Autopilot Installation for Boats
An autopilot steers while you trim, navigate or simply take a break, and on a short-handed boat it is often the most-used piece of electronics aboard. We carry out autopilot installation for tiller pilots, wheel pilots and below-deck drives, with the power supply and data connections the pilot needs to steer steadily.
Autopilots draw heavy, intermittent current and depend on good heading and data inputs. Most poor performance traces back to thin supply cable, a badly placed compass or a messy network rather than the pilot itself.
We work from Shoreham Airport, fitting autopilots aboard at the berth along the South Coast between Brighton and Southampton, including Raymarine and Garmin systems.
What is an autopilot on a boat?
A marine autopilot has three parts: a heading sensor that knows which way the boat is pointing, a course computer that decides how much helm to apply, and a drive that moves the tiller, wheel or rudder. A tiller pilot puts all three in one unit. Larger systems separate them, with a control head at the helm and the drive below deck connected to the steering gear or a hydraulic pump.
Choosing the right type
The best autopilot for a boat depends on its size, displacement and steering. A small sailing yacht with a tiller may be well served by a tiller pilot. Wheel pilots suit moderate boats with cable steering. Heavier yachts, motor boats and boats with hydraulic steering generally need a below-deck drive sized for the load. We help you match the drive to the boat and its use before anything is ordered.
- Tiller pilots for smaller tiller-steered yachts
- Wheel pilots for cable-steered wheel boats
- Below-deck linear, rotary or hydraulic drives for larger boats
The electrical side of the installation
The drive and course computer get a dedicated supply, cabled to limit voltage drop when the motor works hard, with the right protection at the panel. The compass is placed away from magnetic interference and steel. Wind, GPS and chartplotter data are joined over NMEA 2000 or SeaTalkng so the pilot can steer to a waypoint or wind angle. We commission the system and calibrate it on the water where needed.
Raymarine installation · Marine electronics installation
Which Raymarine autopilot do I need?
Raymarine pilots pair an Evolution course computer and sensor with a drive chosen for the boat's displacement and steering. The right choice comes from the boat's weight and steering type rather than the control head. Send the boat details and we can suggest a sensible combination before you buy. Written quote first, as always.
Garmin and other systems
Garmin Reactor pilots follow the same principles, with a course computer, sensor and drive integrated with Garmin chartplotters. Whichever brand you choose, the supply and data work are what make it steer well.
Frequently asked questions
What is a boat autopilot?
It is a system that steers the boat automatically, using a heading sensor, a course computer and a drive connected to the steering.
Can an autopilot work with my chartplotter?
Yes, when they share data over NMEA 2000 or SeaTalkng. The pilot can then follow a route or waypoint.
Why does my autopilot wander off course?
Common causes are a poorly placed or uncalibrated compass, low supply voltage under load or a drive too small for the boat. It needs checking aboard.
How much does autopilot installation cost?
It depends on the drive type, steering and data connections. We assess the boat and give a written quote first.
Ready for an extra pair of hands at the helm?
Send the boat details, where it is kept and what you have in mind, and we will come back with the next step and a written quote.