The original word "AHOY" has been used as a salutation in maritime terminology for centuries.
Support
FAQ
See the 'Buy now' page to see where you can buy the device.
You can download "iHoy Captain" application from App Store and Google Play for free.
You can get technical support within iHoy Captain App, at the ihoycaptain.com website or by emailing support@ihoycaptain.com.
Both a written manual and a video manual are available for installation. By following the instructions, you can do the installation yourself without needing installation service
It is suitable for motor yachts with a 0.75-inch (19.05 mm) steering shaft. As long as the steering shaft is 0.75 inches, there is theoretically no boat-length limit. In general, it is recommended for 5–15 m motor yachts.
It is only suitable for motor yachts.
It is compatible with all steering systems: hydraulic / cable / electronic.
The device is installed between the helm pump and the steering wheel and plugs into a 12 V cigarette-lighter socket. No wiring, screw mounting, or cutting is required.
Yes. You can remove it at any time without leaving any marks and install it on another boat. Only the calibration needs to be done again on the new boat.
On a boat where the steering wheel hasn’t been removed for years, it may be difficult to pull it off. For tips, you can use the installation videos on the iHoy Captain YouTube channel.
It runs on 12 V via the cigarette-lighter socket.
1 A is required under normal operation. It draws a maximum of 3 A.
It is compatible with Android and iOS.
It connects to your phone/tablet via Bluetooth (up to ~30 meters).
Yes. You can connect and use it with a tablet or a phone. Make sure the device you’re using has GPS and that it is enabled (GPS is not required in remote-control mode).
It uses the gyroscope (gyro) in the iHoyBox and GPS data from your phone/tablet.
Distance and objects in between can reduce the range (around 30 meters).
The device owner is the primary user and can grant guest access to an unlimited number of other devices (provided they are not connected simultaneously). Guest users can download the app free of charge.
Yes. You can manage it by logging into your own account on any device that has the app and GPS.
There are three functions: Remote control (steering via the app), course keeping / course change (change target heading), and route following (following a pre-planned route on the map).
Calibration is the process of learning and adjusting the boat’s cruising/turning characteristics so the autopilot works correctly. There are three calibrations in the app: Rudder Limit Calibration (calculates the hard-over limits; done while the boat is moored in the marina), Rudder Calibration (calculates the rudder response; done while the boat is moored in the marina), and Sea Calibration (calculates control-system parameters; done in open water). You can get support during calibration via the iHoy Support WhatsApp line / email.
Yes. You can use the map and its tools (distance measuring, creating waypoints, recording tracks, anchor alarm, MOB). You can also create routes; however, the device is required for route-following with autopilot.
The device does not prevent you from turning the wheel, but it does make the wheel heavier. You can immediately switch to manual mode when needed by lowering the two side locking tabs.
The tabs should lock without force. If you feel resistance, slightly turning the steering wheel left/right will help the tab teeth engage the gear more easily.
Internet is not needed for normal use. Internet is only required to update the app / register / perform the first login.
Even if the screen turns off, the autopilot will keep running as long as you don’t stop the app and don’t unlock the locking tabs.
Autopilot devices do not control the throttle.
The app is free, but the charts are paid. Each country has a pricing scheme set by the relevant official authority. Fees are set at symbolic levels to support the use of official charts.
You can download charts and use them offline; you only need internet to receive the weekly official-source updates.
You can see the country list on our website.
Chart data is obtained from the relevant countries’ official authorities via IC-ENC. For the USA, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) data is used.
Weekly updates (if available) are published; users need to update charts manually.
You can share waypoint and route information with other apps or other iHoyMap users in GPX format, and import the same format. (Note: A chartplotter connection via the NMEA interface is planned for 2026; the timetable may change.)
When you subscribe, you pay for one year. If you don’t want to continue in following years, you can cancel from the payments section.
There is a two-week free trial, which can be cancelled.
The device itself is 3 kg; 4.2 kg including packaging.
No additional sensor is required for rudder position.
It is compliant with CE, FCC, UKCA, and RoHS.
It operates between -10 °C and +60 °C.
iHoy Captain is based in Pembroke Pines, Florida (USA).
You can purchase via online sales platforms and our partners. Platform and partner details are available on our website.
The warranty period is 2 years. The warranty process is handled by contacting support via email/WhatsApp and/or by contacting the seller through the platform where you purchased the device (Amazon/eBay, etc.).