Octopus vs Simrad hydraulic linear drive

[Boulter]

Hi folks:

I am giving consideration to an auto pilot drive. I believe either of the Octopus 1012LAM7 or Simrad HLD350 mk2 short (both 7 inch throws) will be suitable for my Ontario 32 and usage confined to coastal cruising the Great Lakes. If I recall correctly, both have about the same specifications as far as thrust go, though Octopus rates their unit at 33,000 lb displacement vs 10,000 Simrad. Any thoughts as to one over the other?

Supplemental question: Any reason other than space limitations why one would want the remote version of these units, that is the pump separated from the RAM?

Thanks for any insight.

Boulter