Octopus Autopilot Drives

The drive behind your autopilot

An autopilot's brain tells the boat where to go, but it takes a drive unit to actually move the rudder, and Octopus is a trusted name in autopilot drives. The line covers linear drives that push and pull a tiller or rudder arm, rotary drives that turn a steering chain or quadrant, and hydraulic pumps that drive hydraulic steering systems from the autopilot. By converting the autopilot's commands into mechanical or hydraulic force at the steering, Octopus drives make hands-off autopilot steering work. For boat owners installing an autopilot or replacing a failed drive, choosing the right Octopus drive is essential to getting the autopilot to steer the boat properly.

Choosing the right drive comes down to your steering system and boat. Match the drive type, linear, rotary, or hydraulic pump, to your steering, mechanical or hydraulic, and the rudder load of your boat, since the drive must be sized to move the rudder with adequate force and speed. Confirm compatibility with your autopilot and steering setup, and the voltage. These are integral steering components, so correct sizing and proper installation are essential for safe operation. Review the product details and your steering and autopilot specs before buying. With an Octopus drive, you give your autopilot the muscle to steer.