Autopilots

[Abigail]

We are looking at getting an autopilot for our 14 ton 40' ketch. The one on board when we got her isn't up to the job, and after much fiddling we are starting the research for a replacement. (We do also already have a windvane.)

Roaring Girl is centre cockpit with cable steering from a wheel to a quadrant in a very tight locker under the bunk in the aft cabin (ie very little room for a extensive additional fitting there. Considerable room under cockpit table (though of course more exposed.) Fluxgate compass etc from previous Autohelm plus cockpit display still on board and functioning of course.

What things should we be thinking about and what are the key differentiators between different autopilots. Cannot find any gear tests or comparison articles anywhere. We'd appreciate any pearls of wisdom on the subject. Thanks




<hr width=100% size=1>Sarah & Pip

www.greatlittleboats.com
UK & Ireland distributors of Swifgig

 

[castaway]

I have been through this myself with My 36ft Halberdier ketch Fairweather. Basically the old Pinta a/helm was not coping to well.

My steering system is very robust with a set up of rotating rods and gearboxes that give very little slack. The existing a/h drives thro a chain ad sprocket set up onto the fore and aft running rod and is adaquate.

However I am installing my newly sourced Autohelm 5000 as a direct drive onto the rudder quadrant, and given that you have a cable setup I would think that this is the only route to take. I guess that all is dependant on whether you have sufficient space in yr aft lockers.

I have had to apply a bit of creative thought to this as I would have had to have the drive unit sticking up thro the surface of the bunk if mounted the 'correct way up', however upside down with the mounting plate bolted to the top and then boxed around the drive to the hull it fits pretty well!

I got my AH5000 on Ebay for £350 and it appears to be all OK. I stripped it and all the PCBs and belts/gears look almost new although the unit is 20yrs old and analogue technology....... Im prepared to take the risk as a new item to the spec I wanted is around £3000!!!

Good luck, Im no expert of course, but as I doing the same job but a bit ahead of you, I may be able to offer some help.

All best Nick

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.yachtsite.co.uk/fairweather>http://www.yachtsite.co.uk/fairweather</A>



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[hylas]

On my own boat, very similar to yours, 12 meters LOA and 14 tons, since about 10 years now I have an Autohelm 4000 w.

I have to precise that I'm living (and sailing) full time and quite often sailing single handed or only two on bord..

I'm very satisfied with it... (and I don't have a wind vane)

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[Goldie]

I have to agree with Castaway. If it can be done, go for one that acts directly onto the quadrant. That way, it becomes your primary back-up if the main gear fails and also by-passes most of the likely points of failure. You can sail completely independent of your wheel system if you need to - perhaps even whilst you remove it for repairs on passage - we have!

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