SeaStar PA6020 Power Assist Autopilot Pump Type 2 12V

The SeaStar PA6020 Power Assist Autopilot Pump is a dual-purpose marine hydraulic pump that combines power-assist steering AND autopilot actuator functions in one unit. The combination eliminates the need for two separate pumps when adding both power assist and autopilot to a boat - one pump performs both functions, saving cost, space, and install complexity.

Power assist - what it does for your steering. Large boats with hydraulic steering systems require substantial steering wheel torque to turn the wheel - the operator's muscle force has to provide the hydraulic pressure needed to move the rudder. For smaller boats with smaller steering cylinders, this is manageable. For larger boats with larger cylinders (12.5-21 cubic inches for this PA6020 Type 2 variant), the torque required can be tiring during extended helm work and difficult during quick maneuvers. Power assist solves this: the pump provides additional hydraulic flow that supplements the operator's wheel input, dramatically reducing the wheel torque required to turn the rudder. Practical impact: easier helm work during extended cruising, faster / easier maneuvering in close quarters, less fatigue for the operator. For boats over 30 ft with hydraulic steering, power assist is often the difference between comfortable extended cruising and tiring helm work.

Autopilot actuator - what it does for autopilot operation. Marine autopilots need a way to physically move the rudder. For hydraulic-steered boats, the autopilot uses a hydraulic pump (the autopilot pump) to inject fluid into the steering system that moves the rudder. The PA6020 includes Type 2 autopilot pump capability in addition to the power assist function - the autopilot brain commands the pump to move the rudder, and the pump executes. This single combination unit means you don't need to add a separate dedicated autopilot pump when adding autopilot to a boat that already has power assist (or vice versa).

Type 1 vs Type 2 sizing. The PA6020 is the Type 2 configuration - appropriate for hydraulic steering systems with cylinder capacity 12.5 to 21 cubic inches. Type 1 (different SKU) is for smaller cylinders (under 12.5 ci). Verify your hydraulic steering cylinder size before ordering: too-small pump for the cylinder means slow rudder movement and inadequate autopilot response. too-large pump for the cylinder means harsh / abrupt steering corrections that feel rough at the helm. Match the pump to the cylinder. Typical Type 2 applications: cruising powerboats 30-50 ft, sailboats 35+ ft with hydraulic steering, commercial vessels in the appropriate size range.

100 ci/min flow rate. 100 cubic inches per minute is the volumetric flow rate the pump delivers. Practical impact: combined with the cylinder displacement, this determines how fast the rudder moves. For a 16 ci cylinder (typical Type 2 application), 100 ci/min flow rate moves the rudder full-lock to full-lock in about 10 seconds - the standard rudder response time for autopilot and power assist applications. For very tight maneuvering (docking situations where you want faster rudder response), some operators prefer higher-flow pumps. For typical cruising and autopilot applications, 100 ci/min is the sweet spot.

1000 PSI maximum pressure rating. Maximum 1000 PSI pressure rating provides substantial steering authority - enough force to move the rudder against any reasonable hydraulic resistance from sea state, current, or boat speed. The pump operates well below maximum pressure under normal conditions. the high ceiling provides headroom for challenging conditions where higher pressure is needed for confident steering. Built-in pressure relief protection prevents over-pressure damage to the steering system.

Current draw 5-11 amps. The pump draws 5-11 amps at 12V during operation, depending on steering load. Practical impact: typical autopilot operation in moderate seas averages 2-5 amps continuous (the pump pulses on / off as the autopilot makes corrections, not continuously running). Power assist operation similarly pulses based on operator wheel input. Average current consumption over normal use is well within typical marine electrical capacity. Wire through an appropriately-sized fuse (15A breaker recommended for the PA6020) to protect the circuit.

Internal gear pump - quiet operation. The internal hydraulic gear pump design produces very little vibration or noise during operation. Practical impact: the pump runs in the engine room or hydraulic equipment cabinet without producing audible operating noise that would carry into living spaces. For cruising boats where engine room noise matters for crew comfort (especially at anchor with the autopilot or power assist active during boat maneuvering), the quiet operation is meaningful. Gear pumps are generally quieter than vane pumps or piston pumps in this size class.

Ignition protected and standards-compliant. The PA6020 is ignition protected per USCG / ABYC requirements - safe for installation in engine compartments where fuel vapors may be present. The motor electrical design doesn't generate sparks that could ignite vapors. This is a basic requirement for any electrical device installed below decks on a gasoline-powered boat. Also approved per ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council), CE (European Conformity), NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association), and ISO 10592 (international hydraulic steering standard). The standards compliance ensures the pump meets safety and performance requirements for both US and international markets.

24 feet of wire included. The pump ships with 24 feet of power and control wiring already attached - sufficient cable length for typical install configurations where the pump mounts in the engine room and runs to the helm power circuit and (if applicable) autopilot brain. For unusual install layouts requiring longer runs, additional marine-grade wire can be extended at junction boxes. The included 24-foot length covers most typical applications.

Compatible with Power Purge system. The SeaStar Power Purge system (sold separately) is an accessory that purges air from hydraulic lines during installation. Air in hydraulic lines causes spongy / unresponsive steering and degrades autopilot performance. Manual purging requires bleeding the system at multiple points and waiting for air to migrate to the highest point - time-consuming and often incomplete. Power Purge automates the process. The PA6020 is compatible with Power Purge - the pump can drive the purging process during installation. For boat builders and serious refit installers, the Power Purge compatibility is meaningful for efficient install workflow.

OEM or retrofit. The PA6020 is suitable for both OEM (factory-original boat installation by the boat builder) and retrofit (after-market addition to an existing boat). Boat builders integrate the pump during construction for boats specified with power assist or autopilot from the factory. Retrofit installers add the pump to existing boats that originally had basic manual hydraulic steering. Either way, the install procedure is similar - mount the pump, plumb hydraulic lines into the steering system, wire 12V power and (if autopilot use) control signals.

Install. Plan for 4-8 hours for an experienced installer. Tasks: (1) Select a mounting location in the engine room or hydraulic equipment cabinet - solid surface that can support the pump weight (5 lb) and won't transmit vibration to living spaces. (2) Mount the pump using stainless hardware. (3) Plumb the hydraulic lines into the existing steering system - the pump has appropriate hydraulic fittings for SeaStar steering systems. For non-SeaStar steering systems, adapter fittings may be required. (4) Wire 12V power through a 15A circuit breaker. (5) For autopilot use, wire the pump control inputs to the autopilot brain per the autopilot manufacturer's wiring instructions. (6) Bleed the hydraulic system (with or without Power Purge) to remove all air. (7) Test power assist and autopilot operation across full rudder range before relying on either for normal operation.

Warranty. SeaStar 1-year limited warranty applies. Save the receipt and the original packaging. Warranty service runs through SeaStar's authorized service network. Most field failures SeaStar sees in the PA6020 line are install-related (incompatible cylinder sizing, air in hydraulic lines causing pump damage, undersized power wiring) rather than pump defects - careful install delivers many years of reliable service. SeaStar is the standard reference brand for marine hydraulic steering systems with decades of field-proven product reliability.