Autopilot Installation

[Spero]

Has anyone had any experience fitting a linear drive auto-pilot system to a Jeanneau SO 33i? (Lift Keel version with the twin rudders)

Considering replacing the current wheel mounted one with a below deck system.

From the looks of it there is already factory fitted mounts on the quadrant, but apart from that I don't see how one could be mounted with out additional mounts.

Additionally, is it possible just to buy just the drive motor since I will already have a course computer, compass and control head?

 

[claymore]

Just looking at the last sentence, compatability would need to be assured.

I have fitted a system -albeit replacing a vetus with a raymarine and the ultimate conclusion that it was better to replace the whole system became apparent. It cost a bit but it works perfectly so I've justified the expense.

I havent answered the first part but Greenham Marine were really helpful so perhaps contact them?

 

[richardm47]

Additionally, is it possible just to buy just the drive motor since I will already have a course computer, compass and control head?

I believe you can just put in the drive without replacing everything else. You have to ask the 2 manufacturers which drives and controls work together, but I think most do.

To replace my Wheelpilot drive, I'm considering 2 drives: the Jefa LD100, and the Octopus Type RS. I think they both work with my existing Raymarine ST4000+ stuff. And they work with the Garmin Sailpilot too, which is my next following upgrade.

The difficult part for me is whether there is enough athwartship room in which to fit the drive, mine is quite a narrow boat. I'll have to make a mockup to see if it will fit.

 

[maby]

Has anyone had any experience fitting a linear drive auto-pilot system to a Jeanneau SO 33i? (Lift Keel version with the twin rudders)

Considering replacing the current wheel mounted one with a below deck system.

From the looks of it there is already factory fitted mounts on the quadrant, but apart from that I don't see how one could be mounted with out additional mounts.

Additionally, is it possible just to buy just the drive motor since I will already have a course computer, compass and control head?

Pity you didn't post this a few days ago - I have just ordered a Raymarine Wheelpilot for our 33i - we probably could have done business! As far as fitting a linear drive is concerned, I would have thought that it could be quite difficult. The quadrant is set behind the inspection panel in the roof of the aft cabin, isn't it? Without making up a completely new panel, I'm not sure where you would put the servo. It rotates out into the transom space, but I think that the angles would not work out right to put the servo in there.

 

[knuterikt]

Has anyone had any experience fitting a linear drive auto-pilot system to a Jeanneau SO 33i? (Lift Keel version with the twin rudders)

Considering replacing the current wheel mounted one with a below deck system.

From the looks of it there is already factory fitted mounts on the quadrant, but apart from that I don't see how one could be mounted with out additional mounts.

Additionally, is it possible just to buy just the drive motor since I will already have a course computer, compass and control head?

Don't know your boat so I can't help with that.

I did the oposite.
Replaced the the course computer first, still have the wheel mounted drive.

I beleive that most systems work the same way - the course computer have two terminals giving power to the drive. The course computer switch the power to the drive on/off and reverses the polarity to change direction.

It's important that the drive unit's max power consumption does not exceed the max output of the course computer. So if the reason for converting is to get more powerfull stearing it might not be possible.

I think that you need to have a course computer that can take input from a rudder angel sensor. Some of the old wheel systems can't do that.

 

[Blue Fox]

i think the course computer will work allright (and the SPX5 for instance wouldn't need a rudder angle sensor), but you'll also have to fit a clutch. With a wheelpilot you have a handle to lock the system, but a linear drive needs an seperate electrical connection that locks the drive when working.
chris