Power and Autohelm

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Cameron

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Hello all

I am currently very happy to have a non-wired up 23' yacht but an autohelm would be nice. I assume that internal batteries are not an option for even the smaller models of these. How much would a battery/solar panel setup set me back.

It also occurs that you might use one of those pre-charged jump start packs which are now quite inexpensive (i.e from Halfords) and just charge it up while ashore. Any comments gratefully received.

Cheers
Cameron
 
My last boat was a 23 ft Sonata. I used an autohelm and found it really useful when single handed (if not essential). The boat had a small 12v battery which was also used for lights and radio. Also had a small solar panel on the top of the coachroof and I'm sure they aren't too much (need a flexible one though).
 
I had no on board means of charging the battery (70ah Lead acid) on my old Sonata and used to lug it home once or twice a season to recahrge it. Normally day sailed it so no need for lights, only to power instruments and occasionally the autohelm. If the cheap power pack type thingies had been available then, I certainly would have used one.
 
Re: Power and Autohelm - power packs ...

I just bought one for odd uses ...

Battery is 7 A/hr ... which with average autohelm equates to about 7 hrs use but thats assuming that it will still work as voltage falls off on the pack.

You really are better of having a bigger battery .... even a larger Gel-Cell from a House alarm system that you can carry around easier without spilling ... you can get those up to 20 A/hr or more ... but then you are spending quite a sum even at Maplins prices.
A solar panel of 15W or more is better ! ... + a medium sized car battery would do the job or better still - a Leisure Battery from a local caravan dealer - they will take discharge better than a car job.

I bet that if you do fit this - then it won't be long before the feet and fingers start itching to fit something else .... so you have a choice :

Resign yourself to this only and stick to it !
or
Resign yourself to the fact that you will increase demands on battery on-board and you might as well bite the bullet and start sorting it all out !!
 
Re: Power and Autohelm - power packs ...

Many thanks for this.

It sounds like an auto helm is the thing to have. I will go with a carry on battery and see if I need a solar charger as I go.

Thanks again
Cameron
 
Re: Power and Autohelm - power packs ...

I have had an Autohelm (almost one of the originals) for more years than I can shake stick at. Being single handed always it is almost indispensible and I rate it as the best bit of kit I have bought for the boat. I used to use ordinary car batteries but then changed to a small (45 Ah) leisure batteryand although my outboard provided a little power for charging it was not enough so the batterey had to go home for charging once or twice a year. (I do actually have a VHF, E'sounder interior lights and nav lights all powered from it so my power consumption is higher than yours). I found it very difficult climbing in and out of the dinghy with a battery tucked under my arm, although these days they all seem to come with a carrying handle, so I invested in a small (5watt) solar panel. That has solved all the charging problems. I am fortunate in as much that the boat has an almost perfect place to mount a panel of that size permanently.

I would not be without my Autohelm (although a more modern one would be nice) and my solar panel.

It is important that the battery can supply the full working current of the autopilot for prolonged periods, albeit intermittently,and that the wiring is adequately sized, to minimise voltage drop, with good sound connections.
 
You don't reveal what boat you have, i assume it has an outboard? Sometimes they have a lighting coil fitted which will give A LITTLE charge to a battery through a bridge rectifier. If there's no coil and you're handy, you may be able to add one. I did it to my first seagull years ago. The point being that most often the autohelm is used while motor sailing, and solar cells are usually in shadow from either boat bits, cloud or both.
 
Really ??

"The point being that most often the autohelm is used while motor sailing"

I use mine in all situations .... sail, power, mo-sail ........ why only when mo-sailing ?

In fact with the remote I have - I can actually sit up on cabin-top and pilot boat in / out of hbrs etc. far better than being down in cockpit peering over / through / round sprayhood etc. etc.
Occasionally I sit up on foredeck with SWMBO ... with remote and sails up etc.

Am I the only one to enjoy AH so ??
 
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