ST4000 autopilot on wheel steering boat?

[CalmSkipper]

I've seen wheel steering boats listed with ST4000, but they appear to be sold as tiller steering systems. Is it simply that they are fitted directly to the rudder on a wheel steering boat or is additional equipment needed. Secondly, how dificault a job would it be for someone who is willing, with average DIY skills but with little boat knowledg at present to fit an ST4000 system to a wheel steered boat?

 

[Danny]

I think you'll find there's an ST4000 "wheelpilot" and an ST4000 "tillerpilot". The wheel version uses a seperate instrument head and a servo motor assembly that clamps to the wheel and pedestal.

 

[steve_cronin]

This is what the set-up looks like:-

However, some of us prefer the more rugged earlier drive unit of the ST3000 Wheelpilot as below but coupled to the latest ST4000+ control head (as above but not shown below):-

Steve Cronin

 

[CalmSkipper]

Thank you for your swift responses (impressive IT skills too!)- I may however be asking the wrong question. Is there an Auto Pilot for wheel steered boats that connects a ram to the rudder somehow - I've heard these are more reliable than those that atach to the wheel and pedestal but I have no experience of either yet

 

[alan]

I don't think you can get the ST4000 to do that; you will need to go for something "bigger" the Raymarine ST6001/6002 and Smartpilot series are designed for this and give a choice of electric or hydraulic rams which connect direct to the rudder quadrant.

Alan.

 

[steve_cronin]

Yes electrical rack & pinion, servomotor and hydraulic ram types are available on the market. They are known as "Inboard Systems" and Raymarine's offerings can be found at:-

Raymarine

Steve Cronin

 

[CalmSkipper]

and (he says, only just resisting the temptation to set up another poll!) are these systems considered superior to the 4000 series - I'm thinking of fitting to a 36 foot AWB

 

[harvey]

I fitted a 6000 to my 37 footer and it was very strong and worked perfectly well. It was easy to fit but did need a strong mounting for the ram.

 

[Talbot]

[ QUOTE ]
and (he says, only just resisting the temptation to set up another poll!) are these systems considered superior to the 4000 series - I'm thinking of fitting to a 36 foot AWB

[/ QUOTE ]
easy answer - yes. 4000 and 300 are designed as channel crossing tools, whereas the 6000 and upwardds are designed for use 24/7. The rams on the 6000 need to be in a dry compaartment, but will work better in bad weather than the cheaper versions. They will be even better if you have the gyro rate aided one

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm thinking of fitting to a 36 foot AWB

[/ QUOTE ]

Having been part of the discussion which "convinced" you to buy 36ft rather than 30ft, I cant remember whether you are considering buying new or second hand.. nor whether new boats come with an autopilot included...

personally, I would tend towards seeing what type of autopilot comes with the boats you end up considering... if they have a pilot which drives the wheel, see how it goes...... if they have a pilot which drives the quadrant/rudder, this may weigh in their favour when deciding what to purchase.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[qetoo]

I have been using the Autohelm ST4000 on my helm wheel for about the last ten years. It works very well. I did not need a rudder position sensor, although if you have a lot of slop in the steering, a rudder position sensor may be required. I also have the GPS as well as the laptop computer connected to the Autohelm ST4000. I have installed a transfer switch so either one or the other can steer the boat.

I have posted the electrical hookup at:

http://carlten.tripod.com/Navigation/navigation.html

 

[CalmSkipper]

Thanks all - yes Richard, definately makes sense and is part of the 'assessment critria'.

 

[chrisc]

But then I have a ST 4000 on my boat ,done about 7,000 miles and haven't even had to change the belt.

 

[Talbot]

Didnt say it was impossible, after all lots of ARC boats use the 4000. but des depend much more on getting the sail balance right, and also will be less reliable in bad weather.

The 4000 will work better on a long keel boat than one designed for speed round the cans.

 

[chubby]

Is the new raymarine S1 a replacement for the ST4000 and what is the forum view on how essential the rudder sensor is? I have had a ST4000 for 13 + years, works fine without the rudder sensor but it is getting a bit loose and rattly and thinking of changing for the S1, it looks like a direct swap except for the mechanics of linking up the rudder sensor, but if not needed then the installation is much simplified.