Autopilot question

pearson57842

I have been researching adding autopilot to my Rinker 400.  My boat has Mercruiser stern drives.  I have had a couple of “experts” tell me that the autopilot would have a tendency to wander due to the “natural play” in the stern drive steering.  Has anyone experienced this after adding autopilot to your stern drive boat?

YYZRC

Couple good threads:

https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/6087

https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/6500/autopilot-installation-on-370

I installed the Octopus drive and a Simrad NAC controller and it does not wander. Not sure why the “experts” would make that comment? Maybe if you have rusty old steering pins it could be an issue. 

Don’t try to use an Octopus rudder sensor, they don’t work!

LaRea

I didn't have that problem on the 370 or the 342.  If the AP is wandering, it has gain settings that can be adjusted to correct it.  Or, as @YYZRC said, the steering has mechanical problems that need to be fixed.  I am a big fan of autopilot!

Dream_Inn

A good friend had the octopus drive on his for many years and never had any issues.  It is one of those things that I often wondered why I never put one on my boat.

SeaHare

Octopus drive and Simrad here.... Works fabulous!