopilots is that they're among the best and you can find one that perfectly suits your unique needs and boats. Of course, most of them are quite expensive but they will advance the way you sail and make your sailing adventures even more enjoyable. We hope that you'll find the perfect sailboat autopilot for you.

Until next time, happy sailing!

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Sailboat Upgrades

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Cost To Sail Around The World

May 16, 2023

Small Sailboat Sizes: A Complete Guide

October 30, 2022

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

My Cruiser Life Magazine

6 Best Sailboat Autopilot Systems

Hand steering a sailboat is so much fun – until it isn’t. In actuality, it’s tiring work that requires more concentration than we can give it for very long. Racing sailboats switch helmspersons regularly, and offshore passagemakers never rely solely on hand steering. In fact, a breakdown of automatic steering is a big problem for a short-handed vessel offshore.

Sailboat autopilot come to our rescue again and again. These crewmembers don’t need sleep, food, or water, and they never complain much. So let’s take a moment to appreciate these wonders of modern technology, and credit them with what they make possible. Here’s a look at the inner workings of Otto the Pilot, including his care and feeding.

Table of Contents

What is a sailboat auto pilot how does it work, what can an autopilot do, what can’t an autopilot do, mechanical windvane, electrical sailboat autopilots, control head, computer, “black box,” or “core pack”, rudder angle sensor, other input sensors, size and displacement of your vessel, types of drive unit, functionality and integration with mfd, small boat tiller pilots, below deck autopilots, sailboat autopilot faqs, navco/b&g, simrad, lowrance.

At the most basic level, the purpose of an autopilot is to steer the boat so you don’t have to. Steering a boat is like steering a car–every bend and curve in even a straight road will set the vehicle on a new course. So while sailing, every wave will wiggle the boat around. What’s more, the boat’s designed-in weather helm tendencies will cause it to want to head up into the wind. So steering a sailboat requires constant attention and work. 

After about 30 minutes, even the best helmsmen will start to waiver. An autopilot relieves you of some of this workload. It allows you to safely stand watch at the helm for hours at a time because you don’t have to worry about every bump, wave, and wind gust blowing you off course.

Do Boats Have Autopilot?

Of course, not every boat has an autopilot. It likely doesn’t need one if the boat is designed for day sailing. Half the fun of day sailing lies in the handling of the boat–the actual sailing part! Having an autopilot might be handy, but it’s hardly a necessity.

But boats that are built to travel for hours, days, or weeks at a time need an autopilot of some sort. There are many types of autopilots out there, even some mechanical ones that require no electricity . They vary in functionality, but their basic purpose is to relieve the helmsperson of some of the work. 

With that in mind, all autopilots can perform some basic functions. No matter how basic they are, they can all hold the boat’s course and points of sale in a relatively straight line. How they accomplish this depends on their complexity and what sort of sensors or inputs the autopilot has to understand the world around it.

Advanced modern autopilots usually have three modes you can select from. They can hold a compass heading, a bearing off of the wind, or hold a GPS course to the next waypoint. 

As amazing as autopilot is and as much work as they can do for us, they have some very big limits. What can’t an autopilot do? It can never replace an able helmsperson exercising good seamanship.

What does that mean? First and foremost, it is the legal responsibility of every vessel operator to maintain a continuous lookout. This is one of the most fundamental regulations in the COLREGS – the international laws set to prevent collisions at sea. 

In other words, only a human standing watch and looking out for hazards can see and avoid those hazards. An autopilot has no sensors to understand the world around it in that way–it can’t see other ships, boats, landmasses, rocks, or markers. So if it’s holding its course and something is ahead of it, it will run right into whatever lies in its way.

Many new sailors want to know if they can sleep while the autopilot drives the boat. The autopilot will certainly keep driving the boat–but it will keep driving it forever–onto the beach, into the side of a container ship, or straight into a metal day beacon.  

Another thing that autopilots don’t know is when to stop. They keep going until the helmsman switches them into “standby” mode. Here’s a horror story that I’ve heard a few times–it’s the middle of the night, and the boat is on autopilot. The skipper needs to pee, so he walks to the stern rail and falls off. His wife awakes two hours later for her watch, only to find an empty boat that’s still steering a perfect course away from her dear darling husband. 

Now, ladies, before you get any ideas, this is supposed to be an illustrative and cautionary tale about autopilots, not marriages.

Types of Autopilot

It’s impossible to understand the role and purpose of modern autopilots without first discussing the tried and true mechanical windvane. 

The windvane is a simple item mounted to the back of the boat. Above the water is a windvane that swings to point into the wind. Through a series of linkages, it is attached to a rudder below the water–either its own rudder or attached to the boat’s rudder.

The skipper uses a line to select the direction off of the wind – using the windvane – that they wish to steer. The windvane then corrects for any changes by moving its rudder left or right. 

The windvane is pretty simple in theory and ultra-reliable. Before the days of solar and wind generators , the fact that they used no electrical power was their biggest selling point. They’re still popular with offshore sailors today, mostly because of their reliability and simplicity. While a lightning strike could take out every electrical component on your boat, it wouldn’t hurt a windvane. 

For all its plusses, the windvane has some limitations. It only works when sailing in steady winds–if you’re trying to hold your course while motoring on a windless day, it won’t do much. They are also large and bulky, mounted on the stern of the boat in a place where most coastal sailors want to have their dinghy or a nice swim step.

Electric autopilots are a technology borrowed from the powerboat world. There’s fundamentally no difference between a sailboat autopilot and one built for a powerboat.  

Above-Deck or Cockpit Autopilots

An above-deck autopilot has all of its components mounted at the helm. It’s a simple and less expensive solution popular with smaller coastal cruising boats. 

For a basic autopilot like this, an electric mechanism will turn your steering wheel or tiller. It works fine on smaller boats and in calm conditions. However, the drive units are not powerful enough to move a big boat or a boat in very rough conditions . These units are commonly called wheel pilot and tiller pilot systems.

Below-Deck or Inboard Autopilot System

The best solution, albeit the more expensive and complicated one, is the below-deck autopilot. The rudder is turned by a series of servo motors or hydraulics below decks.

The biggest advantage of most of these systems is that the autopilot usually has its own attachment to the rudder post. In the event of a steering failure, the autopilot will often still control the boat just fine.

Another advantage is that the autopilot drive motor can be sized correctly for the vessel. Hydraulic rams that produce incredible force can be mounted. These can control any vessel in any sea condition if sized correctly.

Sail Boat Auto Pilot Components

Today’s autopilots are complex electronic systems built of several components that work together to get the job done. Most advanced autopilots consist of the following parts.

• Control head
• Electronic flux-gate compass
• Black box computer or core pack
• Rudder position and other sensors

There must be some controls for the helmsperson to manipulate the helm of the boat . This is usually in the form of an instrument-sized control head that monitors and controls the autopilot system. 

The autopilot computer cannot know the compass course of the boat without having an electronic flux-gate compass. It is usually mounted somewhere in the boat far from other electromechanical systems, like a locker in the stateroom. 

The autopilot’s processor will have a central black box that receives input from its various sensors. It also directly controls the drive motor, telling it when to come on and which direction to steer with how much force.

The drive unit mounts to the rudder post of the boat. It is generally preferred that the drive attach directly to the post so that if anything on the regular steering system breaks, the autopilot will still function. In the case of an above-deck autopilot, the drive unit is usually a simple electric motor or a magnetic servo mounted to the wheel.

