Octopus Autopilot Drives

About Octopus Autopilot Drives

Octopus Autopilot Drives is a dedicated marine autopilot drive manufacturer with more than two decades of engineering experience behind every product. A division of Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd., Octopus has spent over 20 years designing, manufacturing, and marketing autopilot drive systems that boaters around the world rely on to hold a steady course in all conditions. Their focus is singular and deep: building the best autopilot drive units available, for virtually every type of vessel and steering system on the water.

Engineering Built for Every Steering System

What sets Octopus apart is the breadth of their drive lineup. Whether you skipper a light-displacement sailboat, a cable-steered powerboat, or a heavy offshore cruiser, Octopus engineers a drive to match your existing steering hardware. Their autopilot components span four major drive families:

• Hydraulic Linear Drives – Self-contained units combining a cylinder, pump, and reservoir in one assembly, delivering high thrust with remarkably low power draw, making them a top choice for long-distance bluewater cruising.
• Mechanical Linear Drives – Designed for smaller to mid-sized sailboats, these drives connect directly to the quadrant or tiller arm for a clean, responsive installation.
• Type R Mechanical Remote Drives – A clever solution for cable-steered powerboats that adds autopilot capability without requiring a full conversion to hydraulic steering. The drive mounts out of sight and connects via a secondary steering cable, keeping the installation discreet and cost-effective.
• Hydraulic Gear Pumps – For vessels already running hydraulic steering, Octopus offers a range of reversing pumps sized to the exact volume of your steering cylinder for precise, responsive rudder control.

Universal Compatibility & Patented Technology

One of the most compelling reasons boaters choose Octopus is compatibility. Their drive units are engineered to interface with virtually all major autopilot electronics brands, including Garmin, Raymarine, and Simrad, so you are never locked into a proprietary ecosystem. Octopus also holds patents on several unique devices that enhance drive performance, and they supply drives to many of the marine industry's leading autopilot brands — a testament to the confidence professionals place in their engineering.

Power efficiency is another hallmark of the Octopus design philosophy. Mechanical drives draw as little as 1.25 amps under normal operation, while hydraulic drive units typically run at just 4–6 amps — figures that matter greatly on a boat where battery capacity is a finite resource.

Sailboats, Powerboats & Everything In Between

From outboard-powered fishing boats to sterndrive cruisers and offshore bluewater sailboats, Octopus has engineered a drive solution to fit. Their sterndrive autopilot systems, for example, clamp directly to the steering cylinder on most Mercruiser and Volvo Penta platforms with no drilling or cutting required — a clean, reversible installation that appeals to both DIY installers and professional riggers alike. If you are exploring the full range of autopilot components available from Octopus, you will find a system matched precisely to your vessel's steering geometry and displacement.

Why Boaters Choose Octopus

• Over 20 years of focused autopilot drive manufacturing expertise
• Patented drive technologies that set industry performance benchmarks
• Compatible with all major autopilot computer brands (Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, and more)
• Industry-leading power efficiency for extended offshore passages
• Solutions for sailboats, powerboats, sterndrives, outboards, and hydraulic steering systems
• Trusted OEM supplier to major marine autopilot brands worldwide