SI-TEX SP-38 Commercial Autopilot System with Flux Gate Compass & Rotary Feedback
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SI-TEX SP-38 Commercial Autopilot System with Flux Gate Compass & Rotary Feedback
Description
The SI-TEX SP-38 is a feature-packed professional autopilot system engineered for a wide range of powerboats and commercial vessels up to approximately 150 feet LOA. Designed with serious captains and professional mariners in mind, it delivers precise, adaptive steering performance in demanding conditions. SI-TEX's proprietary Intelligent Steering Technology (IST) learns your vessel's characteristics over time, continuously fine-tuning itself for optimum handling and response.
With pre-defined parameter sets for full- and semi-displacement hulls, planing hulls, sterndrives, and sailboats - plus a dedicated Work Mode for commercial fishing boats, towboats, and workboats - the SP-38 is ready for virtually any vessel and operation type. Proportional Rate Control (PRC) ensures smooth, gentle steering response, while Nav Mode with Automatic Leeway Compensation (ALC) keeps you precisely on track regardless of drift, tide, or wind. This core pack includes the Flux Gate Compass and Rotary Feedback unit, but does not include a hydraulic pump.
Key Features
- Intelligent Steering Technology (IST): Learns vessel characteristics over time and self-tunes for optimum steering performance on any hull type.
- Pre-Defined Hull Parameter Sets: Built-in profiles for full-displacement, semi-displacement, planing hulls, sterndrives, and sailboats - plus a special Work Mode for commercial and fishing vessels.
- Proportional Rate Control (PRC): Delivers smooth, gentle steering response to reduce wear on steering systems and improve passenger comfort.
- Nav Mode with Automatic Leeway Compensation (ALC): Adaptive track steering that automatically corrects for the effects of drift, tide, and wind.
- 9-Level Backlit LCD Display: Bright, readable display with a Red Night Palette mode to protect operator night vision.
- NMEA 2000 & NMEA 0183 Compatible: Fully compatible with onboard NMEA N2K devices and most existing steering systems.
- Multi-Station Capability: Supports up to 4 stations with security station lock and output for optional analog rudder angle indicator.
- PORT & STBD Dodge Buttons: Dedicated collision avoidance buttons for quick manual course corrections.
- Operating Voltage: 10-30 VDC: Flexible power input suitable for 12V and 24V vessel electrical systems.
- Optional Bow-Thruster Interface: Available for precision drift fishing and hands-free station keeping.
- SI-TEX 2-Year Warranty: Backed by SI-TEX's standard 2-year manufacturer warranty for commercial-grade confidence.
Models & Which to Choose
- SP38-2 (This Listing - No Pump): The core pack including Flux Gate Compass and Rotary Feedback, without a hydraulic pump. Best for captains who already have a compatible hydraulic steering pump installed or who are sourcing their pump separately.
- SP38-4: A core pack configuration with Flux Gate Compass and Rotary Feedback. Suited for vessels with specific pump or drive requirements - contact us to confirm the right fit for your setup.
- SP38-17: An expanded configuration of the SP-38 system. Ideal for vessels requiring a more complete out-of-the-box solution - contact us for full component details.
- SP38-18: The most fully featured SP-38 package configuration. Best for captains who want the most complete autopilot solution with maximum compatibility and minimal additional sourcing.
Shipping
Ships free! Please email us at service@omahasportsandgames.com for a delivery ETA or to confirm shipping details.
What's Included
- SP-38 Autopilot Control Head/Display Unit
- Flux Gate Compass
- Rotary Feedback Unit
- Mounting hardware and wiring harness
Note: No hydraulic pump is included with this core pack. A compatible pump must be sourced separately.
Why You'll Love It
The SI-TEX SP-38 is trusted by commercial captains and professional mariners who demand reliable, intelligent autopilot performance on the water. Its self-learning IST system means the more you use it, the better it performs - adapting to your specific vessel over hundreds of hours at sea. Whether you're running long offshore passages, working commercial fishing grounds, or towing on inland waterways, the SP-38 is engineered to handle the demands of daily professional use without compromise.
With multi-station capability, NMEA 2000 network integration, and a rugged backlit display with night vision protection, every detail is designed around the working captain's needs. SI-TEX has been a trusted name in marine electronics for decades, and the SP-38 carries that legacy forward with a feature set that rivals far more expensive systems. Backed by a 2-year warranty and built for vessels up to 150 feet, this is autopilot technology you can count on voyage after voyage.
Product Specifications
View Product Specs
| Operating Voltage | 10 to 30 VDC |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | Average 0.5 Amps; 3 Amps Peak |
| Drive Output | 20 Amps |
| Network | NMEA 2000 & Ethernet |
| Navigational Interface | NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000 Input/Output |
| NMEA 0183 Output | Heading (10x per sec), Autopilot Status (1x per sec) |
| Heading Reference | Fluxgate, Magnetic Compass, NMEA Compass, or Sat Compass |
| Course Resolution | 1 degree |
| Course Detection | 0.5 degree |
| Vessel Size | Up to approximately 150 ft LOA |
| Warranty | 2-Year SI-TEX Manufacturer Warranty |
| Pump Included | No (Core Pack Only) |
Manuals & Guides
FAQ
Does this pack include a hydraulic pump?
No - the SP38-2 is a core pack that includes the autopilot control head, Flux Gate Compass, and Rotary Feedback unit. A compatible hydraulic steering pump must be sourced separately. If you need a complete pump-included package, please contact us to discuss the other SP-38 model configurations.
What size vessels is the SP-38 designed for?
The SI-TEX SP-38 is designed for powerboats and commercial vessels up to approximately 150 feet LOA. It supports a wide range of hull types including full-displacement, semi-displacement, planing hulls, sterndrives, and sailboats, as well as commercial workboats, fishing vessels, and towboats via its dedicated Work Mode.
Is the SP-38 compatible with my existing NMEA devices?
Yes. The SP-38 is fully compatible with onboard NMEA 2000 (N2K) network devices and supports NMEA 0183 input and output as well. It also connects via Ethernet, making it compatible with most modern marine electronics systems and chart plotters.
Can I add remote control stations?
Yes. The SP-38 supports multi-station capability with up to 4 stations, and includes a security station lock feature. A selection of remote-control units is available and can be connected via the NMEA 2000 network. An output for an optional analog rudder angle indicator is also included.
What is Intelligent Steering Technology (IST)?
IST is SI-TEX's proprietary adaptive steering algorithm. It monitors your vessel's steering behavior over time and continuously adjusts autopilot parameters for optimal performance. Rather than relying solely on manual tuning, IST learns your specific hull's response characteristics, resulting in smoother, more accurate course-keeping the more you use it.
What is Automatic Leeway Compensation (ALC)?
Automatic Leeway Compensation (ALC) is a feature in Nav Mode that automatically detects and corrects for the effects of current, tide, and wind pushing the vessel off course. Instead of requiring manual heading adjustments, ALC continuously trims the course to keep the vessel precisely on its intended track.
Thank you for trusting us with your order! This product is shipped directly from the manufacturing warehouse to get to customers all over the U.S. as soon as possible!
While many of our products are prepared and shipped out within 48 hours, some of our items are built to order or require custom pieces that could take 2-6 weeks to prepare before shipping! Please contact us at 888-884-2234 for a delivery ETA if you have a strict timeline.
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Omaha Sports & Games Team
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