Best Sailboat Autopilot Systems

Autopilots are more than just a luxury. They keep you safe, by keeping the boat on course. But what are the best sailboat autopilot systems?

Michael Moris

Updated

October 17, 2023

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Autopilots are more than just a luxury. They keep you safe, by keeping the boat on course. But what are the best sailboat autopilot systems?

The best choice is a system that has multiple sensors built into the device itself. You want something that can detect wind direction and speed, water conditions and the boat's position from GPS signals. Raymarine, Garmin, Furuno and Simrad make quality autopilot systems that include these features.

Sailboats are wonderful recreational vessels. They provide a relaxing way to spend time on the water, and also allow you to explore new places all over the world. The problem is that they can be hard to maneuver when there's no autopilot system in place. If you want your sailboat adventures to run smoothly, then it's important that you find a reliable autopilot system for your boat!

If you are in the market for a new sailboat autopilot system, then it can be difficult to figure out which one is best. There are many different brands and models that all have their benefits. In this article, our team of experienced sailors will help you determine which autopilot system is best for you.

Table of Contents

‍1. Raymarine ST1000 Plus Tiller Pilot

The Raymarine ST1000 Plus Tiller Pilot has been around for a while. In fact, it can be considered as the older brother of the ST8002. And if you compare this one to its younger sister, only one word comes to our mind - "performance." Where the newer model was said to produce better results, it turns out that his much older brother (ST1000) is much more effective in terms of performance and features!

So, what's so special about this Tiller Pilot?

First, let us think, why do we need a device like this at all? As boating enthusiasts, we are always looking for new gadgets which can make our boating experience more interesting, easier, or just plain better. So, there are times when it gets quite difficult to handle the boat, especially in windy conditions. That's where a Tiller Pilot comes in handy as it can take over the steering wheel job for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy your sailing trip.

Now, there are many different Tiller Pilots on the market, but we believe that Raymarine ST1000 Plus is one of the best out there. It is simple to use and very reliable, plus it comes with some really neat features which make it stand out from the crowd. One of these features is its ability to hold course even in strong winds and cross currents. This is thanks to its patented Gyro-Compass technology, which ensures precise navigation at all times. So, if you're looking for a quality Tiller Pilot for your boat without breaking the bank - you can't go wrong with this one.

It can handle NMEA data from a variety of sources, such as radar, GPS receiver, wind instrument, and even autopilot interface. So, you can see that it's not just a steering control unit but also an onboard computer with built-in sensors and a GPS receiver.

Furthermore, the AutoTack feature makes the ST1000 Plus a very versatile piece of equipment. With just a touch of a button, it can execute a tack or jibe, making it very easy for you to change course.

It is compatible with most boats out there, so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues too much. But one thing we noticed during our review was the lack of internal navigation charts, which means that you cannot use this Tiller Pilot as a standard Chartplotter unless you connect an external device or buy additional software for this purpose. Despite this drawback, we believe that Raymarine ST1000 Plus is the best Tiller Pilot for your boat available on the market right now!

In conclusion, the Raymarine ST1000 Plus Tiller Pilot is a great piece of kit that will make your sailing trips much more enjoyable. It is simple to use, reliable, and comes with some impressive features. So, if you're looking for a quality Tiller Pilot that won't break the bank - the Raymarine ST1000 Plus is definitely worth considering!

Tech Specs

Power supply: 12V systems
Weight: 3.4 lbs
Absolute Voltage Range: 10 to 16V DC
Connections: NMEA 0183 input | SeaTalk
Max displacement: 6600 lbs

Pros

Easy to use
Ideal for tiller-steered sailboats
Can handle strong winds and currents
Built-in Gyro-Compass makes steering much easier
Safe to use when sailing in narrow channels

Cons

No internal navigation charts (you need an additional device)
Warranty can be improved (two years)
A tad heavy

2. Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot

The Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot is a budget-friendly autopilot that is perfect for small to medium-sized sailboats (up to 35 ft). It is very easy to use and comes with all the features that you would expect from a quality autopilot. But what we really liked about this autopilot was its price point. It is one of the most affordable autopilots on the market, yet it still offers great value for money.

The TP10 is a basic tiller pilot that doesn't come with many bells and whistles. But what it does offer is simplicity and reliability - two things that are essential for any autopilot. It is very easy to install and can be up and running in minutes. And once it's installed, you can just set it and forget it - the TP10 will take care of the steering for you.

