We have exciting news here at Pontoon and Deck Boat magazine. Lowrance has released a new Outboard Pilot. This easy-to-use autopilot system allows fingertip steering of the outboard engine. Featuring integrated control from an HDS Gen2 or HDS Gen2 Touch, the Outboard Pilot can be installed with hydraulic or cable-steered outboard systems with commands coming from the HDS display.
Designed for single outboard setups on boats 30 feet or less in length, the Lowrance Outboard Pilot can steer to a selected heading, waypoint or along a route, as well as execute a selected turn pattern. Additionally, the Outboard Pilot allows users to create routes from saved trails with the touch of a button. The Lowrance HDS SmartSteer interface provides outboard control as well as the ability to control a MotorGuide Xi5 Pinpoint electric-steer trolling motor. This new steering interface allows anglers to easily switch between the Xi5 trolling motor and the outboard motor with the push of a button.
The Outboard Pilot is easy to install and configure featuring a Virtual Rudder Feedback (VRF). The system includes a Point-1 GPS antenna with heading sensor for accurate boat position and heading updates, and a dash-mountable Auto/Standby button that changes the autopilot from STBY to AUTO mode with one press.
MSRP $999 and $1,499. (800-628-4487/www.lowrance.com)
