Best Autopilot for a 38' Bav?

[solar]

Best Autopilot for a 38\' Bav?

Hi,
looking for a good Autopilot system for my Bav 38'-2008 Cruiser.what do you have on your boats?
Was told that I'll need a Lewmar constellation drive? very costy /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif is it a must?
A friend can get me the parts from the US much cheaper...
will it work on a EU boat?
Any other advise here?
TIA

 

[Tranona]

Re: Best Autopilot for a 38\' Bav?

The most obvious is the Raymarine Autohelm S1 or S2 systems which most Bavaria dealers fit to new boats. You can use the Lewmar drive, but that drives the cables not the quadrant. The latter is the preferred method. Suggest you ask Raymarine for advice on detailed specification.

Lowest cost would almost certainly be buying the equipment in the UK and fitting it yourself. However you may prefer having it fitted by an authorized dealer where the boat is located.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Re: Best Autopilot for a 38\' Bav?

For a boat of this size (I have a Bav 38 Ocean) you will benefit from a hydraulic system fitted to the quadrant. Mine is a Robertson and has run faultlessly for 11 seasons.

Other systems - linear drives with small electric motors and elastic bands to reduce the drive - will serve you for a few hours, whilst you save up for a proper system.

PWG

 

[Tranona]

Re: Best Autopilot for a 38\' Bav?

The Smart Pilot systems have linear hydraulic drives on the quadrant. The old style "rubber band" model is still available, but not recommended for that size boat. Price difference is a factor of 4 times!