A marine autopilot drive unit translates instructions from your autopilot system into movements of your rudder or outboard. The drive unit you’ll need depends on the type of steering system you have and the size of your boat. There are two main types of drive unit:
- Hydraulic steering pumps add autopilot capabilities to outboard or sterndrive (inboard/outboard) vessels with existing hydraulic steering systems.
- Mechanical drive units add autopilot capabilities to cable-steer runabouts and larger rudder-steered vessels with inboard engines.
