Autopilot Hydraulic or electrical ram

[jfkal]

I have a cable to quarant wheel steering system. I am considering two option for a new autopilot:

1. Raymarine Type 1 electric ram.
2. Raymarine Type 1 hydraulic pump connected to a (to be sourced ) hydraulic ram.

Question: Can do option 2 without having a hydraulic system in the first place.

Any pros and cons ?

 

[pvb]

Pros and cons...

Yes, you can fit a Raymarine Type 1 hydraulic pump to a cable quadrant system. In addition to the pump, you'd need to buy a suitable hydraulic ram, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a solenoid-operated bypass valve, a load of pipes, and some hydraulic fluid. After plumbing it all in, you'd need to bleed the system carefully. If you look on the Raymarine website, you can download copies of the owner manual which will contain installation instructions.

Or you could use the Raymarine Type 1 electric linear drive, which would be much easier to fit and, at the end of the day, would probably cost about the same.

I have a Type 1 electric linear drive which is 15 years old and works perfectly.

 

[Talbot]

I was going to offer you a new complete type 1 system for sailboats with a electric motor at a reduction in list price, and then saw your location!

BTW, the S1 linear drive is a more powerful motor than used to be supplied for the old 6000 system, and is more than adequate for its task!

sizing for these systems is really dependent on boat size, changing to a hydraulic system is not going to give you any advantages unless you replace the complete wheel to rudder system. if you dont plan to replace the lot, you are going to vastly increase the complexity of your system, thus increasing likelyhood of failure.

 

[hightech]

Simrad do a self contained hydraulic ram/pump system. As with Raymarine, you just need to get the right size model for your baot size and then get the right electronics package to match to the ram.

 

[charles_reed]

Re: Pros and cons...

Hydraulic autopilot systems need a motor running almost continuously, great for powerboats or boats with lots of battery capacity.
Equally you'll find hydraulic systems preferred for heavy commercial applications.

Modern linear electric drives are far more powerful than their forebears and control circuitry is far simpler for them.

So if yours in a smallish (<14m) sailboat you'll probably be better off with the electric system.

 

[jfkal]

Thanks for the info. But what is wrong with my location?? I actually like it here a lot /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif BTW got all the stuff and am just looking for the ram itself. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[jfkal]

Re: Pros and cons...

Thanks. Shall hunt for an electric ram then /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Graham_Wright]

Re: Pros and cons...

I don't believe this is true.
There are two types; one with a hydraulic source such as you describe and the other which activates a pump on steering demand.

 

[pvb]

You\'re right...

Whilst there are some larger hydraulic systems which require a constant-running pump, the vast majority (especially smaller ones which are the subject of the original post) use a little electric pump which only operates as required. On this basis, the pump will effectively only be switched on as often as the motor in an electric linear drive is switched on.

 

[db9987]

Assuming from your post you're "in the trade" what should I pay for a complete S1G system for a tiller steered 39ft race boat ? (in Hamble, not Singapore !!

 

[hightech]

Have you got a quadrant below deck?

If not then most rams will not appreciate being sat in the open, they are generally for below decks (dry) installation.

Expect to pay around £1k for the ram unit for a 39 footer, then the electronics will be another £1k+

If you only intend to use the pilot to give you a break/light airs then a top end tiller pilot would work, but life would be reduced if you used it a lot.

 

[TheBoatman]

Vetus also do hydraulic systems some of which don't need any power to run - the pump is in the steering head.
I fitted one to one of our club boats and it works a treat - got the whole lot from Vetus, pump head, ram and tubing.

Peter.

 

[Talbot]

Not in the trade, but researched the subject thoroughly before buying. Personally I sent a request by email for a quote to about 30 companies, and selected the cheapest (Marine superstore at Port Solent) They then refussed to honour the quote!!!!!!!! The next best was a small shop in Lymington. I dont know the prices today.