autopilot for a Bav44

[ytd0]

I'm looking for an autopilot for our Bav 44 which has lewmar (whitlock?) mechanical steering with chain drive from the wheels to a steering box and rose joint rudder actuator from the box to the rudder.

The steering box has a 19mm dia splined shaft protruding from it which turns when the wheel is turned. This seems like something you could bolt an autopilot to. Does anyone know whether there is an autopilot drive made to bolt to the steering box or should I look for an electric linear drive?

Pilot will mainly be used on longer offshore passages. Displacement is about 10 tonnes. The boat can be balanced to self steer quite well on the wind but it slews around a bit off the wind unless the main is dropped.

 

[steve_cronin]

The Bavaria standard fit ....

is a Raymarine Autohelm 4000+W.

Ours was fitted from new five years ago but since the early 4000 drive unit was hopelessly weak and prone to early failure we had a 3000 drive unit ( the old type with the long belt and seperate motor unit). I understand that the new 4000 drive unit is much more up to the job.

Steve Cronin

 

[jackho]

Sounds like you have a similar unit to mine (new Bav37). I'm advised I need an adaptor called (i think) a MAMBA drive , installed below the steering pedestal.
This of course for the S2 Raymarine autohelm. Also I'm told there's a 6mth. waiting list for this part.
Will be interested in your outcome.

Jackho

 

[branko]

Re: The Bavaria standard fit ....

Steve, I just change my ST4000+ on Bav40 to inboard ST6002 +linear drive type 1, even Raymarine propose Linear drive type 2 for my boat. ST 4000+ was good in fair weather but in aft winds stronger than 20 kts I have to switch it off.
With this new one I was sailling on Bora gusts of 40kts this summer. Big differance!
So I am not sure that ST 4000+ will serve good enough for Bav 44.