Backing Up Autopilot Settings: Save Your Setup

Why back up autopilot settings

Your autopilot learns how your boat steers. During setup and use, it stores information about your steering system, drive type, and the way your boat responds to rudder commands. This data is kept in the system memory, and it is what makes the marine autopilot steer the way you expect.

If that memory is lost, the autopilot may need to be set up again from scratch. A backup lets you restore the configuration without repeating the full setup process. This is useful after a firmware update, a system reset, or if you replace a control head or course computer. For guidance on choosing a system with a control head, see our autopilot with control head guide.

• A backup is a copy of your autopilot's configuration and calibration data.
• You can usually make a backup through the control head menu or with the maker's software.
• Keep the backup somewhere safe, like a computer or a written note, in case the system is reset.

What settings are saved in a backup

The exact settings that a backup saves depend on the autopilot model and the maker's software. In general, a backup includes the calibration values that the system learned during setup, such as drive gain, rudder response, and compass offset. It may also include user preferences like display brightness, alarm settings, and the units you use for speed and distance. For more on the calibration process, see our calibration procedure article.

Some autopilots, like the Furuno NavPilot series, continuously learn your vessel's steering characteristics and store them in the processor's memory. The Furuno page describes this as a self-learning and adaptive system that dynamically adjusts parameters for vessel speed, trim, draft, tide and wind effects, and weather. A backup of that data would preserve the learned behavior.

For Raymarine Evolution systems, the setup includes a self-calibration process. The exact settings are not listed on the public pages, but the concept is the same: the system stores what it learns, and a backup protects that data.

How to back up your settings

The method for backing up autopilot settings varies by brand and model. For most systems, you use the control head menu to find an option for saving or exporting settings. Some makers also offer software that connects to the autopilot through a network, like NMEA 2000, and lets you save the configuration to a computer. Understanding the NMEA 2000 connectivity may help you decide how to access your system.

The NMEA 2000 standard is a marine electronics network that allows devices to share data. The NMEA page describes it as a low-cost, moderate capacity, bi-directional instrument network that interconnects marine electronic devices. An autopilot that supports NMEA 2000 can share data with other compatible equipment, which may include a computer running the maker's software.

Always consult the maker's manual for the exact backup procedure. The manual will tell you what menu to use, what file format the backup uses, and how to restore it. If you are not sure, ask a qualified installer or the maker's support team. For a complete system with a drive and control head, see our complete autopilot packs guide.

• Check the control head menu for a backup or save option.
• Look for maker software that can export settings to a computer.
• Write down key settings as a manual backup, in case the electronic file is lost.

Restoring settings after a reset or service

If your autopilot is reset to factory defaults, or if a component is replaced, you may need to restore your settings. The restore process is usually the reverse of the backup: you use the control head menu or the maker's software to load the saved file.

Some autopilots, like the Raymarine Evolution series, are designed to self-calibrate. The Raymarine page mentions that the Evolution series is self-calibrating, which means it can learn the boat's steering characteristics automatically. If you have a backup, you can restore it and avoid a full recalibration. If you do not have a backup, you may need to run the setup process again. For more on Raymarine autopilots, see our guide.

For Furuno NavPilot, the system stores learned parameters in the processor's memory. If that memory is cleared, the autopilot will need to relearn the boat's behavior. A backup of the settings would let you restore the learned data without starting over. Our Furuno autopilot guide can help you choose a model.

When to make a backup

Make a backup after you have completed the initial setup and calibration, and again after any major change to the system, such as a firmware update or a change in the boat's steering. This ensures that your backup reflects the current state of the system.

It is also a good idea to make a backup before you take the boat in for service. If the technician needs to reset the system, you will be able to restore your settings afterward.

Keep the backup in a safe place, such as a computer or a cloud drive, and also keep a written note of the key settings. That way, you have a record even if the electronic file is lost.

What to do if you do not have a backup

If you have not made a backup and your autopilot is reset, you will need to go through the setup and calibration process again. This is not difficult, but it takes time and may require a qualified installer, especially for systems with complex steering.

The maker's manual will guide you through the setup. For Raymarine Evolution systems, the self-calibration feature is designed to make this easier. For Furuno NavPilot, the self-learning software will adapt to your boat over time, so the system will improve as you use it.

If you are not comfortable doing the setup yourself, contact a dealer or a qualified installer. They can help you get the system back to the way it was. Consider looking at control head options to understand what you may need.

Backups and firmware updates

Firmware updates can sometimes reset the autopilot's settings. Before you update the firmware, make a backup of your current settings. After the update, restore the backup to avoid having to reconfigure the system.

The maker's page for the autopilot will usually have information about firmware updates and whether they affect settings. If you are unsure, ask the maker or a dealer. For more on updating, see our firmware update article.

Keeping your firmware up to date is important, but it is also important to protect your settings. A backup gives you the best of both.

Backups on systems with multiple control heads

If your boat has more than one control head, the settings are usually stored in the course computer or the main processor, not in the control head itself. This means a backup made from one control head should capture the settings for the whole system.

The Raymarine page mentions that you can complete your Evolution autopilot system with a control head, and some systems support multiple stations. The exact behavior depends on the system, so check the manual. For more on multi-station setup, see that article.

When you make a backup, note which control head you used and whether the backup includes all stations. This is especially important if you have a multi-station setup.

Backups and network connections

Some autopilots can be backed up through a network connection, such as NMEA 2000. The NMEA 2000 standard allows devices to share data, and some makers provide software that can read and save autopilot settings over the network.

For example, Furuno's NavPilot is designed to work with NavNet TZtouchXL, TZtouchE, TZMAP, and the FI70 series of instruments, as described on the Furuno page. If you have a Furuno network, you may be able to back up settings through the chartplotter or a computer. Check our Simrad autopilot guide if you are comparing brands.

Check the maker's manual to see if your system supports network backups. If it does, this can be a convenient way to save and restore settings.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What does backing up autopilot settings mean?

It means saving the configuration and calibration data that your autopilot stores, so you can restore it later if the system is reset or a component is replaced.

How do I back up my autopilot settings?

Use the control head menu or the maker's software, as described in the manual. Some systems allow backup over a network like NMEA 2000.

Will a firmware update erase my settings?

Sometimes. It is a good practice to back up your settings before updating firmware, so you can restore them afterward.

Can I back up settings without a control head?

If your autopilot is a core pack without a control head, you may need to use the maker's software or a connected chartplotter. Check the manual for options.

What should I do if I lose my settings?

You will need to run the setup and calibration process again. The maker's manual will guide you, or you can ask a qualified installer for help.