Octopus Autopilot Drives

Octopus Autopilot Drives are industry-leading marine steering solutions known for their reliability, efficiency, and innovative engineering. Designed to interface seamlessly with major autopilot electronics (like Garmin, Raymarine, and Simrad), Octopus offers a drive for nearly every type of steering system, from small sailboats to heavy-duty commercial vessels.

Core Drive Technologies

Octopus categorizes its drives based on the boat's existing steering hardware to ensure maximum performance and minimal power consumption.

• Hydraulic Linear Drives: These are the preferred choice for larger sailing vessels with mechanical steering. The Octopus Hydraulic Linear Drive is a self-contained unit that combines a cylinder, pump, and reservoir. It provides high thrust with low power draw, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

• Mechanical Linear Drives: Best for smaller to mid-sized sailboats, these drives connect directly to the quadrant or tiller arm. They are known for being quiet and having a low-profile design that fits into tight lazarettes.

• Mechanical Dash Drives: A unique solution for powerboats with cable steering. The Octopus Type R Remote Drive allows you to add autopilot capabilities to a cable-steered boat without having to replace the entire steering system with hydraulics.

• Hydraulic Gear Pumps: For boats already equipped with hydraulic steering, Octopus offers a range of reversing pumps. These are selected based on the volume of your steering cylinder to ensure the autopilot can move the rudder quickly and accurately.

Key Benefits for Boaters

• Universal Compatibility: Works with almost all major autopilot computer brands.

• Adjustable Flow Rates: Many Octopus pumps feature adjustable flow, allowing you to fine-tune the "rudder speed" for precise tracking in various sea conditions.

• Emergency Manual Override: Designed so that the drive can be easily bypassed if you need to take manual control of the helm instantly.