Garmin Updates GHP 12 Marine Autopilot To Support Multiple Steering Systems

Garmin has updated its GHP 12 Marine Autopilot System to support powerboats with both solenoid-driven and cable-actuated steering systems, as well as those with third-party hydraulic pumps. Prior to this update, the GHP 12 only supported linear-actuated steering systems for sailboats.

“As Garmin continues to expand its breadth of marine product offerings, we’re excited to announce this enhancement to our award-winning GHP 12 Autopilot System, making it an attractive solution for a broader range of powerboats and sailboats alike,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Now this full-featured system is as versatile as it is capable.”
This new update enables the GHP 12 to provide powerful autopilot capabilities to powerboats with solenoid-driven and cable-actuated steering systems, as well as those with third-party hydraulic pumps, which allows the GHP 12 to drive a much larger percentage of boats. Available for boats capable of providing rudder feedback position to the Electronics Control Unit (ECU), this update addresses many OEMs, as well as retrofit installations where removing the existing pump is difficult or not desirable, and where a GHP 10 autopilot system is not compatible.

For the sailing community, the GHP 12 is designed for 20- to 70-feet sailboats with linear-actuated steering systems, and is available with two linear drive options that fit almost any midsize to large sailboat. The Class A drive unit is offered for sailboats with up to 28,500 pounds of displacement, and the Class B drive unit is for larger sailboats with up to 79,000 pounds of displacement.

The GHP 12 is accessed through the NMEA 2000 certified GHC™ 10, a dedicated autopilot control unit with a 3.5-inch color display, designed to engage and disengage the autopilot. In addition to easy installation, NMEA 2000 compatibility allows you to share autopilot heading data with other devices on your network, including Garmin’s robust line of chartplotters and multi-function displays. All Garmin autopilot systems use the latest in high-speed digital processing technology. These robust, below-deck autopilot systems have the power and sophistication to hold steady in virtually all types of weather, wind and sea conditions.

This update is available immediately through Garmin’s website. Customers can download the latest GHP 12 software by visiting www.garmin.com/support/software/marine.html.