Tiller Pilot vs Wheel Autopilot: Compare

What is a tiller pilot?

A tiller pilot is a self-contained autopilot that mounts directly on the tiller of a sailboat. It includes the drive, the control unit, and often the heading sensor in one package. The unit pushes or pulls the tiller to steer the boat, so it works with the boat's existing tiller steering system.

Tiller pilots are commonly sold as complete packs. For example, Raymarine lists the ST1000+ and ST2000+ as "self contained, cockpit tiller autopilots for sailboats." The EV-100 Tiller Autopilot is another example, described as a "tiller drive autopilot for small sailboats." These names tell you the unit is designed for tiller steering and is ready to use out of the box. For a selection of tiller pilots, see the best tiller pilots guide.

• Mounts on the tiller, no separate drive unit
• Includes the control interface on the unit
• Suits small sailboats with tiller steering
• Portable and easy to remove when not in use

What is a wheel autopilot?

A wheel autopilot uses a wheel drive that attaches to the boat's steering wheel. The drive turns the wheel to steer the boat, so the autopilot works through the existing steering system. Wheel autopilots are designed for sailboats with wheel steering, which is common on medium and larger sailboats.

Raymarine's EV-100 Wheel Pilot is described as a "wheel drive autopilot for small to medium sailboats." This type of pack includes the wheel drive, the control head, and the necessary sensors. The drive unit is separate from the control head, so you mount the drive at the wheel and place the control head where you want it. Learn more about choosing a sailboat autopilot in the best sailboat autopilots guide.

• Uses a wheel drive that turns the steering wheel
• Control head is separate from the drive
• Suits wheel-steered sailboats
• Often part of a complete pack with sensors

Key differences between tiller pilots and wheel autopilots

The main difference is how the autopilot connects to the boat's steering. A tiller pilot moves the tiller directly, while a wheel autopilot turns the wheel. This affects the installation, the components, and the feel of the system. For a broader look at how autopilots differ by boat type, see sailboat vs powerboat autopilots.

Tiller pilots are simpler because they are one unit. You attach the tiller pilot to the tiller and a fixed point on the boat, and it does the work. Wheel autopilots have more parts: the wheel drive, the control head, and often a separate heading sensor. This makes them more complex to install but allows the autopilot to be integrated with other instruments.

Another difference is the boat size they suit. Tiller pilots are typically for small sailboats, as Raymarine's EV-100 Tiller Autopilot is described for "small sailboats." Wheel autopilots like the EV-100 Wheel Pilot are for "small to medium sailboats." Always check the maker's specifications for the boat size and steering type.

Which one fits your boat?

Your boat's steering system is the first thing to check. If your sailboat has a tiller, a tiller pilot is the natural choice. If it has a wheel, a wheel autopilot is designed for that setup. The maker's page for the autopilot will state the steering type it suits, so read that before you decide.

For a small sailboat with tiller steering, a tiller pilot is often the simplest and most affordable option. It is a single unit that you can install and remove easily. For a wheel-steered sailboat, a wheel autopilot is the way to go, but you will have more components to mount.

Consider how you use the boat. If you day sail and want a portable autopilot, a tiller pilot is convenient. If you cruise and want the autopilot integrated with your chartplotter and other instruments, a wheel autopilot with a control head and network connection may suit you better. Compare complete packs on the best complete autopilot packs guide.

What to look for in a listing

When you read a listing for a tiller pilot or wheel autopilot, look for the steering type in the title or description. Words like "tiller" or "wheel" in the name tell you what the unit is for. For example, "EV-100 Tiller Autopilot" and "EV-100 Wheel Pilot" are clear.

Check what is included in the pack. A complete pack for a wheel autopilot should include the wheel drive, the control head, and the heading sensor. A tiller pilot pack usually includes the tiller pilot unit itself. If the listing says "core pack" or "no drive," that means the drive is not included, which is a different kind of purchase. See the core pack vs complete pack explainer for more.

Also note the boat size the maker specifies. Raymarine's EV-100 Tiller Autopilot is for "small sailboats," while the EV-100 Wheel Pilot is for "small to medium sailboats." These descriptions help you match the autopilot to your boat.

Installation and integration

Installation of a tiller pilot is generally simpler because it is one unit. You attach it to the tiller and a fixed point, and it is ready. A wheel autopilot requires mounting the wheel drive, the control head, and possibly a heading sensor. Both types need to be connected to power and, if you want integration, to a network like NMEA 2000.

The NMEA 2000 standard is a marine electronics network that allows devices to share data. According to the NMEA, it is a "low-cost moderate capacity bi-directional, multi-transmitter/multi-receiver instrument network to interconnect marine electronic devices." This means your autopilot can talk to your chartplotter and other instruments if they are NMEA 2000 compatible.

For installation, always follow the maker's manual and consider a qualified installer. The manual will cover the specific steps for your autopilot model. If you are not experienced with marine electronics, a dealer or professional installer can help.

Safety and responsibility

An autopilot is a convenience, but it does not replace a lookout. The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety page emphasizes the importance of boating safety and education. Always maintain a proper watch and be ready to take manual control.

This site makes no safety claims about autopilots. The information here is to help you choose a product based on stated details. For safety questions, consult the maker's documentation and the Coast Guard's resources.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can a tiller pilot be used on a wheel-steered boat?

No, a tiller pilot is designed for tiller steering. For a wheel-steered boat, you need a wheel autopilot that turns the wheel. See wheel autopilot options for examples.

What is included in a tiller pilot pack?

A tiller pilot pack typically includes the tiller pilot unit, which contains the drive and control interface. Some packs may include additional mounting brackets. Check the maker's product page for details.

Do wheel autopilots come with a control head?

Many complete wheel autopilot packs include a control head, but some are sold as core packs without one. Check the listing to see what is included. Learn about control head options for more.

How do I know which autopilot fits my boat?

Check the maker's specifications for the steering type and boat size. The listing should state if it is for tiller or wheel steering and the intended boat size. The best sailboat autopilots guide can help you compare.