SIMRAD Marine Autopilots

SIMRAD Marine Autopilots for Powerboats, Fishing Boats & Sailboats

Take greater control of your boat with SIMRAD marine autopilots from West Marine. Designed to help maintain a selected heading or course, SIMRAD autopilot systems can reduce the need for constant manual steering while cruising, fishing, sailing, or traveling offshore. Shop SIMRAD autopilot systems, autopilot controllers, heading sensors, drive units, computers, and accessories for a wide range of boats and steering configurations.

Explore SIMRAD Autopilot Systems & Components

SIMRAD Autopilot Systems

SIMRAD autopilot systems combine compatible steering controls, sensors, computers, and drive components to help automatically steer your vessel. Whether you're outfitting a center console, fishing boat, cruiser, or sailboat, choose an autopilot based on your vessel size, steering system, electronics, and typical boating conditions.

SIMRAD Autopilot Controllers

Manage your autopilot from the helm with a SIMRAD autopilot controller. Compatible control heads provide access to important steering and autopilot functions, allowing boaters to engage the system, adjust heading, change modes, and monitor autopilot information from a convenient helm-mounted display.

SIMRAD Autopilot Computers

The SIMRAD autopilot computer serves as an important part of a complete autopilot system, processing information from compatible sensors and controls to manage steering commands. Selecting the appropriate computer depends on your boat, steering configuration, drive system, and other installed equipment.

SIMRAD Heading Sensors & Compasses

Accurate heading information is essential to autopilot performance. Compatible SIMRAD heading sensors and electronic compasses provide directional data to the autopilot and other connected marine electronics, supporting steering, navigation, radar, and additional onboard functions.

SIMRAD Autopilot Drives & Steering Components

Complete your system with compatible SIMRAD autopilot drive and steering components. The appropriate drive solution depends on factors including boat size, steering type, vessel displacement, and system configuration. Always confirm compatibility when selecting individual autopilot components.

SIMRAD Autopilots for Fishing, Cruising & Sailing

SIMRAD Autopilots for Fishing Boats

A SIMRAD autopilot for fishing boats can help maintain heading while running between fishing locations or managing other tasks aboard the boat. Compatible autopilot systems can also integrate with SIMRAD navigation electronics, creating a more connected fishing and steering system.

SIMRAD Autopilots for Center Consoles

Center console owners can add an autopilot to help manage steering during coastal and offshore runs. Choose a SIMRAD autopilot based on your boat size, hydraulic steering system, existing electronics, and the conditions where you typically operate.

SIMRAD Autopilots for Offshore Boating

Long offshore runs can require hours at the helm. A properly configured SIMRAD marine autopilot can help maintain a selected heading or course while reducing the amount of continuous manual steering required. Integration with compatible navigation electronics can provide additional autopilot functionality within a connected helm.

SIMRAD Autopilots for Cruising

Cruisers can use SIMRAD autopilot systems to help maintain heading during longer passages and coastal trips. When integrated with compatible chartplotters and navigation equipment, an autopilot can become an important part of a complete cruising electronics system.

SIMRAD Autopilots for Sailboats

SIMRAD sailboat autopilots provide steering assistance for cruising and sailing applications. Selecting the right system depends on vessel size, displacement, steering configuration, and the other navigation and instrument equipment installed aboard the sailboat.

Connect Your SIMRAD Autopilot to Your Marine Electronics

Connect a SIMRAD Autopilot to a Chartplotter

Compatible SIMRAD chartplotters and autopilots can work together as part of an integrated navigation system. Depending on your equipment and configuration, this connection can allow boaters to access autopilot information and compatible steering functions through a SIMRAD multifunction display.

Build a Connected SIMRAD Helm

Integrate compatible SIMRAD autopilot equipment with chartplotters, radar, marine instruments, GPS, heading sensors, and other onboard electronics. A connected system allows navigation, steering, and vessel information to work together across compatible equipment at the helm.

How to Choose a SIMRAD Marine Autopilot

Consider Your Boat Size & Type

Start by considering the size, weight, and type of your boat. Autopilot requirements vary between smaller powerboats, center consoles, larger offshore boats, cruisers, and sailboats. Selecting equipment designed for your vessel is essential when building an autopilot system.

Identify Your Steering System

Your boat's steering configuration is an important factor when choosing an autopilot. Determine whether your vessel uses hydraulic, mechanical, or another steering system and select compatible autopilot components based on your specific installation.

Choose Compatible Autopilot Components

A complete autopilot system may require multiple components, including an autopilot computer, controller, heading sensor, drive or pump, and networking equipment. Requirements vary by vessel and system, so confirm that all components are compatible before installation.

Consider Your Existing SIMRAD Electronics

If your boat already has SIMRAD chartplotters, radar, instruments, or other marine electronics, consider how the autopilot will integrate with your existing system. Compatible networking can help create a more centralized navigation and steering experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About SIMRAD Autopilots

What does a SIMRAD autopilot do?

A SIMRAD autopilot helps automatically steer a boat to maintain a selected heading or course. Depending on the system and connected equipment, autopilot functionality can also integrate with navigation and other marine electronics.

Which SIMRAD autopilot do I need for my boat?

The right SIMRAD autopilot depends on your boat size, vessel type, steering system, displacement, existing electronics, and intended use. Because autopilots contain multiple components, verify that the controller, computer, sensor, and steering components are appropriate for your vessel.

Can SIMRAD autopilots work with hydraulic steering?

SIMRAD offers autopilot solutions for compatible hydraulic steering systems. The appropriate equipment depends on the boat, steering system, hydraulic cylinder, and other installation requirements.

Can a SIMRAD autopilot connect to a chartplotter?

Compatible SIMRAD autopilots can integrate with SIMRAD chartplotters and multifunction displays as part of a connected navigation system. Available controls and functionality depend on the specific equipment and network configuration.

Can I use a SIMRAD autopilot for offshore fishing?

SIMRAD autopilot systems can be used on appropriately equipped offshore fishing boats. Choose a system designed for your vessel size and steering configuration, and consider integration with your existing chartplotter, radar, and navigation electronics.

Can I install a SIMRAD autopilot on a center console?

Many center consoles can be equipped with a compatible SIMRAD autopilot. The correct system depends on vessel size, steering configuration, hydraulic components, and other installed electronics.

What components are needed for a marine autopilot?

A marine autopilot system typically includes several compatible components, which may include an autopilot computer, controller, heading sensor, steering drive or hydraulic pump, and networking equipment. Exact requirements depend on the boat and selected system.

Shop SIMRAD Marine Autopilots at West Marine

Shop SIMRAD marine autopilots at West Marine for fishing boats, center consoles, powerboats, cruisers, and sailboats. Find SIMRAD autopilot systems, controllers, computers, heading sensors, steering components, and accessories for your boat. Whether you're adding an autopilot or upgrading a connected SIMRAD helm, find the equipment you need at West Marine.