Seastar Solutions Autopilot Components

Autopilot performance on a boat depends as much on the hardware that physically moves the helm as on the electronics that give the commands. SeaStar Solutions has long focused on that mechanical side of the equation. Formerly known as Teleflex Marine, the company built its reputation on hydraulic steering, so its autopilot components are designed to integrate directly with the same steering systems found on a large share of outboard, sterndrive and inboard boats.

The SeaStar Autopilot Pump

The centerpiece of SeaStar's autopilot offering is its hydraulic autopilot pump. It is a fixed-flow, reversible pump set that uses a hydraulic gear pump, and it is designed to produce very little vibration or noise. That matters on long passages, where a constantly working pump can become a source of fatigue.

Key specifications of the pump line include:

• Voltage options: 12-volt and 24-volt configurations to suit different electrical systems.
• Two pump sizes: Type 1 delivers 60 cubic inches per minute (no load), while Type 2 delivers 100 cubic inches per minute, matched to different cylinder capacities.
• Pressure rating: up to 1000 psi.
• Fluid: designed for SeaStar steering fluid (MIL 5606).
• Mounting: a bracket is included, and the pump can be used stand-alone or mounted to a SeaStar Power Assist unit.

Part numbers such as the AP1219 and AP1233 (12-volt Type 1 and Type 2) and the AP2419 and AP2433 (24-volt equivalents) give boat owners a clear path to selecting the right size for their steering cylinder.

Power Assist and Autopilot in One Package

SeaStar also offers its Power Assist system combined with an autopilot pump. In this configuration, the unit provides power-assisted steering while the autopilot is in standby, converting manual hydraulic steering to power steering and dramatically reducing wheel effort. It can be installed as original equipment or as a retrofit, and it is a simple add-on to an existing SeaStar manual system. The pump is also described as ignition protected to SAE J-1171 and approved to ABYC, CE, NMMA and ISO 10592 standards, which is reassuring for anyone planning an installation around gasoline engines.

SmartStick Rudder Feedback

Closed-loop autopilots need to know the actual position of the rudder or engine. SeaStar's SmartStick rudder feedback unit mounts to compatible SeaStar cylinders and reports position back to the autopilot controller. Variants are available for different autopilot ecosystems, including versions matched to Raymarine and Simrad signal ranges, along with a standard 0.5V to 4.5V option. Choosing the version that matches your autopilot controller is the key compatibility step.

What to Consider When Shopping

• Confirm your steering cylinder capacity to select a Type 1 or Type 2 pump.
• Match system voltage (12V or 24V) to your boat.
• Check whether your autopilot needs a compensating line or a rudder feedback unit.
• Use only the specified steering fluid and follow the manufacturer's installation and purging instructions.

For a broader look at the company's heritage and steering lineup, visit the SeaStar Solutions brand page, or browse the full Autopilot Components category to compare options from other manufacturers.