Marine Autopilots
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If you still have not equipped your boat with an autopilot and ask yourself a question if you should do it, the answer is Yes! Like no other navigation device, a properly chosen autopilot can keep your boat on a steady course, giving you a chance to do other important tasks, as well as decrease fuel consumption and minimize helm movements. As a result, you can enjoy a relaxed time afloat without affecting the steering precision.
Though there is a range of different autopilot systems created for various types of boats and featuring a number of basic and more advanced functions, the operation principle remains unchanged. An autopilot is a self-steering device that allows the vessel to hold a steady pre-set course. To cope with the task, the autopilot combines the work of three components: a heading sensor, also referred to as the fluxgate compass, a course computer, and a drive unit. The drive unit can be hydraulically or electrically powered and applies force to the rudder to adjust and maintain the course accurately.
Picking the right autopilot compatible with your boat’s specific parameters requires careful consideration. While boat design, its size and displacement are among the vitally important parameters that should be taken into account when choosing an autopilot system, special attention should always be given to the selection of a drive unit (steering ram). As the drive unit usually takes much space, it should be compatible with the size of your vessel and the type of steering system your boat uses. There are linear (for mechanically-steered boats), rotary (for cable and chain steering systems) and hydraulic (hydraulic steering systems) ram drives.
Another crucial factor is the speed of the autopilot determined by measuring the number of degrees per second of helm correction. The average autopilot speed ranges between 8° and 15° per second. You can also choose between the above-deck and below-deck units, perfectly suited for up to 40‘ sailboats and over 38‘ sailboats and powerboats respectively. However, irrespective of the type of autopilot system, additional consideration may be needed when positioning your control unit, which should preferably be located in a relatively dry place. Controllers may be basic or more sophisticated featuring GPS, sonar, available with a touch-screen display, etc.