Confused on auto pilot/gps

[sandiegoguy]

I'm getting into a 99 4600 and should be the new owner in a few days. One thing during the survey is they mentioned the gps system was ancient and it looks ancient to me. We talked about a new unit but then after thinking about it I got a little confused.

So doesn't the autopilot work with the gps?
So getting a new gps would probably not work with my old autopilot or are these 2 totally separate units?

I'm trying to figure out if I replace the gps what else do I need to replace for it all to tie in together.

thanks for any help on this.

[TJK]

The factory installed electronics, including the auto pilot, in 1999 46 SCB should be Raytheon models, like mine were. The auto pilot is, like you mentioned, very ancient and basic. It wouldn't interfaces with the GPS. So if you wish, you can just update the GPS.

I replaced the entire electronics and auto pilot to the latest ones (Raymarine) after I bought my boat.

[Kevlar7r]

Your old autopilot most likely communicates on NMEA 0183. The new standard is NMEA 2000, but virtually all units still also have NMEA 0183 ports. You can most likely upgrade your GPS and keep your existing autopilot.