Common Questions
How is the CPT different from other autopilots?
The CPT is a rugged autopilot that keeps a vessel on a magnetic compass course. With your boat on course, set the CPT and it will steer and keep you boat on that course, rain or shine. It is a course-keeping autopilot. For simplicity and reliability it does not have connections to rudder transducers, GPS, or other electronics. The CPT is designed for immersion and cockpit mounting, and is powerful enough to steer heavy displacement boats.
The teeth on the belt, wheel, and clutch interlock and eliminate slipping. The simple to use clutch engages the drive, and also provides emergency overload protection.
Please be aware that a magnetic compass course is not the same as a GPS course. In keeping to a compass course, your vessel will head and point the same direction, but will still be subject to drift from wind and currents. This is apparent when observing your GPS over time, and on a passage you will still need to navigate and make periodic adjustments.
Will the CPT steer my heavy displacement boat?
The CPT will generally steer heavy displacement boats from two to ten turns lock-to-lock. Because the CPT has a powerful motor and gearing, and uses the mechanical advantage of the steering wheel, it is able to steer heavier displacement boats. The CPT develops 86 ft-lbs of torque and up to 7rpm at the wheel.
Is the CPT waterproof?
Cockpit autopilots are more exposed to the elements than their underdeck counterparts, so we have built the CPT for immersion.
The sensor, drive box, and remote are designed and built to withstand immersion. We prefer to call the CPT truly water resistant, as the term “waterproof” is often misunderstood. Storing the unit improperly for long periods in standing water or flooded conditions can eventually exceed the rating of the watertight seals.
My boat has hydraulic steering. Will the CPT work with hydraulic steering systems?
Yes, as long as there are no leaks in the system or air in the lines. The CPT routinely steer vessels over 40' with hydraulic steering. The CPT develops plenty of torque and rpm for hydraulic steering systems.
Will the CPT work on a boat with a slanted wheel and geared steering system?
Yes. Because the CPT utilizes a powerful motor and the leverage of the wheel, it can steer boats with wheels from two to ten turns lock-to-lock. It will work with geared steering systems as long as they are working properly—no loose linkages, etc. On slanted wheels, the CPT drive unit is mounted on the sole or sidewall by using an optional L-bracket.
Can the CPT be used on a boat steered by a tiller?
No
Does the CPT connect to my GPS or navigation program?
No. The CPT is a dependable autopilot that will maintain your vessel on a compass course. One benefit of this simplicity is that there are no external connections to fail.
Does the CPT use a fluxgate compass?
No. The CPT uses a fluid-dampened, gimbaled optical compass, capable of operating at up to 45 degrees of tilt with no loss in accuracy. The CPT sensor responds quickly and is designed to be mounted in the cockpit.
Installation Questions
Can I install the CPT myself?
Yes. The CPT drive unit generally clamps to the pedestal with a special bracket. The sensor unit is supplied with a clamp to fit the pedestal rail. If pedestal mounting is not suitable, the CPT is easily mounted to a bulkhead, or to the cockpit sole or sidewall with use of an optional L-bracket. Most of the time, the CPT is owner installed in just a few hours.
The versatility of the CPT makes it easy to transfer from boat to boat which has made it popular with delivery skippers.
Can the CPT be installed on a boat without a pedestal?
Yes, it can easily be installed directly to a bulkhead or console without the pedestal mount. We also offer an optional L-bracket for mounting on the cockpit sole or sidewall.
Can the CPT be installed on a power boat?
Yes. Typical installations have been made on cabin cruisers, trawlers, and fishing vessels.
Can the CPT be installed on a steel boat?
Yes, provided the sensor is mounted in a good location. Check the location with a hand-bearing magnetic compass while the boat turns in a 360 degree circle. If the compass “hangs” and delays in certain positions while turning, and then breaks free, it will not work well in that location.
The CPT is steering many steel boats designed by Bruce Roberts and others. Every steel boat is different. Some owners have had success mounting the pilot sensor on a stainless steel pedestal guard around an aluminum pedestal. Others have mounted the sensor unit on wooden boom gallows, aluminum or wooden mizzenmasts, or on the ceiling of a hard dodger or bimini. If you have a steel boat, please let us know. We have directions available for performing a magnetic survey on your vessel.
Operation Questions
Where can I get a copy of the manual?
Can I use the CPT to tack my sailboat?
Yes, with the use of the remote control. Set the pilot to the new course and use the remote to make the tack. When the tack is completed the remote is toggled to give control back to the pilot.
I’ve heard that autopilots don’t work well in a cockpit, is that true?
The CPT uses a fluid dampened, gimballed optical compass which maintains an accurate heading when operating at up to a 45 degree angle. It works well in cockpits, unlike digital compasses that prefer to be mounted below decks where there is less motion.
I've heard that wheel-mounted autopilots are not suitable for blue-water ocean passages, will the CPT work for such a passage?
Yes, the CPT has been used for many such passages. It is rated for immersion and will stand up to wet cockpit conditions. See Testimonials.
I've heard that with wheel-mounted autopilots, the belt slips or the gears or motor burns out in rough conditions. Is the CPT any different?
The CPT is different and can handle conditions other wheel pilots cannot. The CPT uses a toothed wheel pulley and drive gear that meshes with the drive belt teeth. The strength of the CPT comes from the size of its motor and gearing. The robust motor of the CPT produces a higher torque and rpm at the wheel, allowing it to respond faster with more torque to spare than other wheel pilots. The CPT develops 86 ft-lbs of torque and up to 7 rpm at the wheel.
What is the benefit of the CPT if I only intend to use my autopilot for motoring in mild conditions?
No one intends to use their autopilot when sea and wind conditions get rough; many people plan on using a windvane. Use of an autopilot is a great help while setting up your windvane and making adjustments. But when you are short handed, sleep deprived, and unexpected emergencies come up, why not have an autopilot that can handle it?
Go to the top of this page