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Coursemaster Autopilots is an Australian marine electronics company founded by inventor, the late David Chapman, and his son, Richard Chapman OAM.
David began the company when his innovative autopilot design for yachts was featured on the original ABC Inventors Show. In the early 80’s, Richard saw the need for navigation and satellite connectivity on leisure and commercial vessels in the Oceania regions.
For 50 years, Coursemaster has been supplying Australia’s marine industry with world-leading marine electronics and award-winning KVH Satellite Communications that keep customers connected anywhere around the world.
“Our customers are wanting to escape offshore as much as possible but require instantaneous connection with their business interests. KVH’s Hybrid Communication solution allows them to enjoy seamless, intelligent integration of global High Throughput Satellite (HTS) with enhanced security and versatility that can handle all ocean conditions.” Natalie Chapman, Communications at Coursemaster.
Coursemaster has supplied access to marine satellite connectivity to some of Australia’s most notable business leaders including the late Lang Walker of Walker Corporation.
“We have been a long-standing customer of Coursemaster and the KVH satellite systems that keep us connected when we need to be.” Luke Caldwell, long-term Captain of the Kokomo fleet.
Pictured is Lang Walker’s Superyacht Kokomo II in front of his resort, Kokomo Private Island, Fiji.
Impulsive Superyacht – Entertain your guests anywhere on the ocean with Coursemaster’s high-speed and high-performance satellite connectivity products.
OCEAN MAGAZINE ISSUE 110
Over 45 years in operation and leading strong
Coursemaster Autopilots is a world leading manufacturer of autopilot technology for the marine industry.
In addition to manufacturing autopilots, Coursemaster operates as the Oceania distributor of world leading marine electronics and satellite communication products.
After over 45 years in operation, Coursemaster continues to lead with the support of its loyal customers both locally and internationally.
Pictured below is Superyacht IJE owned by a Prominent Australian Businessman who has been a long-standing customer of Coursemaster Autopilots.
AIMEX 25th Anniversary Celebration
Following Day 1 at Sydney International Boat Show was the 25th Anniversary Celebration for Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX).
Richard Chapman OAM, Managing Director of Coursemaster Autopilots is a founding member of the AIMEX Group.
Pictured below is Andrew Bush from KVH, Jeremy Spear, President of AIMEX, and Natalie Chapman from Coursemaster Autopilots.
Visit the Coursemaster team at Sydney International Boat Show 3-6 August 2023.
Coursemaster will be showcasing it’s world leading marine products from Coursemaster’s Autopilot Range, HyDrive Engineering, KVH, Seaview Global & more.
Ocean travels – Quantum Superyacht departs Sydney Harbour for the Whitsundays with KVH TracVision TV8
Coursemaster is a proud supplier of KVH Satellite Connectivity Products – Connectivity Matters to American Magic Featuring Matt Cassidy
Satellite Connectivity Company KVH feature in YACHTS International – Discussing Satellite TV vs. Streaming – How to Bring the Best in TV Entertainment on Board.
Coursemaster’s, Managing Director, Richard Chapman OAM, spoke at the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) Garden Event at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. Click on the link for highlights at the show.
50+ Years and Still On Course
Coursemaster Autopilots Pty Ltd has been designing and manufacturing quality autopilots in Sydney Australia for 50+ years and exporting to Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America.
In 1974, Coursemaster was incorporated after David Chapman’s innovative ‘autopilot with unique compass heading sensor’ won a John Lysaght Inventors Award and received national coverage on the ABC Television’s Inventors Program.
Automatically steers to waypoints
Coursemaster’s R & D has continued this tradition of technical innovation under the direction of Dr Graham Rigby PHD MSc., achieving another world first for Coursemaster in 1980 with the design of the CM300 autopilot using digital electronics and a fluxgate compass. An interface to enable a Coursemaster autopilot to automatically steer to waypoints from a satellite navigator achieved another world first for Coursemaster in 1984.
Innovative Autopilot Technology
Coursemaster’s commitment to specialise in innovative autopilot technology continued with the development of the first microprocessor based CM500, the dedicated commercial CM650 pilot, and the innovative software and large LCD graphics display of the CM700 and CM800 range. The development of the all the Coursemaster models may be seen on our Product History page.
Innovative Autopilot Technology
Dr Rigby’s Vessel Motion Simulator has been instrumental in the development of the intelligent, self-tuning software in the new CM80i autopilot – primarily designed for smaller powerboats with hydraulic steering and the first autopilot that does not require a rudder feedback sensor. Along with exhaustive sea trials conducted on vessels of differing displacement, the VMS has also been at the core of the development of the intelligence built into the software of the latest commercial CM880 autopilot – designed to IMO standards for use on workboats, trawlers and freighters of up to 10,000 tonnes or more.
Total Steering Solutions
Coursemaster is the sister company of HyDrive Engineering Pty Ltd, the largest manufacturer of hydraulic steering gear in the Southern Hemisphere. HyDrive has been manufacturing high quality hydraulic marine steering equipment since 1966 and won more than 7 prestigious awards for design excellence including 4 Australian Design Awards. The HyDrive Steering page of this website offers information on the inboard/outboard steering kits, heavy duty helms and power steering systems, or you may visit hydrive.com.au for HyDrive’s complete range of products. Joint projects between the two companies, including the development of the 8000 Series Steering Pedestal, are continuing both here in Australia and around the world.
This close alliance between the two companies means that with a combined 90+ years of specialist experience, Coursemaster and HyDrive are in an enviable position to provide Australian-made quality steering solutions for both commercial and leisure vessels while providing a solid foundation for continued expansion and the pursuit of emerging opportunities around the world.
COURSEMASTER AUTOPILOTS
Australian-owned, Coursemaster Autopilots Pty Ltd has been designing and manufacturing quality autopilots in Sydney Australia for over 50 years and exporting to Europe, Asia, Middle East & North America.