How does the steering/autopilot work?

[vositis]

So, my steering system leaks and I have an autopilot (which is KEY for me loving this boat) but I am new to these types of boats and I am confused about which thingy is the steering sensor, which thingy is the autopilot and which thingy is the manual steering. This is further complicated by the fact that there are not that many thingys connected to the rudder...

Aside from a straightforward answer, which would be great for sure, is there a resource that has all this technical data in one place? Is there some overall maintenance manual that I'm missing???

(I hail from the aviation world, where EVERYTHING has a detailed maintenance manual.....)

Thanks!!

-VO

[RobS]

It would be most helpful if you would provide what make/model AP system you have and even more helpful if you could post a picture of each of the thingies you would like identified. The answers you seek will come, but you must help us help you....

[carolmarie]

Suggest you pick a popular AP model, e. g. a Simrad AP24 and Google either the Operator or Installation manual. You will get plenty of schematics and parts identification to give you more than a clue about your system. Don.

[Norseman]

Which model Albin are we talking about...?