Marine Autopilot Installation & Calibration
The Virtual
Crew Member.
Hand-steering for hours across the channel is exhausting. We install advanced autopilot systems that hold a magnetic heading perfectly, letting you focus on fishing, navigation, or relaxing.
Solid-State Sensing
Modern autopilots use 9-axis solid-state sensors (like the Garmin Reactor or Raymarine EV-1) to detect boat movement in 3D. They react to waves instantly, correcting the rudder before you even feel the roll.
Hydraulic Integration
We plumb the autopilot pump directly into your existing Seastar or U-Flex hydraulic lines. The pump sits hidden below decks, silently moving the engines when engaged.
Route Following
Once connected to your chartplotter via NMEA 2000, the autopilot can follow complex routes, zig-zag patterns for fishing, or simply hold a waypoint at the touch of a button.
Installation Protocol.
Precise plumbing and magnetic isolation.
Pump Splicing
We cut into the hydraulic steering lines, install T-fittings, and mount the electric autopilot pump securely to avoid vibration noise.
Sensor Placement
The Heading Sensor (Compass) is critical. We survey your boat to mount it low and center, far away from speakers, magnets, or high-current wires.
Bleed & Purge
We use a power purge system to remove every bubble of air from the hydraulic lines. Air bubbles cause "spongy" steering and autopilot wandering.
Sea Trial
We take the boat out to perform the "Auto-Learn" procedure. The computer learns the boat's turning radius and reaction time for smooth steering.
Hands-Free Control.
Your destination, delivered automatically.
Supported Platforms.
We are certified installers for the industry leaders.
Common Questions
Will it weave back and forth?
Only if not calibrated. The "snake" pattern happens when the pilot over-steers. Our sea trial calibration tunes the "Gain" and "Counter-Rudder" settings to stop this behavior.
I have cable steering. Can I get one?
Yes, but it requires a different drive unit (Linear Drive or Helmet Drive) rather than a hydraulic pump. It is more expensive but fully possible.