Autopilot retrofit

Portland Billy

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I have a 1996 Failine Targa 37 which has never been fitted with an auto helm. I recently approached a well respected marine electronics firm to fit one, only to be told it was not practically viable as several big bits of the starboard engine would need to come out in order to gain access - at great cost !
Anyone out there done this ?
 
I have a 1996 Failine Targa 37 which has never been fitted with an auto helm. I recently approached a well respected marine electronics firm to fit one, only to be told it was not practically viable as several big bits of the starboard engine would need to come out in order to gain access - at great cost !
Anyone out there done this ?

You need a drive motor at the wheel end. Try http://www.octopusdrives.com/sites/default/files/Autopilot Drives for Cable Steering.pdf

Assuming you have cable steering that is. If it's hydraulic the fit is easy.
 
I have a 1996 Failine Targa 37 which has never been fitted with an auto helm. I recently approached a well respected marine electronics firm to fit one, only to be told it was not practically viable as several big bits of the starboard engine would need to come out in order to gain access - at great cost !
Anyone out there done this ?

Is the issue that you need to get to the outboard side of the stbd engine? If so, it's possible to remove the locker under the cockpit seating that is used to store the in-fill sunpad cushion for the cockpit seating; once you've got that locker out it's possible to (carefully) get yourself down into the void below. This might give you the access you need to install the autopilot pump, and tee it into the steering system.
 
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