Auto pilot

TNT

TNT

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 Oct 2007
Messages
258
Location
Lefkas-Greece
Visit site
OK, so we need a autohelm, the boat weighs 9t on paper but I guess we are now pushing 11t with all the bits and bobs on board. the manual helm is through a 90 degree gearbox down to a bearing and link rod to the rudder arm. we are looking for pro's and con's for all types, any of them heavy on power (more than others I mean) any good support from the suppliers, any suppliers we should steer clear of. we are based in Italy at the minute so international delivery is a must.

all comments appreciated, thanks in advance
 
We've got a Raytheon/Raymarine autopilot, linked in to the chartplotter. It uses an electric ram fixed to the rudder post by a quadrant. The contol box reckons it an ST60 and there's a course computer that does all the clever bits. The electronics are pretty common across the board, the ram is sized according to the size and weight of the boat. Ours works well in just about any situation up to about force 6, when you need someone on the helm as it can't react quickly enough.
 
In practical terms there are only 3 manufacturers, Raymarine, Simrad and Garmin. The first is far and away the most common and is fitted as original equipment on many boats. You will have a choice of different levels of sophistication and both electric and hydraulic rams for connection to the steering quadrant. The advanatage of these is that they can be easily interfaced with sailing instruments and navigation aids - plus they do have a good reputation and world wide servicing. They have a very good agent in Italy and prices are not much different from buying in the UK and shipping out. You may need to get professional installation depending on your level of skills and competence. Suggest you get onto their website as there is full information on the types available and guidance on choosing the right units.

Garmin are new to the market and are just making inroads having signed up at least one major builder. Don't have any experience of them but worth investigating. Simrad have been around for a long time, but you don't see many of the wheel pilots, although the tiller pilots are quite popular.

There is an article on autopilots in this months PBO. Although it focuses on tiller pilots there is a brief review of wheel pilots.
 
TNT said:
OK, so we need a autohelm, the boat weighs 9t on paper but I guess we are now pushing 11t with all the bits and bobs on board. the manual helm is through a 90 degree gearbox down to a bearing and link rod to the rudder arm. we are looking for pro's and con's for all types, any of them heavy on power (more than others I mean) any good support from the suppliers, any suppliers we should steer clear of. we are based in Italy at the minute so international delivery is a must.

all comments appreciated, thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Don't get a Raymarine wheelpilot.... Their ram systems though are very good.
 
jwilson said:
Don't get a Raymarine wheelpilot...
Click to expand...

Good advice. The pilots that are connected to the wheel don't seem to have the umph or speed of response in heavier sea conditions, as it has to cope with any slack and resistance in the wheel to rudder linkage. The Raymarine had a poor reputation as the small belt drive slipped and also stripped the plastic/nylon cogs.
The pilots that connect directly to the rudder are a lot more powerful and react quickly and accurately but at a (much) higher cost.
I wouldn't suggest getting the former unless you only want to use it when motoring in calm conditions and you are strapped for cash!
 
pilot

Thanks all, some good info there. will take a look at those sites........ any ideas on the power consumption, although I guess this depends on sea state and other factors, weight etc.
 
You will find figures for standby and operating consumption in the technical specs. The key to reducing power usage is to make sure the boat is balanced to minimize the amount of work the pilot has to do. Do not be tempted to buy one that is too small. Raymarine quote boat sizes in displacement and give recommended motor sizes based on that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top