All guides · Navigation and electronics
I would start with the boat's steering. The autopilot drive or pump must be compatible with that specific steering system; only then does it make sense to choose the control unit, sensors, and connection to the plotter.
Identify the steering system
Note the boat model, displacement (sailing weight), engine type, and whether the steering is hydraulic, mechanical, tiller-based, or electronic. Take pictures of nameplates and the areas where a drive or pump could be mounted.
For hydraulic steering, the cylinder model and cylinder volume are crucial pieces of information. Raymarine, for instance, uses cylinder volume to match the hydraulic pump with the steering. For mechanical drives, the boat's displacement and the steering's construction are among the factors involved in the selection.
| Steering | Information required before selection |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic | Cylinder model, volume, number of cylinders, and system design. |
| Mechanical | Steering mechanism, mounting options, load, and drive type. |
| Tiller or wheel with cockpit drive | Boat's displacement, dimensions, and manufacturer's usage limits. |
| Electronic steering | Precise engine and steering model as well as documented autopilot compatibility. |
What does the package contain?
An autopilot package may include a computer, heading sensor, and control unit, but the necessary pump or drive unit must still be correctly selected. Also check the rudder sensor, cables, network components, and any adapters. Compare the package contents line by line.
Plotter connectivity only provides the functions supported by that specific combination. Distinguish between maintaining a course, following a route, and steering based on wind data. Write down the desired features and have them confirmed for the models in the quote.
Two 32-foot boats may require different packages
One might have hydraulic steering with a specific cylinder volume. The other might have mechanical steering and a completely different need for a drive and mounting. Therefore, I would not use boat length as the only selection criterion.
Installation and commissioning are part of it
Budget for a proper power supply, secure mounting, setup, and testing according to the manufacturer's procedure. The placement of the heading sensor and its exposure to magnetic fields must be part of the installation plan.
Upon completion, you must know how to transition between automatic and manual steering. An autopilot does not relieve the operator of the duty to keep a lookout and evaluate the course. I would have the controls tested under controlled conditions before the system is used on the first long trip.
Sources and manufacturer documentation
Manufacturer documentation verified September 2026. Always follow the manual for the specific model and installation. The calculation examples are simplified for planning purposes.
Moving forward with your solution
Send pictures and the model name of your steering, as well as the boat's displacement, and I will help find a suitable autopilot solution.