There are a few methods of below-deck drive that can be matched to the vessel’s existing steering system. For example, powerboats with outboards often have hydraulic steering installed. In addition, there are autopilot drive systems that you can install in line with this existing system. 

The most common type of drive on sailboats is the linear ram drive. This is a rod that pushes straight in or out. When mounted to an arm on the rudder shaft, it can turn the rudder through its full range of motion.

The ram can be powered by either an electric motor of the sailboat and gears or hydraulics. 

A position sensor is mounted on the rudder shaft to ensure that the autopilot knows the rudder’s angle. It operates an indicator on the control head. But more importantly, it helps calibrate the system to know where the center is and how much deflection is given to each side. 

The complexity of your autopilot is also dependent on how many other electronics are networked into the autopilot computer. Most marine networks now work on the NMEA2000 standard. If that’s the case, and your autopilot talks to your other instruments, you’ll likely get a few extra benefits. 

If you have an electronic wind instrument onboard, your autopilot will be able to hold a true wind angle. This is a great way to run a cruising boat and like using an old-school windvane. 

For example, you might be running a course to your destination and find it sailing downwind . Instead of risking an accidental jibe with your boat , you set up a course with the wind 160 degrees to starboard. The autopilot will hold that wind angle for you, even if the wind shifts slightly. Then, you can determine when, where, and if you need to jibe.

If your autopilot “talks” to your MFD (multi-function display), you can get even more options. If you plot a course directly to a waypoint, your autopilot can track the sailboat on that line using the “Navigation” function. Remember that it won’t know what to do when you get there, so it will likely deactivate itself. It’s just holding that pre set compass course.

Alternatively, you could program an entire route into your GPS. This series of waypoints, all located in safe water, guides you from departure to destination. Most GPS systems will communicate the turns in the route to the autopilot, allowing it to follow that pre-programmed route without you touching it. 

Picking the Best Sailboat Autopilot

Picking an autopilot for your boat is one of those big undertakings that can quickly balloon out of your control. 

Here’s my own experience installing an autopilot from scratch. I share it here not as a how-to guide but as a cautionary tale into exactly how involved a project that this can become. 

Our sailboat came with a home-built above-deck autopilot. It functioned acceptably in calm waters, but its belt drive was easily overpowered in following seas. It was also something of a hassle to activate and deactivate. So in replacing our GPS and other electronics, we knew we wanted to upgrade to something more able to handle offshore weather.

We settled on B&G electronics for our boat. The existing autopilot had a newer Raymarine control head, compass, and computer, which I hoped to reuse. I wanted to get a linear drive unit to mount below decks. 

While I could get a Raymarine linear drive that would communicate with the Raymarine computer I owned, I could not get one big enough for my boat. So a new black box was required. 

I could not find a hydraulic drive unit that would fit the dimensions of our boat. There wasn’t much space near the rudder, and most hydraulic units were big. So I settled for an electric linear drive from Raymarine, but the most powerful one. 

I then discovered there was no easy way to mount the drive unit. My rudder post did not have an arm for it, so I would have to have that built custom. Plus, there were no flat spaces in the compartment nearby where the drive could be bolted on. 

Thankfully I could mount the Raymarine linear drive at any angle. I had to build angled blocks out of solid wood, allowing the drive motor to be mounted on its side and at a 30-degree angle to the rudder post. I then had a custom-made arm built by Edson Marine with a 30-degree offset, a $600 unexpected expense. This strange and complicated arrangement was the only way I could get the drive to give full deflection of the rudder within its designed mounting limits. 

So, what began as a $1,200 project for a new drive unit ballooned into a complete replacement project with all electronics costing over $4,000, plus another $1,000 in miscellaneous parts and modifications. This is for a 38-foot sailboat and doing all the work myself. The project would have easily cost $10,000 or more had I had a boatyard do the labor. 

How did I choose which autopilot would be best? Well, there aren’t actually that many choices. While many companies make hydraulic rams, only Raymarine had electric linear drives. I already had B&G electronics, so it only made sense to buy the same for maximum compatibility. 

In the end, the system works flawlessly, and I am very happy. But it goes in the folder of boat projects I hope never to do again. So, from one sailor to another, my advice is to buy a boat that is already set up the way you like it! Most newer boats come from the factory set-up for a below-deck autopilot, so all you should ever have to do is replace the components.

The most important factor in choosing your autopilot is to size it correctly according to the boat’s displacement. This will ensure that the unit has enough power to move the rudder when it’s underway. The force needed to move the rudder is proportional to the size of the rudder and the speed at which the vessel is moving. 

For whatever type of drive unit you choose, you will be given some operating limits of what it can and cannot do. For example, Raymarine makes three versions of their mechanical linear drive. Type 1 is for boats up to 24,000 lbs, Type 2S for up to 33,000 lbs, and Type 2L for vessels up to 44,000 lbs. The arms have a stroke of 12 (S model) or 16 (L model) inches, which must accommodate the movement of your rudder from stop to stop. Finally, the physical dimensions of the drive need to fit in the space provided.

Raymarine makes about the most complete line of autopilot drives on the market today. Currently, Raymarine has five types.

• Hydraulic pumps for hydraulic steering 
• Hydraulic linear arms
• Mechanical linear arms
• Mechanical rotary motors for chain and sprocket drives
• Sterndrive actuators for boats with power-assisted steering

The drive unit you choose will be part of your overall system design. It depends on how your steering system works and how and where you’re going to plug in the autopilot drive.

If you’re installing new electronics with your autopilot, getting a unit that matches the rest of your navigation technology makes sense. If you have Garmin, stick with Garmin; likewise, Raymarine or B&G. All make good products. The benefits of having them work together flawlessly are greater than any benefit you’ll get from mixing and matching different brands.

For example, my B&G autopilot allows me to control the autopilot directly from my MFD instead of having a separate control head. This saved me some money and space at the helm since a control head would be another $500 and another instrument face to mount. It also means that I can use the big touch screen and menu system to set up the autopilot and calibrate it.

Sailboat Autopilot Reviews

When shopping for an autopilot, you may find it difficult to shop online. More often than not, suppliers will have one component you need but not another. No one keeps all of these parts in stock and available for immediate shipment. You’ll wind up piecing together your autopilot system with parts from several sources. 

More often than not, what owners need is to replace one component. For example, maybe the drive unit went bad, or their control head display died. In these cases, simply replace the same part number from whoever has the part.

If you’re replacing the entire system or all of your electronics, it may be easiest to work directly through the manufacturer or their local distributor. However, if you’re willing to shop around, you might be able to find kits and individual components through Amazon, West Marine, Defender, or other marine stores. 

Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot

The TP10 is an entry-level, easy-to-use autopilot built for boats with tillers up to 32 feet long. It mounts simply in the cockpit and has easy controls. Best of all, it’s waterproof.

• Simrad TP10 Tiller Pilot

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Raymarine ST2000 Plus Tiller Pilot

Raymarine makes a similar line of tiller pilots. This model, A12005, is for vessels weighing up to 10,000 pounds. 

• Add custom text here

Raymarine Pilot EV-400 Autopilot (No Drive Included)

For below-deck mounted systems, Raymarine makes two levels of the computer system–the EV-200 or EV-400. This is the 400, which is big boat approved and will drive their largest Type 3 mechanical or hydraulic drives. Match the correct drive unit to the size and configuration of your vessel. 

