{"product_id":"simrad-type-s-rotary-autopilot-drive-unit","title":"Simrad Type S Straight Shaft Rotary Autopilot Drive","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eThe Simrad Type S is a straight shaft rotary mechanical autopilot drive unit that replaces the manual helm on cable-steered boats, letting a Simrad autopilot hold your course hands-free while a bezel kit makes it a clean behind-the-dash retrofit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Simrad Type S is a rotary mechanical autopilot drive unit built for boats that use push-pull cable steering. It's the muscle that lets a Simrad autopilot actually turn the wheel for you, replacing the manual helm behind the dash so your pilot can hold a heading, follow a route, and keep you on track while you tend lines, watch the sounder, or just give your arms a rest on a long run. If you've wanted autopilot on a cable-steered boat but weren't sure how the pilot would move the rudder, this is the piece that makes it work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the straight shaft version, designed to drop in where your existing rotary helm lives. It mounts directly behind the dash, so the installation stays concealed and your console keeps its clean look. The Type S ships with a bezel kit that makes it a practical retrofit on most cable-steered helms, and you keep your existing steering wheel and cable rather than tearing out the whole system. That's a big deal for owners who like their current helm and just want to add hands-free steering without a ground-up rebuild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it's a mechanical drive, the Type S turns the same steering cable your hands already do. When the autopilot is off, you steer normally through the wheel. When you engage the pilot, the drive's motor and clutch take over and move the cable to hold the course the autopilot computer commands. The unit is built with integrated rudder feedback capability, which is what gives a good autopilot its precise, settled feel instead of the constant hunting you get from a poorly matched drive. Rudder feedback tells the pilot exactly where the rudder sits, so corrections are smooth and confident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Type S is meant to pair with a Simrad autopilot system. On its own it's a drive, not a complete pilot, so you'll run it alongside a Simrad autopilot computer and control head to make a full self-steering setup. If you're building a system from scratch or upgrading an older pilot, we can help you confirm the drive matches the rest of your components so everything talks together the way it should. Getting the drive matched to the boat and the pilot is the single most important part of a happy autopilot install, and we don't want you guessing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho's this drive for? It's aimed at the owner of a smaller powerboat with mechanical cable steering who's ready to add real hands-free capability. Think of a bay boat, a coastal walkaround, or a runabout where the helm is a rotary cable system rather than hydraulics. On those boats a hydraulic pump drive doesn't apply, and a mechanical rotary drive like the Type S is exactly the right tool. It respects the steering you already have and adds the autopilot muscle on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation is a retrofit-friendly job for a competent rigger. The behind-the-dash mounting, the included bezel kit, and the fact that you reuse your existing wheel and cable all keep the work reasonable. Once it's in, the payoff is real. Anyone who has run offshore for hours knows how much fatigue the wheel builds up, and letting the pilot hold the line while you stay fresh and alert makes for a safer, more enjoyable day on the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Simrad Type S we sell is the genuine article, and we're here to help before and after the sale. If you're not certain the Type S is the correct drive for your steering system and your Simrad pilot, reach out with your boat and steering details. We'll help you get the right drive the first time so your autopilot performs the way it's supposed to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStraight shaft rotary mechanical autopilot drive unit for push-pull cable steering systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReplaces the manual rotary helm so a Simrad autopilot can steer the boat hands-free\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMounts directly behind the dash for a concealed, clean-console installation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncludes a bezel kit that makes it a practical retrofit on most cable-steered helms\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIntegrated rudder feedback capability for smooth, settled autopilot corrections\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReuses your existing steering wheel and cable rather than replacing the whole system\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePairs with a Simrad autopilot computer and control head to form a complete self-steering setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBuilt for smaller powerboats running mechanical cable steering rather than hydraulics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Simrad reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat does the Simrad Type S drive unit actually do?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's the mechanical muscle of an autopilot system. When you engage a Simrad autopilot, the Type S drive turns your steering cable to hold the course the pilot commands, so the boat steers itself while you tend to other tasks. When the pilot is off, you steer normally through the wheel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs the Type S a complete autopilot?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo. It's the drive unit only. To build a full self-steering system you'll pair it with a Simrad autopilot computer and control head. We can help you confirm the drive matches the rest of your components so everything works together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat kind of steering does the Type S work with?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's designed for push-pull mechanical cable steering, the rotary helm found on many smaller powerboats. It replaces that manual helm behind the dash. It is not a hydraulic pump drive, so it's the right choice for cable-steered boats rather than hydraulic systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCan I install this as a retrofit?