Sitex SP-70 Outboard Pilot Linear Reference No Drive

The Sitex SP-70 Outboard Pilot Linear Reference No Drive is a precision marine autopilot system engineered for serious boaters who demand reliable, hands-off steering in all conditions. Whether you're running a multi-hour offshore passage, holding position in a beam sea, or navigating congested coastal waters, this linear reference autopilot eliminates fatigue and keeps your vessel on course with minimal intervention. Built by SI-TEX, a trusted name in marine electronics for professional and recreational mariners alike, the SP-70 delivers the dependability you need when waves, wind, and tide conspire against manual steering.

The SP-70 employs linear reference technology to achieve superior course-holding accuracy compared to simpler compass-based systems. This design approach constantly monitors your vessel's heading and automatically applies corrective inputs to your outboard or jet-drive motor, compensating for drift caused by wind, current, and sea state. Weighing just 20 lbs, the control head integrates cleanly into your pilothouse or helm station without consuming excessive real estate. The "no drive" designation means the control unit operates independently of motor-drive actuators, allowing flexible integration with existing hydraulic or mechanical steering systems already installed on your rig.

This system suits outboard and jet-drive operators running small to mid-sized sport-fishing boats, cruisers, and commercial work vessels. Installation requires connection to your steering output—typically a trim/tilt actuator or existing autopilot interface—making retrofit simple on vessels already equipped with electronic steering. Anglers benefit from hands-free operation during long drifts, trolling runs, or anchor-watch stations; cruising boats gain safety and comfort on overnight passages. The SP-70 pairs seamlessly with SI-TEX navigation displays and sounder packages, creating a unified helm management system that reduces workload and improves situational awareness on the water.