Disclosed is a marine steering assembly having a steering wheel pedestal, a steering output member, a manual steering mechanism and an auto-pilot drive. The manual steering mechanism is connected to a steering wheel. The manual steering mechanism is retained by the steering wheel pedestal for manual control of the steering output member. The auto-pilot drive is connected to the steering output member and provides automatic control of the steering output member. The auto-pilot drive is aligned with and located adjacent the steering output member. The steering output member, the manual steering mechanism, the pedestal and the auto-pilot drive are accommodated within an outer casing.