System components
An autopilot combines heading sensors, a controller and an actuator that moves the steering. Selection depends on the vessel, its steering system and intended conditions.
Installation and safety
Power, electrical protection, mounting and emergency stopping must be considered for each boat. Loss of data or power must not prevent the crew from regaining manual control.
Testing and supervision
Configure and test the system in controlled conditions with qualified personnel. An autopilot does not replace a watch, lookout or the skipper’s responsibilities.
From a command to movement
The sensor supplies a reference; the controller compares available data with the setpoint and commands an actuator; the actuator moves the steering. Required capacity depends on the vessel, mechanism and conditions. A controller alone is not a complete autopilot: check which sensor, actuator, power supply and controls are included.
What to check in a proposal
Ask for a diagram showing the steering connection, actuator characteristics, electrical protection, sensors, controls and method of regaining manual control. Ask how communication loss is detected and what happens with insufficient power. Answers must apply to the actual hardware and installation.
Supervised testing
Before testing afloat, agree on suitable conditions, verify the stop function and keep a person ready to steer manually. Test small changes and check source behaviour. Do not induce failures unless control can be recovered safely; the crew remains responsible for a continuous lookout.