Autopilot Options

TheGreatEscape · **Posted:** 04 Mar 2026 13:33

Hi all,

Has anyone installed a Jefa DD1 autopilot and have anything to say about them for our boats? We're going to be doing a lot of ocean sailing over the next few years and want to upgrade to a below decks unit that's strong and reliable. We've ruled out hydraulic units for their power consumption and dealing with hydraulic fluid on board. I'm not a very big fan of anything raymarine either. Jefa's DD1 seems like it would work well for us, is very compact and requires minimal maintenance. Seems like most people like these units. The clutch system for disengaging the pilot seems like a great way for the helmsman to maintain feeling in the helm too.

madmike · **Joined:** 06 Sep 2020 10:08 **Posts:** 121

Our boat came to us with the same Raymarine wheel pilot you have. We also had trouble with it slipping and getting the belt tension right. Mostly that's because it's underpowered and can't handle real ocean waves; in flat water it works OK.

We added a Raymarine Type 2 Short actuator and a Furuno NavPilot 711c (we also have Furuno chartplotter and radar). That's been fantastic. The Raymarine linear actuator also has a clutch, so we have fingertip steering when the pilot is off. Furuno only recommends using their autopilot controller with hydraulic units, but it works fine for us with the electric actuator. The only hiccup we had was initially installing 18 AWG cable for the clutch, which turned out to have too much voltage drop. After increasing the wire gauge, it's been flawless.

She steers great now, even that one time we got caught in 30-40 knot winds and 10 foot seas approaching Santa Cruz.

TheGreatEscape · **Posted:** 12 Mar 2026 12:41

That's great to hear! I think I've decided on the Simrad DD15 paired with the Simrad Nac-3 computer (we have mostly B&G gear). I think the DD15 is a rebranded Jefa DD1 so I can save some money there.

I'll take a look at the specs on the unit you have and see if they are close to what I'm thinking of installing

puffcard · **Posted:** 20 Mar 2026 19:15

Sound like you guys have a plan. We installed a Raymarine under deck linear drive, about 12 years ago. Got maybe 18k miles on it and been great so far. We usually need to recalibrate the compass after coming back from the Bahamas. We had two different Wheel Pilot and they don't hold a candle to the under deck. I bought it back when Raymarine's customer service was excellent and they gave me a great price on a refurbished unit after a lightening strike. Would buy again.

Tartan37.com

Autopilot Options

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