The simplicity of this autopilot extends to its design as well, since it features a mix of cutting-edge technological software and simplicity. It also features a five-button display, making it easy to control even in difficult sailing conditions.

According to Simrad, the precision steering on this autopilot system is so good that it can handle currents and winds of up to 10 knots! We didn't test this claim (we don't know how it could, to be honest), but we can confirm that the TP10 Tillerpilot works great for a variety of uses - from docking and navigation to tight channel maneuvering. It is a truly versatile piece of equipment that will provide you with many hours of enjoyment on the water.

And did we mention it is super quiet? Yes, the TP10 is nearly silent - it will make your sailing trips much more enjoyable since you won't have to listen to a loud engine or autopilot noises. And if you're into fishing, then this is just another reason for getting the TP10.

But there are some downsides as well - one of them being its lack of advanced features. If you're looking for an autopilot that can handle sophisticated sailing maneuvers, then the TP10 is not for you. But if you're just looking for a basic autopilot to help you steer your boat in windy conditions, then the TP10 is a great option.

Another downside is that it's not suitable for larger sailboats (above 35 ft) and that its warranty could be better. But despite these small drawbacks, we believe that the Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot is still one of the best autopilots on the market.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable autopilot for your sailboat - one that doesn't cost an arm and leg - the Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot Complete Review is definitely worth considering! It is affordable, yet it still offers impressive functionality and performance. And while it's not as fancy as its competitors, there's no doubt in our mind that it gets the job

Tech Spec

Power supply: 12 V system
Weight: 5 lbs
Absolute Voltage Range: 12V DC
Connections: N/A
Max displacement: 10000 lbs

Pros

One of the quietest autopilot systems on the market
Reliable and easy to use
Low power consumption
Accurate steering
Affordable

Cons

Limited to small and medium-size boats
Lack of advanced features
Warranty can be improved

3. Raymarine EV-100 p70 Wheel Pilot Pack

The EV-100 Wheel Pilot is one of the most advanced autopilot units available right now, thanks to its unique technology, which allows it to steer accurately even in strong currents and winds. And if that's not enough, you can always rely on its six different types of alarms, which let you know when course deviation is too high!

As for its installation process, it's not the simplest one on the market but still not too bad either. You will need to download the manual from the official website, but after that, it should take you no more than 30 min to have everything up and running! Of course, this depends on your previous experience as well - if you're an expert DIYer, then installing an autopilot won't be much of a problem for you.

Once it's installed, you'll be able to take advantage of its many features. The p70 autopilot is very easy to use and has an intuitive display which makes it perfect for tight maneuvering or docking in difficult conditions. It also comes with wireless remote control, so you can easily adjust the autopilot while sailing.

The EV1 Sensor Core is the heart of this autopilot system, and it ensures maximum accuracy while steering. It can be connected to various sensors, such as wind direction, speed, and GPS, and it also has a built-in compass sensor. This means that you'll always have an accurate reading on where your boat's heading no matter what the conditions are like.

But what we liked best about the Raymarine EV-100 p70 Wheel Pilot Pack was its advanced steering capabilities. It can handle winds and currents up to 15 knots, making it perfect for more experienced sailors. And if you're looking for an autopilot that will last you for years to come, then the Raymarine EV-100 p70 is a good option - it comes with a solid build, and its design is simple yet surprisingly durable!

But that's not all - the EV-100 Wheel Pilot also comes with a waterproof housing unit which gives you the ability to read vital information even in harsh weather conditions. And since it works with all windlasses, you'll be able to use this autopilot system on your boat regardless of make or model.

The only downside we could find is that this autopilot system is quite expensive compared to some of its rivals. Also, it's not recommended for very large boats, meaning that it might not be the best choice for everyone.

To sum up, the EV-100 Wheel Pilot Pack is an advanced piece of equipment that's packed with features. It works well both in regular conditions and when facing stronger currents, plus it comes with an impressive set of sensors that give you accurate readings at all times. So if what you're looking

Tech Specs

Operating Voltage Range: 12V DC - 30V DC
Power supply: 12V
Connections: SeaTalk and SeaTalk 1 compliant with NMEA2000 marine networks.
Max displacement: 16000 lbs
Weight: 15 lbs (including wheel)

Pros

3-year warranty
Very accurate
Can handle strong currents and winds
Waterproof housing unit

Cons

Quite expensive compared to some rivals
Not recommended for very large boats
Installation process may be difficult for some

4. Garmin GHC 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control

The Garmin GHC 20 Marine Autopilot Helm Control is a great addition to any boat, which is why it has become very popular with boaters in the US. In fact, since you can buy this system from official resellers, it's pretty hard not to find an autopilot system that works for your boat - after all, this piece of equipment can be customized according to your needs!

