Prout Autopilot & Outboard

[sandpiper]

I have a 31' Prout Quest and want to add an autopilot. What kind are other similar cat owners using? Also, anybody powering with an outboard instead of the original diesel? Thanks...clyde

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[timevans2000]

What sort of steering have you got? Is it hydraulic or cable?

I have the Prout 37 with hydraulic steering. It uses a RayMarine pilot

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[Talbot]

I have a 9m Catalac. This has cable steering from the wheel to the rudder quadrant. The normal fit is the 3000 series autohelm, which is adequate for a cross channel hop, but doesnt really like bad weather. I have purchased a new S1 system (which will work with either wire or hydraulic - just need the correct drive) on the basis that longer journeys (i.e. several days) will be too much for the 3000/4000 type pilots.
My boat originally had a 30hp yamaha petrol outboard. It was useless for this task. the 9.9 saildrive outboards are used successfully on a number of 8m catalacs but suffer when the weather gets really bad. I converted to a Yanma 27 hp diesel outboard with an ultra long leg - this will push me at over 4 knots against 40 kts of wind without any cavitation. - its only drawback (apart from price which is based on the need to hand build these units) is the poor electrical charging rate (10 amps) and more queries - send me a pm.

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[snowleopard]

having powered a multihull with an outboard i would never consider it again, in anything more than f4 the prop kept popping out of the water. also spoke to a wharram owner who crossed biscay in a calm and spent £500 on petrol, he was looking for a diesel before the next leg of his trip!

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[extravert]

> crossed biscay in a calm and spent £500 on petrol...

It will cost that in diesel from 2007, when the red diesel tax concession ends.

<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.

 

[snowleopard]

a petrol outboard will still use twice as much fuel as a diesel with a large low-revving prop! and incidentally everyone will then fill up in france on the way rather than taking a full load in the UK at the world's highest tax rate.

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[extravert]

Economics

My experiences with engines of a similar size that a 31' cat would have...

Bukh DV10 10hp single diesel driving 2850 kg 10m monohull 16 mpg
Yamaha 9.9hp twin petrol driving 2500 kg 9.2m trimaran 14 mpg

Replacement cost of DV10 £5200 (engine+installation)
Replacement cost of Yamaha 9.9 £1200 (engine only)

I know that we will never agree on the inboard/outboard debate, I just want people to see the cost figures.

For the typical use made of the engines of most small sailing boats around 31' length, fuel costs are less important than engine replacement costs.

I agree with all your other points you have made about outboads with regards to fuel safety and ability to handle choppy water, but I think your cost argument concentrating just on fuel is misleading.


<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.

 

[Birdseye]

Have a Quest 33 and use an Autohelm 3000 without probs.

Wouldnt dream of using an outboard. Whats the prob with the inboard that causes you to think of doing so?

<hr width=100% size=1>this post is a personal opinion, and you should not base your actions on it.

 

[sandpiper]

When I bought the cat, the engine, and probably the Sonic drive, was dead. The previous owner had built an outboard bracket. I installed a Honda 15 with an extra-long shaft. I live in Florida and plan on spending a couple of months in the Bahamas. As one writer noted, it's quite expensive to install a new diesel.
How do you like your Autohelm 3000. Raymarine told me I would need a 6000, which seems like an overkill to me. Thanks for your input...clyde

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[sandpiper]

The steering is hydraulic. Raymarine said to use the 6000 series, which seems like an overkill for an 8000 lb boat. Which series are you using? And how has it performed? Thanks...clyde

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