290 AJ Auto Pilot

**Mark I** · 10-11-2012, 09:03 AM

Anyone have a 290 Amberjack with B3s and autopilot? If so, what autopilot do you have?

I troll a lot and would find one helpful.

Thanks

**MeEscape** · 10-12-2012, 08:33 AM

I installed an Octopus drive with the Ray Marine P70R in my 06 300DA; twin Bravo Threes on 350 Horizons. Because mine had rack and pinion steering I also had to switch out the steering cable which took about an hour and a half to do.

I do not fish but the unit performs well. The X-10 learned my boat’s handling in about 15 minutes. It is unbelievable on long cruises (2-3 hours) but also adds a lot to our slow putts.

On the downside, the drive unit is a little noisy. Once I get up to around 1,000 to 1,200 rpm the engine, water and wind noise will cancel out the drive and it is not noticeable. However, if you putter at 6-700 rpm you will hear the drive unit, beneath the dash, and it is a grinding, scratchy noise.

Installed, about $3,500.

Here is the parts list I used:
Ray marine X-10 Core Pack (Course Comp, Compass)
1 Raymarine P70R Autopilot Controlhead
Octopus Type-T helm replacement & autopilot drive for cable
driven steering systems.
1 Teleflex High Performance Rotary Steering cable, 17ft 213.41 213.41T
Octopus Wheeldrive Rudder Position Sensor for Raymarine Pilots

**Hooknup** · 10-23-2012, 10:24 PM

I have a similar setup on my 290 aj twin 5.7 efi bravo 3. I went with the octopus drive. The autopilot is a Garmin ghp 12. I have a wireless remote with my system. The main intent for my unit was trolling for King Salmon on Lake Ontario. So far the unit has worked great for trolling and cruising. The wireless remote that comes in very handing when fishing. The complete setup was about $3k.

**MeEscape** · 10-24-2012, 07:44 AM

Is the Octopus drive unit very noisy at low speeds?

**Hooknup** · 10-25-2012, 06:32 PM

I don't hear it at all. My octopus drive is located in the engine compartment. Is your the model that the drive motor is located behind the steering wheel???

Al

Hooknup

**MeEscape** · 11-02-2012, 07:23 AM

Yes, my unit is behind the steering wheel. Is your drive unit located totally within the engine compartment or do you have cables extending outside the stern to the lower units? Do you have the part number or name?

**Hooknup** · 11-02-2012, 09:26 AM

The octopus drive is a remote unit. It is mounted in the engine compartment
it conects to to power steering linkage behind the starboard motor. I have
All of the parts listed on this website on a different thread. Look it up and you will see a complete break down of the parts / price that i used.

Al