Chain Driven Auto Pilots

S

Sundowner 39

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 Dec 2010
Messages
153
Visit site
Hi All

Anybody have any experience of fitting a Lewmar 1/4 horse motor to a Whitlock Mamba and having fitted one did it effect the pressure needed to turn the wheel?
 
Did exactly that. Dual sprocket on wheel end no effect on manual steering (wouldnt know it was connected). Great job.
 
Sundowner 39 said:
Hi All

Anybody have any experience of fitting a Lewmar 1/4 horse motor to a Whitlock Mamba and having fitted one did it effect the pressure needed to turn the wheel?
Click to expand...

I have and yes it did because even with the clutch disconnected you are dragging the internal gears.
 
Haydude is correct, to an extent.

The autopilot drive you're referring to does have an electromagnetic clutch.

When the clutch is not engaged, you will be dragging some gears, but only the last planetary reduction stage, not the entire gearbox, so drag on the helm will be minimal. (most people don't even notice)
 
>Anybody have any experience of fitting a Lewmar 1/4 horse motor to a Whitlock Mamba

We had that setup on our boat but I can't remember the make of the motor, it had no effect on the steering.
 
I have an old Mamba shaft drive system. It is probably the predecesor to the Mamba actually. The boat is 32 years old. The steering doesnt feel any different with the chain to the autopilot removed or in place. I think it is all to do with gearing. You are moving very small gears with a large wheel. The Whitlock manual actually suggests removing shims out of the mamba gearboxes if the steering feels too loose. they can be set quite tight but it feels fine on the wheel. I know this as we have just completly stripped the pedestal, bottom gearbox, splitter gerabox than provided mounting point for autopilot and the reduction gearbox just prior to the rudder. All back together now having had new bearings, shaft repairs, seals and shims removed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top