What do you need to know before choosing an autopilot?

Today, an autopilot on a yacht is as normal as a parking sensor in a car. But what nuances should be taken into account when choosing? Electronics specialist Andreas Baden helps to understand the basics.

On long passages, the autopilot is an indispensable member of the crew. In the world of modern cruising yachts, it has already become as familiar a device as a rear-view camera in a car. And in races, its role is only growing every year. This is especially true for single regattas or races with small teams, where the autopilot is a must, without it on a serious distance there is no way.

Moreover, even at regattas with a full crew, autopilots are being used more and more actively. For example, at the RORC Transatlantic Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race or Fastnet Race their use is permitted.

Those familiar with modern autopilot systems in the top segment understand how far they have come and what real benefits they can provide. We decided to dig deeper and see what the electric autopilot market offers today.

This article is an adaptation of the material "Welcher Autopilot passt zu mir?" by Andreas Baden for the website float.de.

Tiller autopilot

First, let's figure out how a modern electric autopilot system works. The simplest option is a tiller autopilot, which is used, for example, on the Mini Globe Race. Such an autopilot is attached directly to the tiller and can keep a course using a compass. 

Some models can already connect to the network using the NMEA protocol. This is a standard that allows devices from different manufacturers to “communicate” with each other, so that such tiller autopilots can control the boat by the wind, and not just by the compass. However, all this is more a story for small yachts and boats.

On large and modern yachts, everything is more complicated. Here, the electronic autopilot is already a full-fledged system with a separate computer built into the onboard network and a drive. Depending on the tasks and type of boat, a linear drive, hydraulic drive or direct drive is used.

Racers most often use a linear drive - it is easy to maintain, reliable and does not create any resistance on the steering wheel in the "off" mode. But hydraulics are a different matter: even in stand-by mode, oil continues to circulate in the system, and when steering manually, this is felt as a slight resistance.

The brain of the autopilot is the processor

Now let's look at what autopilot processors (or more simply, central control units) are currently available on the market. It is this unit, connected to the NMEA network, that receives data from the instruments - compass heading, speed, wind direction - and controls the drive, supplying power to it.

For us, yachtsmen, the key modes of the autopilot are the compass heading mode and the wind heading mode. And it doesn’t matter what class of autopilot you have, the most important thing is that the sensors from which it takes data are in perfect order and properly calibrated. This directly affects how accurately and confidently the autopilot will guide the boat.

In general, all modern autopilots can be divided into three categories:

• basic,
• high-performance autopilots,
• top-class autopilots.

All of them differ primarily in control algorithms, and therefore in accuracy and available functions. Let's take a closer look at each category.

Basic autopilots for yachts

Basic autopilot systems can be found in all popular brands. For example, B&G has the NAC series for Triton2 systems, Raymarine has the EV series, and Garmin has the Reactor 40. These computers can keep heading by both compass and wind. 

Garmin Reactor 40 Components

Reliable and easy to operate devices that can be found on most cruising yachts. They are especially suitable for skippers who use the autopilot mainly to calmly follow the course and enjoy the sea.

High-Performance Yacht Autopilots

Those who require more from the autopilot than just keeping the course by the compass, who want the system to react faster to waves, wind changes, gusts, and especially if you go to regattas - it is worth taking a closer look at performance autopilots.

This is no longer "mass market" - not all manufacturers offer such systems. The main players in this market are NKE and B&G, with their Performance and H5000 lines respectively.

B&G H5000

B&G is a universal manufacturer that covers the entire range of yacht electronics: sensors, instruments, chart plotters, VHF radios and, of course, autopilots. All equipment operates on the basis of the NMEA2000 standard, so that instruments and sensors from other manufacturers can be integrated without problems.

NKE is going its own way. They have their own system, NKE-Bus, but now they also have their own chartplotter, as well as an interface for connecting to NMEA2000. Historically, NKE has always focused on high-precision equipment for racing and expedition yachts, and their autopilots are no exception.

Almost the limit of perfection

The high-performance autopilots of these two brands can do more than just keep a course by compass or wind. They have advanced control modes: by apparent wind, by true wind, and even by polar data of the boat. This provides maximum efficiency in any conditions.

Compared to basic models, these autopilots respond much faster, especially in unstable conditions. They have special gusty and strong wind modes that help maintain control of the yacht even when conditions change quickly.

To fully utilize the B&G H5000's potential, the network must also be equipped with an H5000 or Hercules CPU. These systems offer advanced sensor management and extensive calibration capabilities, allowing the entire system to be customized for a specific boat. This autopilot is ideal for ambitious cruisers and sportsmen who value precision and adaptability.

The main thing to get the most out of these autopilots and really feel the difference compared to basic models is to understand all their functions well and select the settings for your yacht. Just turning them on and going won't do.

Premium Autopilots for Yachts

But if you need to squeeze the maximum out of the boat, then you should pay attention to autopilots from Madintec and Pixel sur Mer. This is a real top segment. These are the systems chosen by participants of the French offshore classes Class40, IMOCA, Ocean50 and Ultim - there is nothing to do there without such autopilots.

It is interesting that both manufacturers are going their separate ways. And it is important to understand: neither Madintec nor Pixel sur Mer make a full range of yacht electronics. They specialize in autopilots and integration.

Madintec 

How MADBrain works by Madintec

Madintec offers its own central processing unit (CPU) and its own autopilot processor, plus several proprietary sensors and interfaces. All this works great in tandem with third-party devices and sensors, such as B&G or Garmin. That is, the core of the system is Madintec, the rest is up to taste. By the way, this is the autopilot installed on our yacht, modified within the framework of the GARNA project.

Pixel on the Me

Pixel sur Mer takes a different approach. They use the standard B&G H5000 Pilot CPU as a base, but instead of using the classic H5000 or Hercules processor, they add their own Pixel sur Mer processor to the network. It integrates into the system and runs on top of the B&G, adding its own control algorithms and overlays. This makes the autopilot steer the boat even more accurately and aggressively, compensating for the weaknesses of the standard B&G system.

At the same time, you can use any sensors and devices - from B&G, from Garmin, or anything else. Pixel sur Mer does not require a full ecosystem, but enhances the existing one, turning the autopilot into a truly racing-level tool.

New videos on the channel Interparus

🥰Well, without further ado, here's the latest review of this year's premiere, the Dufour 48! Hot off the press, we present a detailed opus about one of the most anticipated yachts of the 2024-2025 season. Enjoy watching!

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17.05.2025