Consumption of hidraulic linear autopilot

[TONICK]

Dear friends. I´m in the process of buying a hidraulic linear autopilot, and a little concerned because of the consumption of the device. Can anayone tell me how many amps do they use to eat in a 33 footer?. Thank you

 

[Adamastor]

Which AP drive are you looking at, Antonio? What Voltage is the system?

 

[sailorman]

Hydraulic /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[oldsaltoz]

More information needed here, might be faster to ask a few supplier on the phone.

Advise them what voltage you have on board, What capacity, what charging systems, like alternator/s, solar panels, wind generators and so on.

Also steering type, single or twin rudder, stick or wheel, and the list goes on.

Hope this helps.

We only ever use our hydraulic steering when motoring so no clue as to what power it may be using. we also 2 engines so 2 starter batteries, as well as 6 domestic batteries and a high tech charge and monitoring system, 2 alternators, and 3 large solar panels.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[matelot]

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Hydraulic /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

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The hydraulic pump has to be electrically powered doesnt it? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[sailorman]

REALLY /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

i assume there is a power consumption difference between an Electrically driven Ram to a Hydraulic one powered by the Hydraulic pump

 

[oldsaltoz]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hydraulic /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

The hydraulic pump has to be electrically powered doesnt it? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

When you, or the auto pilot turn the wheel oil is pumped by the pump fixed to the wheel, no current required other than your hand or the auto pilot wheel drive be it belt or other.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[sailorman]

Hydraulic Autopilot

 

[matelot]

Interestingly there was one design of hydraulic autpilot for a catamaran that used the motion of the boat through the sea to power the pilot. But that apart, every other hydraulic pilot uses leccy to power the pump.

 

[oldsaltoz]

<<<every other hydraulic pilot uses leccy to power the pump.>>>

Cobblers, most small vessels (Sailing boats) have the hydraulic pump fixed to the end of the steering wheel shaft and it's the turning of the wheel that causes the 'pump' to move the steering ram.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[sailorman]

This post started off as an AutoPilot Ram Question
NOT how the wheel transfers power to the Rudder

Avagoodevening /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[NormanS]

Re oldsaltoz:
Yes, but what do you think powers the autopilot?

 

[oldsaltoz]

Who 'sails' with the auto pilot steering? Sure if under motor and boring it's ok, but why would you miss the fun of steering your own boat on a great day, that's what it's all about.

 

[sailorman]

But that woz the OPs question
He is going to sail the Atlantic
not fiddle about like wot we do

 

[jonjo]

[ QUOTE ]
I assume there is a power consumption difference between an Electrically driven Ram to a Hydraulic one powered by the Hydraulic pump

[/ QUOTE ]
Interesting question but there is another factor to consider. My electrical auto pilot draws a base current of 2amps in addition to powered ram movements because of the need to engage an electric clutch. I wonder if this overhead is present on a hydrolic system?

In answer to the original poster it all depends on sail trim and sea conditions. The current draw on my battery monitor surges up and down depending on how often and how hard the steering ram is being worked.

 

[TONICK]

ok, Thank you very much for your responses.

 

[MarkJohnson12345]

Kind of depends how far you are going.

Steering on a 77 mile passage is quite hard work!

But around the bay on a summers evening, you are right.