Easy Install Autopilot by iHoy Captain Marine
Autopilot systems for boats have been around for a long time because not having to constantly steer reduces fatigue, especially on longer trips. Over the generations the technology has improved from simply tying down a tiller or wheel with a line to sophisticated mechanical and hydraulic steering systems that are electronically controlled. Hydraulic autopilots can circumvent the wheel entirely by directly manipulating the rudder or outboard engine using a combination of heading sensors, a course bearing computer, and a pump or drive. These complex systems work well on many types of boats but they can be expensive and require installation and calibration beyond what most boaters can do themselves.
With the rise of the Digital Age comes a new type of autopilot that is designed for easy installation and controlled with a smartphone. The iHoy Captain marine autopilot, which we first saw at the Miami Boat show, is a surprisingly simple new system housed entirely within a module that attaches directly to the steering wheel. iHoy Captain is made to be easily installed by the boat owner. The nondescript black console attaches to the steering post right behind the wheel and then the wheel mounts to the autopilot itself. The iHoy Captain is controlled by pairing it with a smartphone using a free app (iOS or Android) and a Bluetooth connection. This modular, non-intrusive approach will allow more boaters to have an autopilot compared to other systems that usually require an expert to install.
Once the iHoy Captain is mounted and paired, the smart device acts as a remote helm to drive the boat. The iHoyMap app can be used to set the boat’s course over digital charts with waypoint placement and route creation. The free to download app looks to be similar to other common plotting apps and includes the ability to measure distances and track the vessel’s coordinates and speed while underway. If all works well, you’re basically transforming your phone into a multifunction display (MFD) and autopilot controller for your boat.
Of course like everything marine and of this mortal world, iHoy Captain has limitations. The system is recommended for most motor-powered boats between five and 15 meters (about 50’) in length, however the website states that in theory there is no boat length limit. There isn’t really a mention of sailboats on their website either so it is unclear if the autopilot could be used to steer a sailboat under power. Compatibility with the steering system of sailboats could also be an issue. The iHoy Captain autopilot is designed for Class C (Inshore) & D (Sheltered Waters). Inshore conditions mean wind less than 27 knots and seas under six feet. Sheltered waters means wind under 16 knots and seas less than 18”. It is also currently only compatible with steering wheel shafts that are ¾” in diameter which are typically found on boats 14’ to 35’ in length. The autopilot requires 12-Volt power and is meant to be plugged into an available outlet, like a nearby cigarette lighter. It reportedly draws one amp under normal operation, but up to three amps maximum.
The iHoyMap app has some unique features including a motion-steering option where tilting one’s phone is enough to alter the course. We at Best4Boats didn’t try this but would like to understand it better. It doesn’t sound particularly safe. What if your phone fell off a counter? Would that cause an abrupt turn? That said, interfacing with your phone has advantages: Calibration can be easily completed on the phone and there are dozens of nifty features within the app itself.
iHoy Captain makes a compelling marine autopilot case especially for smaller vessels and those that travel in moderate conditions. The ease of non-intrusive installation sans power tools or technicians, and the versatility and cost savings thanks to the phone compatibility is pretty innovative and forward thinking. This set up will likely be popular with boaters who are firing up the engines to take some family and friends out for a romp on local waters and want the convenience of an autopilot. There are limitations to this technology and wholly depending on a smartphone and simple behind-wheel modular box is not advisable for boats traveling in heavy weather or conducting remote offshore passages. That said, we can see this unit being carried along as a backup system to be installed on the fly and used in calm conditions for some moderate sized passagemaking vessels if their other system were to fail.
Can the modest little iHoy Captain really fight big seas to maintain course and bearing like a tried-and-true heavy duty mounted hydraulic system? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean it is not a useful tool for some boaters. If we ever get a chance to try out this new autopilot in a real-world test we will let you know. For now, iHoy Captain with its iHoyMap seems like a compelling autopilot solution worth checking out for owners of smaller boats and nearshore operations. Boaters out there—if you have experience with this system, send us your thoughts.
Price $2,095 US and the app is free
You can get more information at their website:
https://www.ihoycaptain.com/#/home
iHoy Captain can be ordered online at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/iHoy-Captain-Autopilot-Marine/dp/B0DT9CC8RX/keywords=ihoy&sprefix=ihoy%2Caps%2C214
