TOPIC:

Guys, I need help with finding a good cable steering auto pilot. I know I can switch to hydraulic steering but I was quotes 2K ish to do that then add a auto pilot on top of that and it gets very expensive quickly. My understanding a cable steered vessel can use any auto pilot as long as it has a drive motor like a octopus drive also.

My questions are:

Does anyone have experience with using regular autopilots with a octopus drive?
Does anyone recommend a specific auto pilot for a cable steered boat?

I have a 27' sportcraft, currently it has an old auto pilot that is on the fritz and I am looking to start with a fresh one rather than continuing to fix this one.

I don't know what octopus drive is, but I have cable steer and use a Raymarine SmartPilot X-5R. Works very well.

Thanks Mike I will look into it.

I had a Si tex auto pilot and a Octopus S helm drive installed by Harbor Marine service East Chicago in 2015 on cable steering, works great. Talked to Si Tex technical staff on lowering the alarm set point, they were very helpful

Bruce

Thank you thunder cat I'll check that one out also.

I have the same as Brother Nature. Raymarine discontinued that unit but the still repair and support it. It works great if you can find one.

Thanks Baron, that explains why it was hard to find it for sale. Do you know if they have an updated model still for sale?

i do a lot of auto pilot installls . So much so we invested in our own machine for making up custome size hoses to make a much neater and trouble free installed system. to upgrade from a cable to a hyd system has not yet been over 1700.00 parts and labor with 15000 lb hoses. We try to stay away from 1000 lb hoses and wont go near the plastic 800 lb variety (liability involved) if you have a helm and cable steering thats in realy good shape ( not binding in any shaper or form) cable drivers work great for most guys especially if the dont have a lot of wind exposure to boat and or smaller boats . But a steering cable especially the ones that dont get used a lot tend to get stiff and bind . destroying the motor and clutch on a mechanical drive system . average life of a capble sterring in 15 years . When all things are considered it is usally better to upgrade to had system NOW vs a shot term solution that end up a headake on the day off we get to spend on the water. And options for a good auto pilot are geatly increased . One realy bad thing about realy good auto pilot after you have used it . You never want to fish with out it again . lets the guy that spent all the money on the boat get to go to the back of the boat and fish . the options are endless and ever inproving like guide to and newer stuff like active radar where it does alarm you if some one is in front of you are your on auto and not paying as much attention to the front of the boat as you should be. enjoy a couple helpfull you tubes

radar you tube video with safe zome and power conservation.

Thank you Honda Cat, hydro steering is something I've been pondering for awhile. My boat is older '87 might look into getting a newer one soon as wife wants one so idk how much I'm really comfortable investing in it since I'll probably upgrade soon. I guess that is really my decison and I appreciate the responses.