Lowrance / Simrad Autopilot for Marlin

[Jrspawn]

Hello, i wanted to see if anyone could share some input on adding auto pilot to my 2001 marlin with twin OX66 yamaha 250's. The boat has hydraulic steering with a seastar cylinder on each outboard and a link bar between the two. I currently run Lowrance HDS Live units on the boat along with all other Lowrance/Simrad accessories. Id like to add autopilot but not sure what kit i should go with. I see Lowrance offers the "ouboard pilot" kit but im not sure that pump would be enough to steer the boat or not. Anyone have any suggestions, experience, or input on this?

Thank you

 

[TortugaBob]

I have same Lowrance HDS Lives. Could not use the NAV-1 Kit, the Pump is not big enough and had to go with the Nav-3 and bigger pump for Seastar volume. ended up with AP-48 Autopilot, so it does not have control from the HDS, but I am OK with that actually. I just put in my course on the HDS and tweak the AP-48 to match. IMO, one of the best things I ever did, it is a pleasure from leaving jetties to returning. I can send pictures, had a bracket mad to hang under helm so it was a horizontal mount, the way it should be, and fairly easy install.

 

[Jrspawn]

I have same Lowrance HDS Lives. Could not use the NAV-1 Kit, the Pump is not big enough and had to go with the Nav-3 and bigger pump for Seastar volume. ended up with AP-48 Autopilot, so it does not have control from the HDS, but I am OK with that actually. I just put in my course on the HDS and tweak the AP-48 to match. IMO, one of the best things I ever did, it is a pleasure from leaving jetties to returning. I can send pictures, had a bracket mad to hang under helm so it was a horizontal mount, the way it should be, and fairly easy install.

If you have any pictures of the system and installation I’d love to see it! Thank you for the info also!

 

[TortugaBob]

Here was a picture I posted in another thread:

305 Express Auto Pilot pump location

Hello, New to me 2008 305 Express going to install AP and am wondering where most have the pump installed. I saw on the 330 's they put behind the AC/DC switch panel is there room on the 305 to put there as well?

www.greatgrady.com

Basically, had a local sheet metal guy make an Alum Bracket w/ gusset hung on the bulkhead under helm. I bought the Simrad Kit with the AP48, Pump, and NAC-3. I will get some more pictures. Just matching the Fittings was the main thing, they ended up being NPT to my Seastar Helm, but you need to verify that. The kits have the ORB, etc. I actually got the right ones at a hydraulic shop, only to find out I had them on my shelf at work since we do Pneumatics. Home Depot would have too.