This kit also comes with the P70R, a rotary dialed controller for the helmsperson. The knob is a great feature that makes turning the boat in small increments a lot easier. 

• Precision monitoring of heading, pitch, roll, and yaw allowing the Autopilot to Evolve Instantly as Sea conditions and vessel dynamics change

Garmin Reactor 40 Corepack for Mechanical or Retrofit Autopilots

Garmin autopilot systems are based around the Reactor 40 “core pack.” Unfortunately, most of Garmin’s autopilot kits available online are designed for modern boats or those with hydraulic steerings systems. To piece together a kit for a classic sailboat with cable or Edson steering, start with this retrofit core pack directly from Garmin.

This kit includes: 

• Course computer unit
• GHC20 control head
• Electronic control unit (ECU)
• Cables and NMEA2000 connectors

B&G (Simrad) NAC-3 Core Pack and Compass

This kit includes the main computer for the Simrad family of autopilots. You can couple this with any type of drive unit. All controls for the autopilot are accomplished through the B&G Zeus or Vulcan multi-function display. If you want a dedicated control panel, they sell that as well. You may also need a rudder position sensor to make the system work.

Furuno NAVPILOT300

This is an all-in-one solution that requires fewer parts. You’ll still need a drive unit and a heading sensor to make a complete system. 

Top Brands of Sailboat Auto Pilot

As mentioned above, the big names in sailboat instruments all offer autopilot packages. If you’re only replacing the autopilot electronics, keeping everything the same brand makes sense. However, if you’re replacing everything, you have bigger choices to make. 

Garmin applies the lessons they learned by making several generations of aircraft autopilots. Their systems integrate much more than a simple flux-gate compass–their autopilots are built with a full-fledged AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System).

Using this Autopilot Compatibility Guide , you can figure out which Garmin autopilot is right for you.

Navco is the parent company of three different electronics brands–B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance. That’s a perk because you can mix and match components between the three names at will. B&G is the favored brand for sailboats. The B&G NAC-2 and NAC-3 autopilot computers are the basic start for the typical cruising yacht. High-end racers and luxury boats will want to look into the fancier H5000 autopilot system. 

Simrad sells a line of basic tiller pilots for above-deck autopilot installs on small boats.

Raymarine is one of the older and most trusted brands in marine electronics. Their autopilots are robust and come in any arrangement you like. In addition, they have one of the only above-deck wheel-drive autopilot systems on the market, the EV-100 SAIL. They also have tiller pilots and a complete lineup of below-deck options.

Furuno is an underdog in the recreational marine industry – favored by professionals but often overlooked by the private boat owner. Their autopilot NAVPILOT offerings are adaptive controllers designed to make boat handling easier. Most are designed for outboard hydraulic-steer fishing boats, but their control heads and computers will work with almost any type of setup.

How much does a sailboat autopilot cost?

The cost and complexity of an autopilot system depend on the size of the boat. Small tiller-steered daysailors can usually at a tiller pilot for less than $1000. 

A below-deck autopilot, with all of the components to make it work with your multi-function display, will set most owners back $4,000 or $6,000. In addition, if the boat does not already have a below-deck autopilot, there may be quite a bit of labor necessary to build platforms or brackets to adapt the drive unit to the rudder post.

Do sailing yachts have autopilot?

Yes, most sailboats larger than daysailers have autopilots. These vary in complexity from mechanical windvanes to extensive electronic systems that tie into the boat’s GPS and multi-function displays.

Can you sleep while your boat is on autopilot?

A good autopilot will steer a boat for you, on a constant heading or wind angle, through nearly any conditions. However, it cannot ensure that you don’t hit anything–like another vessel. It is illegal to operate a vessel without a “proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate…to make a full appraisal of the situation and or the risk of collision” (COLREGS Rule 5).

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• AUTOPILOT NAVpilot-1000

AUTOPILOT Model NAVpilot-1000 NEW

HCS (Heading Control System) type-approved Autopilot

"The NAVpilot-1000 is a HCS (Heading Control System) type-approved Autopilot that can be connected to an analog steering system or solenoid steering system, which are often used for relatively large vessels. The NAVpilot-1000 has both IMO and Non-IMO modes depending on steering types or operation requirements and covers various types of vessels."

HCS Type-Approved

Easy to Read and Robust Controls

Easily Follow Routes with NAV Mode ＊

Interconnect with mfd.

Specifications

Control unit, processor unit, environmental, equipment list.

• CONTROL UNIT FAP-10001
• PROCESSOR UNIT FAP-10002
• INSTALLATION MATERIALS and SPARE PARTS
• RUDDER REFERENCE UNIT FAP-6112
• NMEA2000 JUNCTION BOX FI-5002
• CABLE ASSEMBLY FRU-NMEA-PFF 1/2/6 m FRU-NMEA-PMMFF 1/2/6 m FR-FTPC-CY 10/20/30 m ＊ LAN Cable ＊The NAVpilot-1000 is designed for use on 100 m or smaller vessels.

Interconnection Diagram

Documentation

Locate a Distributor Contact a local distributor for further details.

* Specifications subject to change without notice.

AUTOPILOT   Model NAVpilot-1000

Autopilot   model navpilot-300, autopilot   model navpilot-711c.

Kick back, relax and let NAVpilot steer you to the destination!

Furuno’s NAVpilot is a revolutionary autopilot with a sunlight viewable display designed for a variety of vessels. It utilises a self-learning and adaptive software algorithm, and plays the ultimate role in course keeping capability, dynamically adjusting essential parameters for navigation i.e., vessel speed, trim, draught, tide and wind effects, dead band, weather, etc. These parameters are stored in the system memory and continuously optimized.

AUTOPILOT Model NAVpilot-300

The coolest way to steer your boat! With the NAVpilot 300’s unique Gesture Controller, Fantum Feedback™ steering and self-learning software, you will enjoy a whole new level of navigation with ease and peace of mind!

AUTOPILOT Model NAVpilot - 711C

Self Learning and Adaptive Software

Each time the boat goes to sea, the software learns about sea conditions and automatically calculate the best adjustments for a smooth steering.

FANTUM Feedback™

Furuno’s “Fantum Feedback” NAVpilot software clears the path to a simplified installation, while also delivering enhanced steering control. With Fantum Feedback, NAVpilot outboard installations no longer require use of a physical rudder feedback unit. Fantum Feedback is a menu-selectable feature available in the latest NAVpilot-300 and NAVpilot-700 series software. This software was developed and extensively tested on a wide variety of outboard vessels with hydraulic steering and reversing pump control. Fantum Feedback achieves precise course control, from slow trolling speeds to high-speed cruising, utilizing a newly developed gain process, rather than traditional rudder angle-based control.

Easily Installation and smart network-based system configuration

NMEA2000 certified.

Waterproof Processing Unit (IP55) and Control Unit (IP56)

Safe Helm and Power Assist

The SAFE HELM temporally switches the NAVpilot to manual steering for a specified time interval. The POWER ASSIST reduces steering system complexity and costs while increasing fuel economy. The POWER ASSIST is a unique helm-activated assisted steering feature that can augment and possibly replace separate electric and power-robbing, engine-driven power steering systems on many vessels. POWER ASSIST reduces steering system complexity and costs while

Various Display Modes

Various display modes are available on the NAVpilot-300, allowing you to obtain all the necessary data you need thanks to user-friendly menu and graphics, either digital or analog. The NAVpilot-300 also features day/night graphic display, offering perfect viewability no matter the time. 

