Expected electrical drain for auto pilot

[Lucky Dog]

I am re doing our electrical system. The different books report different results. Anything from 5 amps per day to over 50.

What has anyone discovered?

 

[treilley]

An AP is a variable consumption device. If you are motoring in nice calm seas it will use less than if you are sailing in high winds and waves.

I have never used an AP for more than a couple of hours and that was usually when motoring so I cannot give you any advice there.

I do however keep my AP on all the time as it is supplying power to 4 instruments and it uses very little when in standby mode.