Car driver for Sailboat

What is a sailboat autopilot?

A sailboat autopilot is a device that helps maintain a boat's course based on weather and navigation conditions. This equipment can be used for boats of all sizes, but is especially useful for large boats that can be difficult to maneuver.

This system, installed in addition to the manual steering, offers different options to be used according to the weather conditions, the length of the sailboat... There are cockpit pilots or in-board autopilots on the market. The cockpit autopilot acts as a direct control on the tiller or wheel, sometimes with a cylinder and sometimes with a belt driven by an electric motor. The in-board pilot acts directly on the steering mechanism with a plug on the steering sector. 

Why use a sailboat autopilot?

The advantages are numerous. First of all, this equipment reduces the navigator's fatigue, which is particularly important during long crossings. The helmsman no longer has to worry about checking that the boat is on course.

He can concentrate on other tasks on the boat. The autopilot also allows you to maintain the boat's course more accurately and consistently, which can be very useful in some cases (for example, when there are strong currents).

It is very useful when used in conjunction with other navigation systems (e.g. GPS), as it reduces navigation and human error.

What are the options for a sailboat driver?

A sailboat autopilot usually consists of a fluxgate compass or gyro sensor, a rudder angle sensor, an electronic unit, a power unit and a control console.

• The gyroscope detects changes in the boat's direction.
• The computer then calculates the course the boat must take to stay on course.
• The compass provides the direction and course to follow.
• The electronic unit keeps the course in memory and sends orders to the power unit which acts on the helm so that the boat follows the programmed course and sails in the right direction.

What equipment for my sailboat?

Various brands and marine accessories develop auto pilots for sailboats. Brands like Raymarine and Simrad market several models. EV-100, EV-200 or EV-400, the options differ.

Le pilote automatique Raymarine EV-400 offre un résultat et un niveau de maintien de cap précis, et ce, peu importe les conditions de navigation ou la vitesse du voilier. L'Evolution EV100 Wheel de Raymarine est un pilote automatique conçu pour les voiliers <12m, munis d’une barre à roue, simplicité d’utilisation et d’installation au rendez-vous. Raymarine développe aussi des pilotes auto pour barre franche comme le ST1000+ qui peut piloter des embarcations jusqu'à 3 tonnes de déplacement.

Simrad also develops several models. Try the TP10 Barre Franche, reliable, powerful and efficient. You can control the autopilot in all situations. Sailboats longer than 10m can rely on the NAC-2 or NAC-3 Pilot-Pack which connect all the necessary equipment together: the real brains of the Simrad autopilot system. 

Whether you have a tiller, a cable wheel or a chain wheel like on Dufour sailboats, we have THE car driver for your sailboat at the best price.