Compatible with EVC systems

The NAVpilot series has the capability to work with Volvo Penta IPS, Yamaha Helm MasterTM, Yanmar 8LV engine systems and Seastar Optimus360 Joystick system.

Find your local Furuno dealer for more information:

Get in contact

For more information about any of our products, please speak to your dedicated Furuno dealer today.

Complete your details to download our latest brochure...

Join our Mailing List today and keep in the know with Furuno...

• West Building
• Penner Road
• Havant, Hampshire
• Tel: 02392 441000
• Email: [email protected]
• Fraserburgh
• South Breakwater
• Aberdeenshire
• Tel: 01346 518300
• Furuno International
• Navnet Brochure
• General Brochure
• Privacy Policy

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• Email Newsletters
• Boat of the Year
• 2024 Freshwater Boat and Gear Buyers Guide
• 2024 Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Water Sports Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
• Cruising Boats
• Pontoon Boats
• Fishing Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• Water Sports
• Boat Walkthroughs
• What To Look For
• Watersports Favorites Spring 2022
• Boating Lab
• Boating Safety

Furuno TZTouchXL MFD Series

• By Jim Hendricks
• June 17, 2024

Furuno has traditionally stood out as the professionals’ choice for radar, fish finders and more. The introduction of the NavNet TZtouch series of multifunction displays 12 years ago further cemented that reputation. Now Furuno doubles down on that landmark series with the new TZtouchXL MFDs.

The new series includes five sizes of MFDs that boast features never before found in navigation devices for recreational boaters, all packaged in simple-to-use touchscreen interfaces.  

A key element is the new TZ Maps electronic charts. Boaters have the ability to purchase and download the specific areas that they want in the map data they desire, such as raster or vector, satellite photos, and bathymetric data, all directly from the MFD with an internet connection. 

Boaters can also make their own updates to charted objects such as a buoy that moved off station. The charts also include BathyVision with bottom ­resolution that’s three times more detailed than any other bathymetric charts, according to Furuno. 

When networked with a Furuno DRS radar, TZtouchXL unlocks two new safety features, including Risk Visualizer, with a ­360-degree representation of potential collision risks, and AI Avoidance Route that provides safe routing around those hazards. 

Read Next: Furuno FR-10 and FR-12 Radar Displays

NavNet TZtouchXL will network with all Furuno magnetron or solid-state Doppler radars, fish finders, AIS, autopilot, and multibeam sonar systems. Each new MFD has a PIN-code lock to prevent access to the MFD and safeguard against data theft.

The series includes two ­hybrid control models: the 10-inch TZT10X and 13-inch TZT13X. These units incorporate all the multitouch capabilities of the ­TZtouchXL series, as well as Furuno’s RotoKey control knob and dedicated soft-touch keys for intuitive use in any sea condition. The all-glass 16-inch TZT16X, 22-inch TZT22X, and ­24-inch TZT24X boast super-­wide displays with exceptional clarity and brightness. To learn more, visit furunousa.com .

• More: Electronics , furuno , Gear , June/July 2024 , multifunction displays

Five Great Towable Tubes for Your Boat

6 Best Boat Trailer Light Kit Options

2024 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Choosing and Using a Marine Loudhailer

2024 Solara S250 DC

Choosing the Right Pipework Finish

How to Use an Electric Windlass Anchor System

The Benefits of GPS Integration

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Boating Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Best Sailboat Autopilot

Managing a sailboat can be a bit of a handful! Sometimes you just want to take some time to relax and enjoy the salt spray in the air and the sun on your face. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, especially if you don’t have many people who can help you sail while you’re out on the water.

Thankfully, technology has come a long way since tall ships ruled the waves. You no longer need a full crew to help keep your boat’s operations going smoothly. All you need is a few pieces of equipment that make up the system known as a sailboat autopilot.

Unfortunately, sailboat autopilots are complex pieces of equipment. They take quite a bit of thought on the part of the buyer to ensure that it is the correct model. In today’s guide, we’re going to take a look at eight of the best sailboat autopilots on the market.

We’ll also go over a few crucial pieces of buying advice, including discussing who could get the most out of a sailboat autopilot and why. Then we’ll take a look at some FAQs about sailboat autopilots and we’ll also cover the most important features to look for in the best model.

Without any further delay, let’s get started with a look at the Best Sailboat Autopilot , the Garmin Reactor 40.

Our Top Pick: Garmin 010-00705-94 Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot

Key points at a glance.

• Comes included with a GHC 20 autopilot display
• The remote control floats in the water
• Bright remote control display for use in sunny weather
• Designed for anglers as well as cruisers
• Made for use with an outboard kicker motor

The Details

Our favorite option is the Garmin Reactor 40, which offers superior user-friendliness and build quality when compared to many of the other choices you have at your disposal. This autopilot system comes included with everything you need, and it’s designed for sailboats with small, outboard kicker motors.

This autopilot system is designed to put up with everything you can throw at it, including changing currents and waves or wind. As long as you input your course correctly, the Garmin Reactor 40 will do everything in its power to keep you on the right course, and you’ll be notified if it can’t do that at any time.

The remote that you use to control this autopilot system is designed to be compact enough to bring with you anywhere on the boat. The display is designed to be as bright as possible so you can easily see what’s going on at any time, even if you’re on the upper deck and the sun is beating directly down on you.

As an added bonus, the remote control floats, so if you end up having a moment of clumsiness, you won’t have to worry about it sinking down to the murky depths. The remote also features an easily controlled throttle system that can drop your speed to zero at a moment’s notice, making the Reactor 40 ideal for anglers.

This whole system is integrated with Garmin’s GPS units, and it comes included with a GHC 20 autopilot display. Installation is a little involved, but that’s to be expected with a comprehensive autopilot system like this one. Overall, we were highly impressed with the Reactor 20, but keep in mind that it’s pricey.

This is the Best Sailboat Autopilot for most users.

• Specially designed for boats with small gasoline...
• Helps maintain heading hold and route to keep you...
• Includes convenient floating handheld remote...
• Easily fine-tune autopilot throttle setting with...
• Easy to install and integrate with our GHC 20...

Our Runner Up: Raymarine EV-100 p70 Wheel Pilot Pack

• Waterproof design allows for installation anywhere on your vessel
• Hooks up directly to the wheel and is easy to install
• Automatically adjusts based on how your boat performs
• Comes included with a wheel drive, cabling kit, the p70 control head, ACU-100 interface, and the EV1 sensor

The runner up in our list is the EV-100 autopilot pack from Raymarine. This comprehensive system comes with everything you need to automatically control the tack of your vessel.

And it’s relatively easy to install compared to a more in-depth autopilot! The relative ease of installation is due to this model’s excellent instructions and its wheel-based design.

You can use this autopilot on sailboats that are up to 16,000 lbs in displacement, so it’s not designed for the largest boats. But you can still fit it on boats on the upper end of the smallest weight class.

Impressively enough, this autopilot is smart enough to learn your boat’s habits, and it doesn’t require any calibration on your part.

