This is how autopilot remote control works today! The RCU-1 is the first Raymarine remote control with a colour display and modern NMEA 2000 connection - specially developed for the Evolution autopilot series. Raymarine already had autopilot remote controls with a subsidiary display function in its programme, such as the SmartController for older SeaTalk systems. However, the RCU-1 goes much further: colour display instead of monochrome, 30-metre range instead of ten metres, 30-day battery life instead of two weeks - and with point-to-steer and solo sailor mode, two functions that were previously not available in this combination.
Automatic stop for man overboard
An important safety feature of the autopilot remote control is the "Solo Sailor Mode". The function is specially designed for solo sailors and only works with wind vane steering: if the skipper is wearing the autopilot remote control on their body and falls overboard, the system recognises the incident either by losing the Bluetooth connection or through sensors in the remote control. As soon as the MOB is triggered, the ship turns into the wind and slows down to a standstill. This function is not new on the market - NKE offers a similar "Solitary Mode" for its Gyropilot remote control, which also turns the boat into the wind (if a wind sensor is present) or maximises the rudder.
Point-to-steer: Set course by gesture
The RCU-1 autopilot remote control offers "point-to-steer navigation". The user points the remote control in the desired direction and the autopilot takes over this course. This makes course corrections easier than ever: instead of entering degree numbers, you simply point to where you want to go. This is particularly practical when navigating to landmarks.
Colour display as a fully-fledged daughter display
The RCU-1 is the first Raymarine autopilot remote control with a colour display. The display functions as a fully-fledged daughter display and shows course, speed, water depth and waypoint data from NMEA 2000 and SeaTalkng networks. This combination of autopilot control and data display was already available on the older SmartController, but only with a monochrome display and for outdated SeaTalk systems. The autopilot remote control communicates via Bluetooth with the WG-1 Wireless Gateway, which is connected to the boat's SeaTalkng network. The range is 30 metres. The starter kit contains an RCU-1 autopilot remote control and a WG-1 wireless gateway. A total of three remote controls can be paired with the gateway.
30 days battery life with AA batteries
The RCU-1 is powered by two standard AA batteries. Raymarine claims a battery life of 30 days - significantly longer than the two to three weeks of previous models. Intelligent power-saving modes are designed to maximise the runtime. Compared to permanently installed solutions with rechargeable batteries, the advantage is that AA batteries can be replaced at any time while underway, without the need to charge them on board.
Price and availability
The RCU-1 starter kit (one autopilot remote control + one WG-1 wireless gateway) costs around 650 Additional RCU-1 remote controls can be purchased separately and cost around 360 euros. The autopilot remote control will be available from mid-June 2026 through Raymarine dealers and distributors. Further information: www.raymarine.com
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Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
