Auto pilot

[duckhead1]

I have a 87 25 ft rinker vesta v boat. Want to install auto pilot. It has a rack and Pinon steering on a merc 5.7 inboard.i was told auto pilot would not work with this type of drive.anyone put a auto pilot on this type.can I hold low trolling speed.

 

[dingbat]

I have a 87 25 ft rinker vesta v boat. Want to install auto pilot. It has a rack and Pinon steering on a merc 5.7 inboard.i was told auto pilot would not work with this type of drive.anyone put a auto pilot on this type.can I hold low trolling speed.

A couple of manufacturers make cable AP.

Given all the slope in cable systems, can't see how that would work all that well for trolling.

Even the cheaper hydraulic units will not hold course at trolling speed worth a darn in any type of slop or wind.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Raymarine made a Sportpilot II that I put on my ole fishin' boat,....
It made turnin' the wheel fairly hard, 'n wouldn't hold a gps headin' under 5 mph, but did just fine at speed,.....
It just couldn't keep up with the wind, 'n currents are trollin' speeds,...