Need help with cable vs hydraulic plus autopilot

[kraftada]

Hoping I can a nudge in the right direction here. I have an 89 pursuit with 350ci 240 hp mercruiser alpha 1 cable steer with power assist. I would like to install an
autopilot system, (great lakes salmon) and not sure what to do. I thought I should convert to hydraulic steering then get an autopilot$$$. Im might me incorrect and should do something else. However, Im not necessarily looking for the cheap out. I have looked up a seastar helm and ram and im looking at upward of 800 just to get the hydraulics going, Any ideas or help greatly appreciated. Wife is tired of being autopilot. Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

Hoping I can a nudge in the right direction here. I have an 89 pursuit with 350ci 240 hp mercruiser alpha 1 cable steer with power assist. I would like to install an
autopilot system, (great lakes salmon) and not sure what to do. I thought I should convert to hydraulic steering then get an autopilot$$$. Im might me incorrect and should do something else. However, Im not necessarily looking for the cheap out. I have looked up a seastar helm and ram and im looking at upward of 800 just to get the hydraulics going, Any ideas or help greatly appreciated. Wife is tired of being autopilot. Thanks.

Look for the Octopus autopilot drive system, made to work with stern drives
http://www.cmpglobal.com/content/resources/documents/Newsletters/OCTOPUSApr2011.htm

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Look into Raymarine Sportpilot II,....

It gives auto-pilot at the helm, for cable steerin',....

 

[duped]

The cheapest option would be a used SportPilot as mentioned above. The newest series work very well but have recently been discontinued and are tough to find. I would, (and did) convert to hydraulic over using the octopus drive. The cost difference is not substantial given that the octopus drive costs over 900 bucks, and the hydraulic is just nicer all around. Completely silent in "auto", zero feedback and extremely easy steering in conjunction with the engine driven PS pump.

Anyways, I just did the hydraulic swap this spring so if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.