Cheap Autopilot System

[petem]

I've posted this on the PBO forum but will post here too as I know some of you guys have lots of knowledge in this area.....

Could some one let me know what options I have for putting together a cheap / basic autopilot system for a sterndrive boat? Boat has a C70 plotter.

I know one option is a ST4000+ with a fluxgate compass (available new on eBay) and Raymarine "Universal Stern Drive" pump (I would buy this new). This appears to be the simplest option but the ST4000+ head units are hard to find and are getting old now.

Is there a ST6002 option too? What course computer options would I have (i.e. what would be compatible with the universal stern drive unit and head unit?

Any other ideas? Anyone considering a winter upgrade and may have some suitable components for sale?

Thanks.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

I've posted this on the PBO forum but will post here too as I know some of you guys have lots of knowledge in this area.....

Could some one let me know what options I have for putting together a cheap / basic autopilot system for a sterndrive boat? Boat has a C70 plotter.

I know one option is a ST4000+ with a fluxgate compass (available new on eBay) and Raymarine "Universal Stern Drive" pump (I would buy this new). This appears to be the simplest option but the ST4000+ head units are hard to find and are getting old now.

Is there a ST6002 option too? What course computer options would I have (i.e. what would be compatible with the universal stern drive unit and head unit?

Any other ideas? Anyone considering a winter upgrade and may have some suitable components for sale?

Thanks.

Pete, I've got a complete autopilot system for sale following my winter upgrade. Control head, course computer, gyro, fluxgate, the lot. I've even got a type 1 hydraulic pump. I think the only think I didn't replace was the rudder reference indicator, which your boat may already have (if it has a rudder position gauge at the helm). Any good?

 

[petem]

Pete, I've got a complete autopilot system for sale following my winter upgrade. Control head, course computer, gyro, fluxgate, the lot. I've even got a type 1 hydraulic pump. I think the only think I didn't replace was the rudder reference indicator, which your boat may already have (if it has a rudder position gauge at the helm). Any good?

Sounds like it could be just the ticket. Following conversations with Jez, I think the pump could be made to work with a sterndrive but I'd probably invest in the correct unit.

Do you want to PM or email me some more details and a price?

Cheers, Pete

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Sounds like it could be just the ticket. Following conversations with Jez, I think the pump could be made to work with a sterndrive but I'd probably invest in the correct unit.

Do you want to PM or email me some more details and a price?

Cheers, Pete

Wilco. (The type 1 pump was the oe installation on my dph drives).

 

[petem]

You haven't got a 10,000 BTU A/C unit knocking around too have you!? Perhaps JFM has one in his man cave .

 

[MapisM]

a cheap / basic autopilot system for a sterndrive boat?

Just a thought, P: in a couple of sterndrive boats I owned, a 31' and a 34', I had the cheapest a/p, i.e. a pair of arms.
And as much as I would never live without a proper a/p on my current boat (or any slow and/or bigger boat for that matter), I never missed it during my days of 30kts cruising speed...
Anyway, just a thought, as I said!

 

[Whitelighter]

Type 1 pump wont work with the T30 as I think it isn't a hydraulic steering system but a power assisted cable set up.

The rest of it will work though

 

[petem]

Just a thought, P: in a couple of sterndrive boats I owned, a 31' and a 34', I had the cheapest a/p, i.e. a pair of arms.
And as much as I would never live without a proper a/p on my current boat (or any slow and/or bigger boat for that matter), I never missed it during my days of 30kts cruising speed...
Anyway, just a thought, as I said!

I didn't have one on my old boat and found that the concentration required to steer to a course on longer (50-70 mile) trips spoiled the experience. I'm ashamed to admit it but we rarely planned a course when messing around in the Solent. It was more a case of exit Porstmouth harbour, turn right and carry on util Cowes. As long as you're aware of Bramble bank and a few other obstacles there's not much to hit (although I think I did get a little too close to Ryde Sands on one occasion).

So on this boat I'd like to get into the discipline of planning a route and motoring to a heading or waypoint (as I observer Mike F do).

 

[jrudge]

I did that once. I ended up on Bramble Bank with a lifeboat!

 

[petem]

I did that once. I ended up on Bramble Bank with a lifeboat!

With a lifeboat or being rescued by one!?

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Wilco. (The type 1 pump was the oe installation on my dph drives).

I've finally sent you that pm Pete, sorry for the delay, it's been a busy day.

 

[spannerman]

If you have a cable operated servo assisted set up as in Mercruiser or VP pre DPH drives (D 4/6) then an autopilot pump won't work with this system. You will either need an E12026 linear actuator, or a hydraulic over servo system where the steering is hydraulic from the helm down to a cylinder which does what the cable used to do at the servo cylinder. If you have D4/6 motors then you need the Raymarine 0.5ltr pump.

 

[petem]

Thanks, it's for KAD32's so I think the E12026 linear actuator (aka Universal Sterndrive) that I need.

 

[petem]

I've finally sent you that pm Pete, sorry for the delay, it's been a busy day.

No probs Jimmy, have replied to your PM.