Sharp Autopilots Ltd, Ramsgate

[mcini]

I'm seeking for documentation and the User Manual for a B45
Sharp Autopilot. Anybody knows what happened with this company that manufactured very robust pilots. There is still some service or egineer capable of advice and repairs ? Any info fully appreciated.

 

[trouville]

I think you may only be the second or third person to ask about sharp.I dident get any replys when i had problems with mine.

I do agree they were well built.mine replaced the autohelm replacement bought in 1986? when in 1988 the new autohelm failed,fixed under garentee failed again in89 when i put it overboard!

My sharp continued to stear untill 1996,it was wonderful i entered ports still useing the compass ring to change course.Much easier than useing my new autohelm 1000 with key pad,(2005)Id still prefer a compass ring to turn rather than chosing 1Degree 10degrees or tack!

 

[arndor1]

I have a Sharp autopilot on my Hurley Ketch...manufactured in '71...it works very well to this day, but I have a small problem regarding replacement belts for it...and after 10 years of ownership I am still discovering new settings!! anyone know where I can get a manual?

 

[ffiill]

I have Sharps manual-can scan it for you-may take a couple of weeks until next at boat-
contact me phil@tasteofsailing.co.uk
Its great because as well as fitting and using instructions it has full schematics of circuitry and testing schedules.
MAKE SURE YOUR RELAYS (which control switching of-hydraulic pump motor or electric drive motor)have clean contacts-they can stick on due to build up of deposits caused by sparks and boat will take either a sharp right or left!-its taken me 2 yrs. to solve this problem.
RS Components stock these Octal Relays but you can clean them similar to traditional contacts in car ignition circuit.
I always remind myself that these units represent highest evolution of Solid state electronics before the chip took over!

as for belts try Wyko/Fenner-usually have depots in most towns or
www.hpcgears.com
They do pulleys belts gears shafting etc.
Phil

 

[DouglasW]

I have Sharps manual-can scan it for you-may take a couple of weeks until next at boat-
contact me phil@tasteofsailing.co.uk
Its great because as well as fitting and using instructions it has full schematics of circuitry and testing schedules.
MAKE SURE YOUR RELAYS (which control switching of-hydraulic pump motor or electric drive motor)have clean contacts-they can stick on due to build up of deposits caused by sparks and boat will take either a sharp right or left!-its taken me 2 yrs. to solve this problem.
RS Components stock these Octal Relays but you can clean them similar to traditional contacts in car ignition circuit.
I always remind myself that these units represent highest evolution of Solid state electronics before the chip took over!

as for belts try Wyko/Fenner-usually have depots in most towns or
www.hpcgears.com
They do pulleys belts gears shafting etc.
Phil

Phil,

Following your comments on YBC.com

A copy of the User Manual for the Auto pilot would be much appreciated when you have time.

All best wishes,

Richard White

01799 543239

 

[DouglasW]

Phil,

Following your comments on YBC.com

A copy of the User Manual for the Auto pilot would be much appreciated when you have time.

All best wishes,

Richard White

01799 543239
richard@quendonent.co.uk

 

[Aja]

Phil,

Following your comments on YBC.com

A copy of the User Manual for the Auto pilot would be much appreciated when you have time.

All best wishes,

Richard White

01799 543239
richard@quendonent.co.uk

You might be better emailing Phil directly at the email address above.

He posted this in 2007 and last seen on this forum back in May 2024.

Good luck!