Autopilot for Ski Boats: Wake and Tow

Why a ski boat benefits from an autopilot

When you tow a skier, the boat must hold a steady course while the driver watches the skier and manages speed. An autopilot can take over the steering, allowing the driver to focus on the skier's signals and the water ahead. This is especially useful during long pulls or when driving in a straight line for a slalom course.

An autopilot for a ski boat is not about hands-free navigation; it is about maintaining a consistent heading so the skier gets a clean, predictable wake. The autopilot continuously adjusts the steering to counter wind, current, and the pull of the skier, keeping the boat on the intended line.

The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety page emphasizes the importance of safe boating practices, including keeping a proper lookout. An autopilot does not replace the driver's responsibility to watch for other boats, obstacles, and the skier. It is a tool to reduce workload, not a substitute for attention.

• Holds a straight course during towing
• Reduces driver fatigue on long pulls
• Frees the driver to watch the skier
• Compensates for wind and current

Matching the autopilot to your boat's steering

The first step in choosing an autopilot for a ski boat is identifying the steering system. Ski boats commonly use hydraulic steering, especially with inboard or sterndrive engines, but some newer models have electronic drive-by-wire systems. The autopilot's drive unit must interface with that steering.

Raymarine's autopilot packs are named by the steering type they serve. For example, the EV-100 Power Pilot is for small powerboats with hydraulic steering, while the EV-200 Power Pilot suits medium to large powerboats with hydraulic steering. The EV-DBW Pilot is for boats with digital drive-by-wire steering systems, and the EV-DBW Volvo Edition works with Volvo Penta IPS or Aquamatic propulsion systems.

Furuno's NavPilot 300 is designed for planing and semi-displacement outboard vessels from 24 to 50 feet, with one to four outboard engines. It uses Fantum Feedback, which eliminates the need for a physical rudder feedback unit in outboard installations. This is relevant for ski boats with outboard engines, as it simplifies installation.

If your boat has hydraulic steering, look for a pack that includes a hydraulic pump drive. If it has drive-by-wire, choose a pack designed for that system. The maker's page or an authorized dealer can help you confirm which drive matches your boat's steering. For more on drive types, see autopilot drive types explained.

Speed control integration for steady towing

A steady tow speed is as important as a straight course for a skier. Some autopilots can integrate with engine speed control to maintain a preset speed, adjusting throttle as needed to counter wind and tide. This feature is often called speed control or auto-throttle.

Furuno's NavPilot 300 offers Speed Control, which runs the boat at a preset speed by adjusting engine RPM to maintain a constant speed despite changes in wind and tide. This is particularly useful for skiing, where a consistent speed helps the skier maintain their line.

Not all autopilots include speed control. If this is a priority, look for a system that explicitly lists it, and check whether it requires additional equipment like a compatible engine interface or a rudder reference unit. The maker's page will state what is needed.

Speed control is not the same as the autopilot's steering function. It is an additional feature that works with the engine's throttle, so verify that your engine is compatible before relying on it.

Control heads and remote options

A control head is the interface you use to engage the autopilot, set a course, and adjust settings. For a ski boat, a control head at the helm is essential, but you might also want a remote so the driver can adjust the autopilot while watching the skier.

Raymarine's autopilot packs can be purchased with or without a control head. The control head gives you access to the autopilot's features, such as course selection and display modes. Some packs include a control head in the box; others are core packs that require you to buy one separately. See autopilot control head options for more.

Furuno's NavPilot 300 includes a Gesture Controller, a Bluetooth remote that lets you steer the boat by pointing and releasing. This can be useful for a driver who needs to adjust course without taking their eyes off the skier.

When choosing a control head, consider the display size and readability in sunlight. A larger screen may be easier to read at a glance, but it takes up helm space. The catalogue cannot tell you which screen is best for your boat; that depends on your helm layout and personal preference.

Network integration with chartplotters and instruments

Many autopilots connect to a boat's NMEA 2000 network, allowing them to share data with chartplotters, GPS, and other instruments. This integration can enable features like route following, where the autopilot steers along a pre-planned route, and it can display autopilot data on a chartplotter screen.

The NMEA 2000 standard is a CAN-based network that interconnects marine electronics, allowing them to share data and commands. Equipment designed to this standard can communicate with other compatible devices over a single channel. For a ski boat, this means the autopilot can receive heading data from a GPS or compass and send status to a chartplotter. Learn more about NMEA 2000 connectivity.

Furuno's NavPilot is designed to match NavNet TZtouchXL, TZtouchE, TZMAP, and the FI70 series of instruments, among other navigation equipment. This integration allows you to control the autopilot from a compatible chartplotter, which can be convenient if you already have a Furuno system.

When comparing autopilots, check which network protocols they support. NMEA 2000 is common, but some makers use proprietary networks like Raymarine's SeaTalk. The maker's page will list the network interfaces, and you can ask a dealer about compatibility with your existing electronics.

Key features to look for in a ski boat autopilot

Beyond steering and speed control, consider features that make the autopilot easier to use while towing. A quick course adjustment, for example, lets you make small heading changes without disengaging the autopilot. Some systems have a 'standby' mode that returns to manual steering instantly.

Furuno's NavPilot 300 offers several display modes, including Highway mode and Auto modes, which can be useful for different towing situations. The Fish Hunter mode performs pre-programmed maneuvers like figure-eights, which might be overkill for skiing but shows the system's versatility.

Another consideration is the autopilot's ability to handle the boat's speed range. Ski boats often operate at planing speeds, so the autopilot should be designed for planing hulls. Furuno's NavPilot 300 is explicitly for planing and semi-displacement vessels, which is a good match.

Finally, think about installation. An autopilot is a significant addition, and installation should be done by a qualified installer or per the maker's manual. The drive unit must be mounted correctly, and the system must be calibrated for your boat's steering characteristics. The maker's page and manual cover these steps, and a dealer can provide guidance. For planning, see autopilot installation planning.

Questions to ask before buying

Before you choose an autopilot for your ski boat, ask these questions to narrow down the options:

What type of steering does my boat have? Hydraulic, mechanical, or drive-by-wire? This determines the drive unit you need.

Does the autopilot support speed control, and is my engine compatible? Not all systems offer this, and it may require additional hardware.

What control head options are available? Do I want a dedicated control head, or can I use my existing chartplotter?

Is the autopilot compatible with my boat's network? Check for NMEA 2000 or proprietary network support.

What does the pack include? Some packs come with a drive and control head; others are core packs that require additional purchases.

Who will install it? A qualified installer or a dealer can ensure proper setup and calibration.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can an autopilot hold a straight course while towing a skier?

Yes, an autopilot is designed to maintain a set heading, compensating for wind, current, and the pull of the skier. This helps keep the boat on a straight line during a tow.

Do I need speed control for skiing?

Speed control is not mandatory, but it helps maintain a constant tow speed by adjusting engine RPM. This can improve the skier's experience, especially in changing conditions.

What steering types are compatible with autopilots?

Autopilots are available for hydraulic, mechanical, and drive-by-wire steering systems. The drive unit must match your boat's steering type, so check the pack's specifications.

Can I use my existing chartplotter to control the autopilot?

Many autopilots can integrate with chartplotters via NMEA 2000 or proprietary networks. This allows you to control the autopilot from the chartplotter, but compatibility depends on the brands and models.

Is installation something I can do myself?

Installation should be done by a qualified installer or per the maker's manual. It involves mounting the drive unit, connecting to the steering system, and calibrating the autopilot, which requires expertise.