The system is also designed to be fully waterproof, so it can be installed at helms that are both above- and below-deck. Like any good autopilot system, the EV-100 is constantly adjusting how your boat performs, learning how the currents and waves are impacting your course, and naturally adjusting for them.

Keep in mind that this product is designed for maximum compatibility with Evolution autopilot systems . The only reason why this was made our runner up is that it is a little less comprehensive and versatile than the Garmin system.

For example, it is purely designed for sailing and not made to support outboard motors.

• Designed for smaller wheel steered sailboats with...
• Precision monitoring of heading, pitch, roll and...
• No calibration required; The autopilot...
• Flexible installation options; Waterproof housing...
• Wheel Pilot Pack Includes: EV1 - Sensor Core,...

Best Budget: Simrad TP10 Tiller Pilot

• Nearly silent operation makes the TP10 a lot more comfortable on the ears
• Designed to draw less power so it doesn’t run your battery dry
• Automatically accounts for environmental changes to keep you on course
• Relatively easy to use and install

The Simrad TP10 is the most affordable model on this list, but unlike other low-cost autopilots, this one actually gets the job done. The TP10 is meant for tiller-steered sailboats. It supports smaller vessels than the autopilots that we’ve looked at so far, but that’s to be expected from such an affordable product.

The max vessel size for this system is a 32-footer, and the TP10 is meant to be as easy to install as it is to use. One of the more notable things about this tiller pilot system is that it uses significantly less power than many of the systems we’ve covered up until this point, so you won’t be starved for electrical energy.

All of the controls are clearly labeled and relatively easy to use on this autopilot, and it’s designed to steer your vessel precisely and effectively, accounting for any water and atmospheric conditions.

These autotiller systems are also fully waterproof, ensuring that your tiller doesn’t have to be protected from the elements to install it.

One of the best things about Simrad’s TP series of autopilots is that they’re designed to be as quiet as possible, so you won’t have to deal with any loud mechanical whines or annoyances.

However, since this model is limited to tiller-operated sailboats, it loses out in the versatility department when compared to more comprehensive systems.

• EASY TO USE: A simple selection of controls enable...
• PRECISION STEERING: Outstanding performance...
• BATTERY OPTIMISATION: Low power draw ensures your...
• SILENT SAILING: The TP range of autopilots have...
• WATERPROOF SEALING: Protection from the elements.

Best for Outboards: Furuno NavPilot 711C/OB Autopilot

• Display is equipped with a bright daytime mode and dark nighttime mode
• One-touch mode allows for simpler steering and course control
• Features several modes, including auto, advanced, NAV, and wind mode
• FishHunter setting designed for anglers

The Furuno NavPilot is specifically designed for use with outboard motors, and in that domain, it’s a little more effective than our top pick. However, we haven’t chosen this one as our top autopilot since this specialization makes it a little less versatile than the Garmin Reactor 40, which managed to steal our hearts.

Furuno has developed a range of software that controls factors that would otherwise require the installation of specialized hardware in other sailboat autopilots. For example, the Fantum Feedback system allows you to control the direction of your vessel without needing to hook up a physical feedback unit to the rudder.

Getting this system installed and set up is also a lot easier than with its competitors. It includes an on-screen wizard that will guide you through the process, much like a computer program.

The control software on this unit has been designed to learn over time, so it will only get more effective the longer you use it.

You can also opt for performance or power savings by adjusting the autopilot system between the “economy” and “precision” settings. The display on this autopilot system is designed to function easily during even the brightest days, and you can even switch the display to night mode.

Overall, this is an excellent autopilot unit for sailboats with outboard motors.

No products found.

Best No Drive Autopilot: Raymarine Pilot Ev-200 A/P with P70R No Drive

• Drive unit not included to cut down on costs
• Learns more about the behavior of your vessel the longer you own it
• Magnetically shielded for use at high northern and low southern latitudes
• Uses solid-state sensors for improved accuracy

If you already have a drive system for your sailboat’s autopilot but you’re looking to replace the autopilot regardless, then this system should work best for you. Raymarine’s EV-200 comes included without a drive unit.

This means you to save quite a bit of cash if you already have one.

Much like the other Raymarine autopilot systems, this model is designed to learn from the behavior of your boat and the prevailing conditions. It automatically accounts for things like pitch, yaw, heading, and roll, and it will only perform better with time, as it gets used to the unique way your boat handles on the water.

This autopilot system is also waterproof, much like its fellow Raymarine autopilot systems. This means you can install it above-deck and below-deck without having to worry about the delicate electronics being damaged.

The EV-200 is even designed to account for gravitic and magnetic anomalies near the southern and northern poles.

This model comes included with an ACU-200 central processing unit, a P70R control head, EVA cable kit, and an EV-1 sensor. Overall, this is a capable system that can keep your boat under control in a wide range of situations, and though it’s relatively pricey, it’s a little more affordable than comparable units that come with a drive unit.

• Precision monitoring of heading, pitch, roll, and...
• Flexible installation options. Mount above or...
• Simple sea talk-ng connectivity to the control...
• Solid state sensor technology delivers dynamic...
• Auto-compensation for on board magnetic fields and...

Best Sailboat Autopilot Buyer’s Guide

There are many people who can benefit from using an autotiller or autopilot. And there are many reasons why you’d prefer using one to manually managing your vessel all the time.

The most pertinent reason to purchase a sailboat autopilot is simple convenience. Instead of having to deal with everything yourself when you’re out on the water, your boat can automatically keep itself trimmed and on course.

Since tiller pilots can manage your vessel’s direction as well as the speed with which it’s traveling, there isn’t much that you’ll need to worry about aside from keeping an eye out for any other vessels or weather systems.

This gives you the time to actually enjoy being out on the water instead of spending the whole time being engrossed in the nuts and bolts of sailing.

You can use a sailboat autopilot in a wide range of vessels, including those controlled by a wheel and those controlled by a tiller. The huge variety of sailboat autopilots on the market ensures that sailors of all different types can benefit from them.

Other than sheer convenience, there are a few other reasons why you may wish to install a tiller pilot on your sailboat. These include cutting down on the number of crew members that you need to bring along with you to control the boat.

For example, if you frequently sail with your friends and family, and few of them are available to head out on the water, some of the slack can be picked up by your autopilot. This is because an autopilot essentially functions as additional crewmembers, managing things that you can’t direct your attention to.

Of course, you’ll always want to ensure that you have enough people on your vessel to control it if something ends up going wrong with your autopilot. Otherwise, a malfunction in the system can end up sending your vessel out of control faster than you can compensate for it.

However, a sailboat autopilot can also make the business of piloting your vessel far safer, as one that’s functioning at peak efficiency can help you deal with prevailing currents and other environmental factors.

Anglers and fishermen can also benefit from the use of a sailboat autopilot, almost more than anyone else. Some autopilots are designed to keep your vessel in position while you’re fishing or even if you’re just out and enjoying the sun. Turn on the fishfinder and get casting!

Dealing with weather using an autopilot is almost trivial compared to the difficulties you may encounter when you’re steering the boat yourself. Things like tides, winds, and even the design of your vessel can skew how it performs based on the conditions of the wind and water.

But autopilots are unfazed by these variables. Looking to sail a long distance, like 100 miles ? You’ll need some help, and an autopilot is a great helper.

