Looking for auto-pilot

[Don W]

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a 2000 Amberjack 290, with twin 5.0 Mercs. I do a lot of trolling and I am looking for a good auto-pilot. My mechanic is telling me I probably need to convert from cable to hydraulic steering before installing an auto-pilot.

Does anyone have a good auto-pilot for an AJ 290 with cable steering?

Thank You!

 

[Josh28161]

Don, in my opinion, the only way to property add the AP is to convert to hydraulic steering. I did the change out on my 04 280DA. Like you I do a fair amount of trolling, and wanted an AP. I had one one a Grady I sold, and have missed it ever since. I did a lot of research trying to find a good system that would work with the cable steering, but the only company that I could find that makes one is Octopus. They are/were reselling their product to other companies for re-branding, but as I did the research I figured out they were all just Octopus, or at least looked identical to. I then did a lot of forum research on that unit and most of the reviews were not very good, so this spring I pulled out the old cable system and switched to a SeaStar hydraulic helm. Word of advice on that, use the pre-made connection hoses. I tried to save a few $$ by buying the cut to length and using compression fittings. They worked great for the pressure the helm produced but then kept leaking when the AP engaged. For the AP I used a Garmin Reactor 40 w/ the 1.2L pump. I went the Garmin route since that is my chartpoltter. Good luck with what ever you decide. I am running twin 4.3's w/alphas, so not sure we have the same set up, but I am happy to send you any specifics on the model #'s & price.

Josh

 

[Don W]

Thank you Josh! I have been hearing about a unit that mounts behind the helm, but I wasn't sure how well it worked. I believe it was the octopus. Thank you for confirming! I too owned some boats with really good units, and I got spoiled. I occasionally fish by myself or with just 1 other person. It's hard to get a fish in, remove planer board and net without a good AP. I just installed all new Simrad electronics, so I'll probably be looking into a unit compatible with that. Unfortunately, I can't do the work myself, so cost will have a say if I even go through with this or not. Thanks again for all the good info - very much appreciated!

 

[flyboycj84]

I had an Octopus unit for cable steering on my old Chaparral 270, twin 4.3’s, and it worked great. I had it paired with a Raymarine autopilot. I no longer care for Raymarine and have had Garmins on my Meridian for the last 4yrs.

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2670395

 

[Don W]

Thank you FlyBoyc!
I had also heard last night that Si-Tek makes an AP unit for cable steering. The Si-Tek SP-120. it's supposed to be rated #1 for trolling. It's a behind the helm unit. I'll be looking into this as well.

 

[flyboycj84]

Thank you FlyBoyc!
I had also heard last night that Si-Tek makes an AP unit for cable steering. The Si-Tek SP-120. it's supposed to be rated #1 for trolling. It's a behind the helm unit. I'll be looking into this as well.

I believe any of the autopilots will work with the Octopus.

 

[JackAzz]

I have a 2004 290 Amberjack and just installed hydraulic steering and a simrad autopilot.
I did the conversion myself and it was a bitch. There isn't much room to get the seastar cylinder hooked up to the power assist cylinder that is already there. I had to remove the elbow and riser on starboard motor to get at the pin on power assist cylinder to add new seastar cylinder.

I am 6' and 275lbs and don't fit in tight spots very good. I bought the 2.4 helm but think i should have went with the 2.0 helm. The steering isn't as easy as it should be with hydraulic steering and i think it is because of the 2.4 helm or maybe there is still a bit of air in the lines.

I went with the Simrad Nac-2, precision 9 heading sensor and am using a remanufactured Simrad NSS9 EVO2 for AP control head. I also switched out my Smartcraft SC5000 and replaced with a VesselView multi-link. The NSS9 EVO2 shows all engine info and has the troll control and controls the autopilot. That is the reason i went with the NSS9.

Looking back i would probably pay to get it installed, lots of swearing. The hardest part was installing the steering cylinder.

I must say the autopilot works pretty damn good though.