Marine electronics

Octopus Autopilot Drives Autopilots

Octopus builds autopilot drives including linear drives and reversing pumps that connect your autopilot to the steering. Find drives sized to your boat and cylinder. Choosing an Octopus Autopilot Drive An autopilot drive is the muscle that turns your rudder on command from the autopilot brain. Octopus has built drive systems for over 20 years and offers linear drives for mechanical and cable steering plus reversing pumps for hydraulic steering. The drive you need depends on how your boat steers and how much force it takes to move the rudder. Sizing to Your Boat Linear drives are rated by stroke length and the boat length or displacement they handle, such as up to 60 feet or 33,000 pounds. Hydraulic reversing...

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Octopus builds autopilot drives including linear drives and reversing pumps that connect your autopilot to the steering. Find drives sized to your boat and cylinder.

Choosing an Octopus Autopilot Drive

An autopilot drive is the muscle that turns your rudder on command from the autopilot brain. Octopus has built drive systems for over 20 years and offers linear drives for mechanical and cable steering plus reversing pumps for hydraulic steering. The drive you need depends on how your boat steers and how much force it takes to move the rudder.

Sizing to Your Boat

Linear drives are rated by stroke length and the boat length or displacement they handle, such as up to 60 feet or 33,000 pounds. Hydraulic reversing pumps are matched to your steering cylinder volume in cubic inches. Measure your steering setup and check the rated capacity before you order so the drive has the power to hold course in a sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a linear drive or a hydraulic pump?

Use a linear drive for mechanical or cable steering and a reversing pump for hydraulic steering. The right choice depends on how your boat steering is built.

How do I size an Octopus drive?

Linear drives are rated by stroke and boat length or weight, such as up to 60 feet or 33,000 pounds. Hydraulic pumps match your cylinder volume in cubic inches. Check both before ordering.

What happens if I undersize the drive?

An undersized drive may struggle to turn the rudder and hold course in heavy conditions. Match the rated capacity to your boat and steering so the autopilot stays in control.

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