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Push rod systems, in which an electric motor is connected via a transmission directly to a push rod, are the most straightforward form of autopilot. The push rod is extended or retracted to move the tiller.

Simple cockpit autopilots consist of a single module which includes the compass, the motor and the push rod. In larger cockpit models, the control unit and compass are separate modules which may be linked to other external transducers via a data bus. Autohelm uses the ‘ST’ (SeaTalk) designation to indicate its network-compatible systems.

Tiller push rod systems are not particularly powerful, and are therefore only suitable for smaller boats. They use relatively small (power-saving) electric motors whose force has to be multiplied by major gearing down before it is applied to the push rod. This makes them noisy and the sound of a cockpit autopilot inoperation is quite pervasive. Although they consume little power, cockpit autopilots are ponderous in their movements.

The following systems are available:

AUTOHELM 800

AUTOHELM ST 1000,

AUTOHELM ST 2000,

AUTOHELM ST 4000 Tiller,

NAVICO TP 100,

NAVICO TP 300.