Whether you’re an amateur sailor who’s looking to get a little more comfortable controlling their vessel or if you’re a serious sailboat angler, everyone can benefit from a sailboat autopilot, it’s just a matter of finding the right one for your needs. Let’s go over some of the most important factors and aspects to consider while shopping for one of them.

Important Features to Consider 

Tiller- vs. wheel-mounted.

The first thing to account for when you’re searching for the best sailboat autopilot is whether it will support your boat at all. There are two main varieties of autopilots. The first is the tiller-mounted autopilot, which is designed to control a boat’s tiller, and their simple designs make them a lot more affordable than other sailing autopilots.

The more complex alternative to a tiller-mounted autopilot is the mechanical, wheel-mounted variety. These systems will connect directly to your vessel’s wheel, but they feature an elaborate design that will make them pricier as more mechanically complex, so this will result in a bit of a more challenging installation.

User Interface

How you control your sailboat’s autopilot is another thing to account for when you’re looking for the best one. You want your autopilot to be capable enough to keep your boat facing the right direction, but it also needs to be easy enough to use so that you don’t dread the thought of programming a course into it.

Most autopilots will come with a control unit that you can use to set variables like your course and heading. Other models will even come with a remote control that you can use to adjust your autopilot’s parameters when you aren’t near it, as long as you’re within a certain distance of it.

The display is a crucial aspect of the user interface on any autopilot, and if you often sail in bright, sunny areas, you’ll want a display that’s bright enough to see where you’re going. Some displays will feature multiple brightness levels, and some will even have a night mode that will make it easier to retain your night vision.

Calibration

How you calibrate your autopilot and keep it performing accurately is another crucial aspect, and some of the cheapest models will have to be calibrated manually so that they can maintain a precise course. This can take time out of your day and take some of the “auto” out of the word autopilot.

More modern examples of sailing autopilots are designed to calibrate themselves using machine learning algorithms. This means that your autopilot will use its readings to automatically compensate for your boat’s performance and the weather over time, cutting back on the amount of work that you have to do.

Weather Resistance

Whether or not your sailboat’s autopilot is ruggedized and designed for harsh weather will affect where you can position it on your vessel and how long it will last. As with any piece of marine equipment, the best autopilots will be fully waterproof, and we wouldn’t recommend opting for a model that isn’t.

Non-waterproof sailboat autopilots will have to be located in an enclosed cabin, reducing their versatility and cutting down on the number of boats that they’ll be compatible with. On the other hand, a waterproof model can be installed on an open-helmed boat without any issues.

Installation and Assembly

The final thing to account for before buying your sailboat autopilot is how easy it will be to install it.

If you don’t want to pay extra to have someone install your new autopilot on your vessel, then you’ll want to get your hands on a simpler model with a more straightforward installation process. Typically, tiller-mounted autopilots are a lot easier to install than their more in-depth mechanical wheel counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sailboat autopilots difficult to install.

If you aren’t too proficient at technical tasks and aren’t used to DIY work, you may have some trouble getting your sailboat autopilot set up in the first place. In these cases, we’d recommend opting for a qualified technician who can get everything set up for you without any issues.

Can I control my autopilot through a smart device?

Depending on the model of autopilot that you have installed, you may be able to connect with it through Bluetooth and control it using an app designed for that specific model. Some models are also compatible with NMEA networks, so pay close attention to your sailboat autopilot’s specs before you make your purchase if you want to control it from a phone or tablet.

If you’ve got one capable of being used with a smart device, you may want to consider a Marine WiFi Extender to improve your overall signal.

Do wheel-mounted autopilots require a specific number of spokes?

Most wheel-mounted sailboat autopilots don’t require too specific of a wheel design, as long as it’s within the range of dimensions that their control units support. The number of spokes on your wheel typically doesn’t factor into whether or not you can firmly mount the control unit in the first place.

Can sailboat autopilots handle any weather conditions?

In the most challenging conditions, your sailboat autopilot may have trouble keeping up with the weather and the forces acting upon your vessel. In these cases, you’ll probably have to take manual control of the boat, and (for your safety) you should already be at the helm if you’re dealing with such intense conditions.

Other Products We Looked At:

Simrad tp22 tiller pilot.

Simrad’s TP22 is yet another tiller autopilot manufactured by Simrad, and if it wasn’t beaten in price by the earlier TP10, we would have considered this model our top budget pick. As it stands, this is still a highly capable autopilot system for tiller-controlled boats that you should get your hands on if you don’t mind spending a little extra.

Much like the TP10, the maximum size of boat that this system can handle is only a little over 30 feet. Once again, this model is designed to draw as little power as possible to keep your battery in good shape.

Like every other TP-series tiller pilot, this model also features impressively low sound output that will allow you to enjoy the peaceful sounds of the ocean.

The main thing that sets apart the TP22 from the TP10 is that it is compatible with SimNet, and setting up the SimNet functionality is relatively simple, even by yourself.

Overall, this a simple and functional tiller autopilot that combines a reasonable price point with excellent performance compared to other models in its price range.

• Learns to precisely steer your boat based on its learning algorithms
• Waterproof sealing ensures that it can be used with interior and exterior tillers
• Compatible with the Simrad SimNet

Raymarine St1000+ 3.3-Ton Tiller Pilot

Yet another tiller autopilot, the Raymarine St1000+ is a relatively affordable choice that couldn’t quite make the cut as the best budget sailboat autopilot. Despite not attaining the top spot, this model has a few features that make it one of the best tiller autopilots available, especially when it comes to user-friendliness.

The St1000+ supports vessels of up to 6,600 pounds, so it’s not designed for the largest sailboats, but you can use it on a wide enough range of boats to make it worth the money. The controls are all laid out logically on the unit itself, but it also comes included with a convenient remote that allows you to control it wherever you are.

There are three lighting levels that you can swap between, based on how sunny the day is. The reversible design also ensures that the St1000+ can be used in either a port or starboard layout.

Overall, this model isn’t the single most impressive tiller autopilot, but it gets the job done well enough to be worth a mention.

• Reversible design for either port or starboard mounting
• Handles vessels up to 6,600 lbs
• 45mm LCD screen with three brightness levels

Raymarine EV-150 p70Rs No Drive Sailboat Autopilot

No products found. This model from Raymarine is a no-drive autopilot that couldn’t quite make it into our top five. The EV-150 is like the EV-200’s younger sibling, so it offers fewer features compared to the other model. Aside from this, the EV-150 is still built to Raymarine’s exacting standards, making it one of the better no-drive options in its price range.

This model comes included with everything you need except for a hydraulic drive, including the ACU-150 autopilot. This model works with the SeaTalking network, and it also works with an optional rudder reference unit.

Along with this, you also get the EV-1 sensor core, which sends its information to the ACU-150 for optimal performance.

The p70Rs autopilot control unit features all of the buttons and knobs that allow you to adjust your heading, speed, and more. To make everything easier to set up, the p70Rs features a straightforward installation wizard that guides you through the process of getting it running.

The only downside is that this model is pricey.

• Wide viewing angles on the control unit allow you to keep it in sight wherever you are
• Comes included with Raymarine’s evolution cabling kit
• Compatible with the SeaTalk network

Let’s sum up our top choices. The Garmin Reactor 40 is one of the best sailboat autopilots you’ll find on the market, though it’s an incredibly expensive piece of gear that is mainly optimized for use with sailboats equipped with kicker motors. If this isn’t the right fit for you, there are plenty of other models that can nearly match the Reactor 40’s performance.