First of all, we have to say that the installation process is a breeze - most customers will be able to get this autopilot system up and running within an hour or two. The only part which might cause some issues is wiring your boat's battery cables, but even if you run into difficulties with this step, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube which you can check out.

Once it's installed, the GHC 20 Helm Control is a breeze to use. It features a straightforward menu which makes it easy to change settings or adjust your course. And unlike some autopilot systems on the market, this one doesn't require you to purchase any additional peripherals - it comes with its own built-in GPS sensor as well as an electronic compass. So if you're looking for an autopilot system that's ready to go out of the box, the GHC 20 is a good choice.

This incredible autopilot is built with a 4-inch display and can enhance your nighttime reading ability. This makes it ideal for sailors that prefer to tackle the seas at night.

The only downside of the GHC 20 is that it isn't suitable for sailboats that are over 40 feet in length. This means that it's perfect for smaller vessels, but you might need to consider an alternative option if you have a large boat. The battery life could also be better, but given the bang for buck this autopilot system offer, we're willing to look past these minor inconveniences.

To sum up, if you have a smaller boat, then the GHC 20 is one of the best autopilot systems on the market. It has an intuitive display, comes with its own built-in GPS sensor, and offers real-time navigation capabilities. So, if you want something that can enhance your sailing experience without breaking your bank balance, this product might be what you've been looking for!

Tech Specs

Display: 4″ Anti-Glare Color LCD Display
Ports: NMEA2K
Max Displacement: Boats up to 40 ft in length
Operating Voltage Range: 9V to 32V DC

Pros

Intuitive menu system
170-degree viewing angle
Budget-friendly
Ideal for night excursions
Easy installation process

Cons

Short battery life
Not suitable for larger boats
Warranty can be improved (2 years only)

5. Furuno NavPilot 711C

The Furuno NavPilot 711C is an autopilot system that's specifically designed for larger boats and yachts. It comes with a single-axis drive which makes it perfect if you want to control your boat's heading evenly while sailing at any speed.

As for its installation process, we have to say that this autopilot system is one of the easiest ones to get up and running. You will need to download the manual from the official website (if you're feeling generous, you can also provide them with some feedback!), but after that, you should be able to connect all cables without too many problems! As long as your previous experience installing electronics on a boat isn't very limited, you shouldn't run into difficulties during the process.

The NavPilot 711C also comes with a built-in GPS receiver which ensures that your boat's heading is constantly updated. Plus, it has many other features that make it perfect for larger vessels, such as connecting to up to three different sensors simultaneously. So if you're looking for an autopilot system that can handle any condition, then the Furuno NavPilot 711C is a good option.

The best thing about this autopilot system is its accuracy. According to Furuno, it is capable of offering real-time adjustments even in high-stress sailing conditions. Its self-learning algorithmic system is also a great feature that gives it one up on some of its rivals. And the NavPilot 711C comes with an impressive 3-D graphic that shows you how your boat's all set to sail!

Did we talk about its FishHunter Mode? This mode turns the NavPilot 711C into a powerful fishfinder that can help you locate schools of fish in no time.

Furthermore, the NavPilot 711C requires minimal manual helm input, making it perfect for long voyages. Plus, it provides great mileage efficiency, meaning that you won't be spending too much on gas during your trips. And since it works with up to 3 sensors simultaneously, you'll have a good chance of using this autopilot system even if you're missing some parts.

The only downside of this autopilot system is that it might be expensive compared to some rivals - especially since there's no option to buy accessories individually. The warranty period is also a bit shorter than we would have liked, but that's a small complaint compared to the overall quality of this system.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a reliable autopilot system that will last for years to come, then the Furuno NavPilot 711C is a good option - it was designed with larger boats in mind, and it has an impressive intuitive display. It also works very well even in harsh conditions, so if you want something versatile and accurate, you could certainly do worse than the Furuno NavPilot 711C!