Andrew Pace
Autopilot systems are used on boats to steer a course without the need for a human helmsman. They are electro-mechanical systems that can steer a boat to a specified compass course, wind angle, waypoint or route. Autopilots are available for boats of different sizes, with above-deck autopilots common on smaller sailing and power vessels (generally 40 feet and under) and below-deck autopilots best for sail and powerboats over 40 feet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Autopilot type | Above-deck, below-deck |
| Boat type | Sailboat, powerboat, wheel-steered boat |
| Boat size | Above-deck: generally 40 feet and under; below-deck: over 40 feet |
| Autopilot hardware | Processor/autopilot computer, power-supply unit, control head, rudder-angle sensor, networked sensors (e.g. wind, speed, depth), drive system, remote control (optional) |
| Autopilot system requirements | Heading sensor, wind sensor, boatspeed sensor |
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What You'll Learn
- Above-deck autopilots are common on smaller sailing and power vessels (generally 40 feet and under)
- Below-deck autopilots are best for sail and powerboats over 40 feet
- Autopilots are electro-mechanical systems that steer a boat to a specified compass course, wind angle, waypoint or route
- Autopilots use networked instrument data to keep the boat sailing to its specified course
- Autopilots require a minimum of a heading sensor, wind sensor and boatspeed sensor
Above-deck autopilots are common on smaller sailing and power vessels (generally 40 feet and under)
Below-deck autopilots are best for sail and powerboats over 40 feet. They are ideal for large powerboats or wheel-steered boats. Autopilots are electro-mechanical systems that can steer a boat to a specified compass course, wind angle, waypoint or route. They never suffer concentration gaps, or get tired or scared, so long as they’re fed a steady diet of information and DC power.
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Below-deck autopilots are best for sail and powerboats over 40 feet
Below-deck autopilots are better for larger boats. This is because they are more powerful and can handle the larger size of the boat. They are also more expensive, so they are not as affordable as above-deck autopilots.
Above-deck autopilots use an electric ram mounted between the tiller and a gunwale fitting to control the rudder. The computer sends a signal to the ram to move the tiller, which adjusts the rudder to stay on course. Some units connect directly to the top of the rudder.
Below-deck autopilots are more complex, as they connect directly to the boat's wheel drive with a belt or toothed gears to move the wheel. They are powered by a small motor.
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Autopilots are electro-mechanical systems that steer a boat to a specified compass course, wind angle, waypoint or route
Autopilots use networked instrument data to keep the boat sailing to its specified course. They require a minimum of a heading sensor, wind sensor, and boatspeed sensor. Some autopilots also have advanced sensors that clean or stabilise networked sensor data to provide the pilot with better, more reliable information. Unlike human drivers, autopilots do not suffer from concentration gaps, tiredness, or fear, as long as they are provided with a steady stream of information and DC power.
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Autopilots use networked instrument data to keep the boat sailing to its specified course
Autopilots are electro-mechanical systems that steer a boat to a specified course, wind angle, waypoint or route. They use networked instrument data to keep the boat sailing to its specified course. Unlike human drivers, autopilots never suffer concentration gaps, or get tired or scared, so long as they’re fed a steady diet of information and DC power. Autopilots use networked sensors, such as wind, speed and depth sensors, to keep the boat on course. All autopilot systems require at a minimum a heading sensor, wind sensor and boatspeed sensor.
Above-deck autopilots are common on smaller sailing and power vessels (generally 40 feet and under) with tillers or steering wheels. The equipment is easy to operate, inexpensive, uses simple electric connections, and is energy efficient. The variety of available small boat autopilots makes them affordable, even for the occasional boater. Most tiller autopilots use an electric ram mounted between the tiller and a gunwale fitting to control the rudder. The computer sends a signal to the ram to move the tiller, which adjusts the rudder to stay on course. Depending on configuration, some units connect directly to the top of the rudder. The other type of above-deck autopilot is used on boats with steering wheels. The autopilot connects directly to the boat’s wheel drive with a belt or toothed gears to move the wheel, powered by a small motor.
Below-deck autopilots are best for sail and powerboats over 40 feet. The manufacturer will explain the minimum and maximum dimensions so that you understand which system is best based on size.
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Autopilots require a minimum of a heading sensor, wind sensor and boatspeed sensor
Autopilots are electro-mechanical systems that can steer a boat to a specified compass course, wind angle, waypoint or route. They can't see what's ahead of or behind the boat, so they rely on networked instrument data to keep the boat sailing to its specified course. Because of this, all autopilot systems require at a minimum a heading sensor, wind sensor and boatspeed sensor.
Autopilots are ideal for above-deck use on smaller sailing and power vessels (generally 40 feet and under) with tillers or steering wheels. The equipment is easy to operate, inexpensive, uses simple electric connections, and is energy efficient. The variety of available small boat autopilots makes them affordable, even for the occasional boater.
Below-deck autopilots are best for sail and powerboats over 40 feet. The autopilot connects directly to the boat’s wheel drive with a belt or toothed gears to move the wheel, powered by a small motor.
Autopilot hardware generally consists of a processor (sometimes also called an autopilot computer), a power-supply unit, a control head, a rudder-angle sensor, networked sensors (e.g., wind, speed and depth), a drive system and—optionally—one or more remote controls.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat autopilot is an electromechanical system that steers a boat to a specified compass course, wind angle, waypoint or route.
There are two main types of boat autopilot: above-deck and below-deck. Above-deck autopilots are common on smaller sailing and power vessels (generally 40 feet and under) with tillers or steering wheels. Below-deck autopilots are best for sail and powerboats over 40 feet.
The manufacturer will explain the minimum and maximum dimensions so that you understand which system is best based on size. Consider the types of helm adjustments and how fast the boat has to adjust. Figure out how much money you have to spend, and it'll help you choose the ideal boat autopilot system for your needs.
Unlike human drivers, autopilots never suffer concentration gaps, or get tired or scared, so long as they’re fed a steady diet of information and DC power.