Chief amongst these is the Raymarine EV-100 p70 Wheel Pack. This comes included with everything you need to get started using your sailboat autopilot, and it features a more traditional design than the Reactor 40. Along with its precise performance, the EV-100 pack is fully weather-resistant to ensure that it lasts you a long time.

The best budget option at your disposal is the Simrad TP10, which is an extremely affordable sailboat autopilot that will manage your course on tiller sailboats. While it’s a little less versatile than the other two choices, Simrad’s TP10 is so affordably priced and so well-made that it’s hard to find anything that can even compete with it.

Sailboat autopilots are complicated pieces of equipment, and they can be challenging to decide between if you don’t know all of the details about them. We hope that this review guide has provided you with all of the necessary info so you can pick out the best one for you and your boat. Good luck on the high seas!

Related Posts

Clean marine: how to clean boat seats, how long to sail 100 miles average sailing speed calculations, types of anchors. find the right anchor for your boat, best boat wax reviews. it’s time to shine, leave a comment.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Gear & Maintenance
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Does Furuno make a good autopilot?

• Add to quote

I'm thinking of replacing my Autohelm 6000 with a new autopilot. The 2 I am looking at are Simrad and Furuno. I don't know anything about the Furuno unit but it looks like a nice unit and I have a Furuno chartplotter and radar and am very happy with them so far. I am a little concerned about putting all my eggs in one basket though.  

Forget Raymarine... they are Autohelm with a new sticker. WH has a good rep. Furuno makes quality gear. I have had an Alpha 3000 mostfet working perfectly for 19 years... many trips back and forth to the Caribbean... on duty 99.9% of the time. 30,000+ miles. Can't beat that. jef sv shiva  

TE...I think Furuno is new to this and from wha I can determine they do not have a quadrant compatible drive unit...looks like they are geared for power boats only at this time. I like Furuno but would not go with them on this at this stage of the game. I had a Raymarine linear drive on my last boat and a Simrad on this one. The simrad is more advanced and the hydraulic ram drive is more reliable imho and I was well satisfied with it.  

SanderO, Thanks for your thoughts. Cam, If Furuno is not quadrant compatible then that's out. Thanks. I'll take a hard look at Simrad.  

Do you have mechanical or hydraulic steering? Are we talking wheel, tiller or below decks? Heavy weather sailing or weekender stuff? I would suggest either ComNav or W-H, but then I tend to follow the fishing fleet in gear choices more than the recreational sailors.  

Valiente said: I would suggest either ComNav or W-H, but then I tend to follow the fishing fleet in gear choices more than the recreational sailors. Click to expand...

• ?            
• 175K members

Top Contributors this Month

• Search forums

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

Autopilot for a small center console boat

• Thread starter GUS
• Start date Jan 1, 2023
• Jan 1, 2023

I have a 180 Grady White Fisherman and want to add a furuno autopilot. The boat has a standard SeaStar Helm and steering cylinder with 8.34 cubic inches volume. Engine is a 150HP 4-stroke mechanical Yamaha, no Helm Master. I currently have a 15" TZ2 MFD, PG700, Diff3D and NEMA2000 network. What Autopilot system and pump do I want? With the Seastar components, it looks like they use proprietary thread connections & fittings on their helm & cylinder which they call "ORB". Would the Furuno pump use these too, if not, would the Seastar pump work with the Furuno controls? I ask because I think it would be difficult to get hoses and/or "Ts" with different fittings on each end.  

Johnny Electron

Administrator.

• Jan 3, 2023

You would want the Furuno PUMPOCT10-12 to run that steering cylinder. https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/pumpoct10-12 I would recommend the lower cost Navpilot 300 to run the pump for several reasons. https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/navpilot_300 One is it is lower cost than the NP711C. Next you have a needed heading source (PG700) already so rather than get another you don't need whenever buying the NP711C, you get the NP300 that doesn't come with a compass. The NP300 comes with a wireless remote that is very nice that you don't get with the NP711C. The pump will use ORB (and comes with many) fittings so it is a very good selection for your steering system.  

Thank you much Johnny, looks like you covered everything. HNY!!!!!  

Johnny, in reading the Operators Manual for the NavPilot 300, I really like (need) the "Safe Helm Mode". the way I understand "AUTO Mode", just running on a compass heading, that I would need to switch off the Auto Pilot to standby to use the steering wheel. Would much rather be able to grab the wheel and miss the crab pot. Anyhow, the Operator's Manual states that this mode only works with the Accu-Steer FPS drive unit. Any other issues with this pump and ORB fittings? Can I program the NP300 so it always comes up with Safe Helm mode whenever i go to Auto mode?  

Sounds like we need to ask them to conduct an update to the NP300 manual. The accu-steer infomation is old. The FPS8 is no longer sold. SafeHelm can be done with the pump I suggested but you would need to add the new SafeHelm sensor called SafeHelm2. https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/safehelm2 It also uses ORB fittings While you can conduct safehelm, you won't get power assist unless adding an outboard RRU. Because your boat is smaller, i would say you don't need power assist nor the hassles of an outboard RRU which tends to get broken.  

• Jul 10, 2023

Johnny, I am "finally" getting ready to buy this system. Quick question, my first post stated a steering cylinder volume of 8.34 cu in. You recommended a pump for a volume range of 10-15 cu in. in looking at options, I see there is a "same" pump recommended for 6-9 cu in. Should I stay with your original recommendation or buy the smaller pump?  

Well, that's pretty "clear as day", in the NAVpilot FAQ, it describes this pump for 10-15 cu. in. cylinders, but "I'll go with it. LAST QUESTION....on installing the SAFEHELM2, the manual states for single helm vessels "there should not be a "T" fitting installed between the SH2 and the helm. But it is somewhat recommemnded to install the "T" right on the helm. do you see an issue with installing the SH2 on the helm and the "T" right next to it?  

The Safehelm2 sensor is an in-line sensor (either on the port or starboard line). The T you are talking about adding is for your pump?  

Thanks for pointing out the FAQ. It was old prelim information that changed down the road. I will let them know to update that FAQ so it matches the rest of the product pages.  

• Jul 11, 2023

Yes, the "Ts" , according to the pump manual get installed right at the helm port & starboard ports to go to the pump and the steerring cylinders.  

Attachments

Thank you.  

• Jul 14, 2023

RRU is not required for steering assist. I've been using it for a couple months with that same pump and a single outboard and no RRU. I think "steering assist" is a little bit misleading though. When you turn the wheel, the pump runs and basically turns the motor faster so fewer turns of the wheel are required to go from lock to lock. You can adjust the settings so this only happens at slow speeds and you can change how much it speeds the turn. It's pretty nice for slow speed maneuvering such as when docking or pulling onto a trailer when a lot of drastic motor movements may be required. All of the documentation for SafeHelm seems out dated and I've never seen any reference to a RRU being required other than here on this forum. I read a lot and asked a lot of questions before purchasing and it was pretty difficult to find reliable answers. I do think it should be part of your system.  

• Jul 17, 2023

I am "under the assumption" that the SafeHelm, pretty much disconnects (or shuts off pump commands)the pump from trying to stay on a heading when one grabs the wheel to miss an obstacle or change course. Can you confirm or correct me Johnny? Also, I received the SafeHelm, none of the 6 separate fittings fit into the fittings that came attached to the SafeHelm. What kind of ports are on the outputs of the safehelm with the two "adapters" connected to it, I don't see that in the manual?  