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. It ships with a bezel kit that makes it a practical retrofit on most cable-steered helms, and you keep your existing steering wheel and cable. It mounts directly behind the dash, so the installation stays concealed. It's a reasonable job for a competent rigger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat is the straight shaft version about?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe straight shaft configuration is built to drop in where a standard rotary cable helm sits. It's the common layout on many cable-steered boats. If you're unsure whether your helm matches, send us your steering details and we'll help you confirm the fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes the Type S include rudder feedback?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's built with integrated rudder feedback capability. Rudder feedback tells the autopilot exactly where the rudder is positioned, which gives you smooth, settled steering instead of the constant hunting you get from a poorly matched drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat kind of boat is the Type S meant for?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's aimed at smaller powerboats with mechanical cable steering, such as bay boats, coastal walkarounds, and runabouts. On those hulls a rotary mechanical drive is the correct tool rather than a hydraulic pump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWill I still be able to steer by hand?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. Because it's a mechanical drive on your existing cable and wheel, you steer normally by hand whenever the autopilot is disengaged. The drive only takes over the cable when you turn the pilot on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSimrad Type S Straight Shaft Rotary Mechanical Autopilot Drive Unit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSimrad\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e000-10907-001\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9420024121153\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAutopilot drive unit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDrive Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRotary mechanical\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eShaft Configuration\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStraight shaft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompatible Steering\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePush-pull mechanical cable steering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRudder Feedback\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated capability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMounting Location\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirectly behind the dash\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIncluded Hardware\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBezel kit for retrofit installation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSystem Role\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrive unit only, pairs with a Simrad autopilot computer and control head\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIntended Vessel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmaller powerboats with cable steering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What does the Simrad Type S drive unit actually do?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's the mechanical muscle of an autopilot system. When you engage a Simrad autopilot, the Type S drive turns your steering cable to hold the course the pilot commands, so the boat steers itself while you tend to other tasks. When the pilot is off, you steer normally through the wheel.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is the Type S a complete autopilot?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"No. It's the drive unit only. To build a full self-steering system you'll pair it with a Simrad autopilot computer and control head. We can help you confirm the drive matches the rest of your components so everything works together.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What kind of steering does the Type S work with?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's designed for push-pull mechanical cable steering, the rotary helm found on many smaller powerboats. It replaces that manual helm behind the dash. It is not a hydraulic pump drive, so it's the right choice for cable-steered boats rather than hydraulic systems.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I install this as a retrofit?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. It ships with a bezel kit that makes it a practical retrofit on most cable-steered helms, and you keep your existing steering wheel and cable. It mounts directly behind the dash, so the installation stays concealed. It's a reasonable job for a competent rigger.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is the straight shaft version about?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The straight shaft configuration is built to drop in where a standard rotary cable helm sits. It's the common layout on many cable-steered boats. If you're unsure whether your helm matches, send us your steering details and we'll help you confirm the fit.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Does the Type S include rudder feedback?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's built with integrated rudder feedback capability. Rudder feedback tells the autopilot exactly where the rudder is positioned, which gives you smooth, settled steering instead of the constant hunting you get from a poorly matched drive.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What kind of boat is the Type S meant for?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's aimed at smaller powerboats with mechanical cable steering, such as bay boats, coastal walkarounds, and runabouts. On those hulls a rotary mechanical drive is the correct tool rather than a hydraulic pump.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Will I still be able to steer by hand?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. Because it's a mechanical drive on your existing cable and wheel, you steer normally by hand whenever the autopilot is disengaged. The drive only takes over the cable when you turn the pilot on.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n","brand":"Simrad","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44782608842845,"sku":"2006757","price":1455.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0299\/7266\/0317\/files\/ImageServerAPI_636d95c0-c038-40c1-848b-c28d512fe894.png?v=1784850768","url":"https:\/\/nvnmarine.com\/products\/simrad-type-s-rotary-autopilot-drive-unit","provider":"NVN Marine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}