Car driver for motorboat

What is a motorboat autopilot?

An autopilot for a motorboat is a device that allows the boat to navigate autonomously by following a predefined trajectory.

The autopilot receives instructions from the mariner, then executes them by controlling the rudders. The autopilot can be used in several different modes:

• Maintaining a recorded course,
• followed by a waypoint to reach a fishing spot,
• Autorouting mode for following a complex route previously traced on the compatible GPS,
• fishing function: zigzag navigation, circle navigation, Boutakov MOB maneuver...

What are the advantages of using an autopilot?

With the autopilot, it is easier for the pilot on board to rest or concentrate on other tasks such as navigation, communication, crew monitoring, knowing that the boat will follow the instructions received.

No need to keep one hand on the wheel at all times! Share a moment with friends, keep an eye on your fishing rods when trolling, and shorten your time at the helm when sailing. And don't forget about the fuel savings you'll get by eliminating the need to steer!

Which autopilot for which boat?

There are 3 main categories of motorboat drivers

Cable Steering Pilot: If you own a tiller with a Morse cable steering system, simply upgrade your steering box to the Lowrance NAC-1 Mechanical Pilot Pack.

Pilot for hydraulic steering on an outboard: On an outboard, it is almost impossible to install a rudder angle sensor permanently. Some of the new "intelligent" pilots are equipped with a virtual rudder. For small engines up to 80 CV, consider the Lowrance NAC-1 hydraulic pilot package. Boats with larger single-engine HBs will install the rugged Garmin GHP Reactor pilot with hydraulic pump.

Pilot for hydraulic steering on inboard engines: For motorboats, fishing boats and yachts with inboard engines, with hydraulic steering, we recommend Garmin GHP Reactor, Raymarine EV-200 engine or Simrad NAC3 Pilots depending on the equipment you already have on board.

Special cases: Some boats have specific motorization: Verado engine with assistance pump, speedboat with cable base with hydraulic assistance, yacht with Volvo IPS, Zdrive controlled by Volvo joystick... Contact our Comptoir Nautique Experts directly to be assisted in the choice of the adapted model.

Don't wait any longer to equip your motorboat with an autopilot.