upgrading autopilot, mix & match?

[Grazie Dio]

The autopilot doesn't hold course under sail. I have the Navico 8000 from the mid-1990's. I'm guessing it needs a new brain, but since they've been bought out long ago and no longer supply parts, etc., what brain-box can i put on so I don't have to replace perfectly good actuator/pump/motor at great cost?

[DeepFrz]

You should be able to use your pump/actuator with just about any autopilot, so long as the controller output can supply the power needed by the motor.

Even if the controller can't handle the motor requirements, there are motor drivers available. see http://www.comnavmarine.com/ and go to "support" and "manuals" and look at the motor controller documents.

However, most autopilot controllers should be able to handle your motor.