• Jul 18, 2023

The sensor; senses hydraulic flow to let the pilot know that you want control of the helm. The pilot simply pauses the navigation (stopping the pump commands/voltage) allowing the operator to hand steer. When the operator steers back to in the direction of original course and releases the helm the pilot will resume (un pause) and resume navigation. Normally without safehelm, the helm will be entirely locked out during AUTO or NAV operations of the pilot. You would be required to go to STBY to hand steer without having Safehelm.  

Thanks Johnny................again. Can you define the threads on the SafeHelm, maybe with and without the installed fittings on it?  

Is this what your looking for? https://www.furunousa.com/-/media/sites/furuno/document_library/documents/packing_lists/packing_lists/packing_list_safehelm2.pdf  

• Jul 19, 2023

No, the packing list "picture" shows the SafeHelm and 8 seperate fittings. The SafeHelm comes shipped with two fittings attached (like the safehelm brochure picture) and 6 extra fittings (per the packing list description with sizes). My question is what are the threads on the brass safehelm and the attached fittings (none of the 6 seperate fittings thread into the safehelm attached fittings).  

gtstang462002

Furuno super fan.

The threads on the brass part of the SafeHelm switch are female 1/4" NPT. If the adapters that came pre-assembled on the switch are not what you need to tie into your helm, you need to remove them and install the correct ones that match your helm. The adapters provided cover most of the helm systems out there, but there may be an instance where you could need to find a different set of adapters in that case.  

Similar threads

• May 16, 2023

• Aug 22, 2023
• fishermandan21
• Mar 14, 2023
• Jun 1, 2023
• Sep 24, 2022

New Visitor?

Browse the Furuno product catalog for current and previous products.

NAVPILOT 300/PG

MSRP: $2,195.00

Display Size 4.1 Inches

Display Type Color LCD

Power Usage 12-24 VDC

Prices and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice.

All prices shown are in USD. Prices are valid in US and Canada only.

• Specifications
• Accessories

Recommended Additions

NavPilot 300 is not your ordinary Autopilot

The NavPilot 300 is a revolutionary autopilot. With Fantum Feedback, NavPilot outboard installations no longer require use of a physical rudder feedback unit. This results in a streamlined, simplified installation. Combined with Furuno's unique adaptive learning technology, NavPilot 300 provides unmatched outboard Autopilot performance. Fantum Feedback is designed for planing and semi-displacement outboard vessels from 24 to 50 feet, with one to four outboard engines, where it achieves precise course control from slow trolling to speeds of well over 60 knots.

The NavPilot 300/PG includes the PG700 Fluxgate Compass Heading Sensor with magnetic field distortion correction, providing highly accurate and stable heading information.

Gesture Control - just push, point and shoot!

The Gesture Controller is a revolutionary and unique way to steer your boat remotely. By using Bluetooth signals, it is possible to control the Autopilot from anywhere on the boat within 10 meters. Just push, hold the button, point to the desired heading and release to let the Autopilot redirect the boat!

Versatile Display Modes on a vivid 4.1" Color LCD Display

The SABIKI™ mode lets the autopilot control while you are drifting astern, so you can focus on fishing instead of steering. Maintaining heading astern while compensating for wind and tide, SABIKI™ mode is uniquely tailored for Sabiki fishing, jigging and bottom fishing.

Other display modes include Furuno's Highway mode, Auto and Advanced Auto modes, and Fish Hunter mode, where one of four pre-programmed maneuvers can be performed around a specified target at a user selected distance. These include Zig-Zag, Orbit, Figure 8, or a Spiral maneuver. The Fish Hunter feature can also be used for Man Overboard (MOB).

Put more fish in the boat with high-precision FishHunter™ Drive

A Furuno and Suzuki partnership delivers new FishHunter™ Drive features leveraging Suzuki's Precision Control, which automatically adjusts tilt and trim at designated engine RPM. FishHunter™ Drive features are available on the NavPilot 300 with a range of Suzuki outboards outfitted with both hydraulic steering and Dometic Optimus Electronics steering systems, including the DF140BG, DF115BG, DF150AP, DF175AP, DF200AP, DF250AP, DF300AP, DF300B, DF325A, and DF350A.

With Speed Control , the boat will run at a preset speed, adjusting engine RPM as needed to account for changes in wind and tide to maintain a constant speed.

Route Smoothing™ decreases the speed of turns as the boat approaches waypoints while navigating an active route. If the boat speed is too fast when approaching a turn, the boat can overshoot the waypoint, resulting in an undesirable deviation.

Point Lock™ maintains a fixed boat position by controlling the rudder and throttle, countering the effects of wind and current which are constantly working to move the boat. Point Lock™ is an invaluable tool for fishing a wreck or reef, and is also for boaters who occasionally have to wait for a bridge to open so they can pass.*

SABIKI™ Lock is designed for fishermen and takes advantage of the SABIKI™ fishing mode available with the NavPilot 300 Autopilot. With Furuno’s SABIKI™ mode, the helm is steered automatically by the NavPilot to maintain vessel position while the angler needs only to adjust the throttle to maintain a fixed position. FishHunter™ Drive's new SABIKI™ Lock expands upon this functionality by controlling both the rudder and throttle to maintain vessel heading, freeing the angler to focus 100% on jigging and other vertical fishing.

 * Point Lock feature requires a Rudder Reference Unit (RRU) or Dometic Steering with built-in RRU

Integrate your helm with NavPilot's FishHunter mode

FishHunter mode is a unique feature of FURUNO’s NavPilot series. Find a fish target with your FURUNO sonar/sounder or bird target with your FURUNO radar and feed it to the NavPilot The NavPilot will activate the FishHunter mode to perform square, zigzag, circle, orbit, spiral or figure-eight maneuvers around the specified target at a user selected distance. This feature can also be used for Man Overboard (MOB).

  *RRU (Rudder Reference Unit) required to enable Fish Hunter mode on NavPiot 711C/OB models  *FishHunter mode and NavPilot 300's FishHunter Drive for Suzuki Outboards are different features with their own requirements

Furuno Fantum Feedback

With Fantum Feedback, NAVpilot outboard/sterndrive installations no longer require use of a physical rudder feedback unit. NAVpilot software clears the path to a simplified installation, while also delivering enhanced steering control.

NavPilot 300 First Look

Join Capt. Matt Watson as he takes you on a tour of the NAVpilot 300 AutoPilot with Gesture Controller. Learn how easy it is to set and adjust your course and how to easily steer your boat with a click, point, and release of the Gesture Controller. You will also see how to operate the SABIKI™ Mode with the Gesture Controller while standing at the stern of the boat.

Product Consists Of

Autopilot pumps, miscellaneous accessories.

Fluxgate Magnetic Sensor With Enhanced Stability By A Solid-State Rate Gyroscope, w/ 6M Cable

Autopilot Pump, 24 VDC, 1.1 Cubic Inches Per Second (For Ram Sizes of Up to 13 Cubic Inches in Volume)

Rudder Reference Unit for NAVpilot

Optional interface kit that allows NavPilot 700 series to control Volvo Penta IPS Systems

Junction Box - NMEA2000

NAVpilot 300-711C Brochure