Well I've got....

[LittleShip]

my work cut out this winter, I have just ordered a new auto helm system for Little Ship.

When I rebuilt LS some years ago I removed the old autohelm and ... well, I threw it away. I didnt know how valuable it was and never thought I would do long passages on my own.

This year I have had a couple of long passages (70 odd miles) single handed without Auto helm and it wasnt a pleasant experience, so I have taken the plunge especially as I intened going to Scotland next May.

Jeeze I didnt realise how expensive these things are

So what have I gone for...... Raymarine, SPX 10 course computer and a ST70 control head with a Linier drive.

OK, so who's going to tell me it's rubbish now I have raided the piggy bank! If anybody has any info and or comments (on installation) I would be grateful

Tom

 

[Major Catastrophe]

I'll install it for you. I've got a chain saw.

 

[hlb]

Is that the clockwork model then. MF's is an ST 6000.

 

[Searush]

It's the traditional wood & canvas design by Blondie Haslar.

 

[AndieMac]

I reckon you have made a good choice Tom.

I had the ST6000 in a trawler yacht several years ago, and not being a fan of hand steering, had it on most of the time, including river work.
The 7000 is in the big Princess, and when her nav. gear was upgraded previously, the pilot stayed, so it's nearly antique status now and never missed a beat.

Sorry can't advise on installation.

 

[Tresner]

So what have I gone for...... Raymarine, SPX 10 course computer and a ST70 control head with a Linier drive.

Tom

How will this type of system work out with cable steering? Do you remember the discussions on pushing cable against the sheaves and the premature wear it might cause or are you just planning on using it for long, steady course headings?

Do you still have the sprocket on you lower helm?

You've already got a first rate auto pilot in Babs. And she's paid for! Althought the yearly maintenance and upkeep....................


Bernie

 

[hlb]

It'll be made out of solid mahogany with wooden cogs. None of that plastic snot.

 

[Tresner]

It'll be made out of solid mahogany with wooden cogs. None of that plastic snot.

The gears are actually made of walnut with maple shafts. I have the complete set and will be sending them to LittleShip. Mahogany gears indead?????? What could you be thinking?



Bernie

 

[Kawasaki]

How will this type of system work out with cable steering? Do you remember the discussions on pushing cable against the sheaves and the premature wear it might cause or are you just planning on using it for long, steady course headings?

Do you still have the sprocket on you lower helm?

You've already got a first rate auto pilot in Babs. And she's paid for! Althought the yearly maintenance and upkeep....................


Bernie

The New auto pilot will be no better than the 'first rate' one it seems destined to replace, imho
The cables the 'new' pilot will be pushing and pulling thereof, will not know the difference , so that's OK , imho

afaik, the cog is still insitu (was last time I looked) and looking rather dormant as per most of Tom's cogs , imho

imho, the money would have been better spent on an -- 'ADDNOJ'




















A utomatic D ocking D evice NOt J ames


imho!

 

[LittleShip]

Hmmmm !

Sometimes, just sometimes I wonder if it's worth posting on here

Apart from Andy there isnt one sensible reply, but really .... what did I expect ?

Tom

 

[Philiz]

Hmmmm !

Sometimes, just sometimes I wonder if it's worth posting on here

Apart from Andy there isnt one sensible reply, but really .... what did I expect ?

Tom

Come on now, you'd be dissapointed if you got only sensible answers.

 

[Searush]

Don't worry Philliz, his sense of humour has got woodworm!

 

[Philiz]

Don't worry Philliz, his sense of humour has got woodworm!

It must be all this rain, his sense of humour was okay Saturday night, we had a good night on L S, excellent meal, thanks Babs, and Tom even let us help him empty the funbox.

 

[Tresner]

Hmmmm !

Sometimes, just sometimes I wonder if it's worth posting on here

Apart from Andy there isnt one sensible reply, but really .... what did I expect ?

Tom

Look at my first reply. I thought I asked some very specific question on whether you were using an old Benmar sprocked on the lower helm or a hydraulic ram on the quadrant.

Bernie

"If you want God to laugh, just tell him your plans"

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Hmmmm !

Sometimes, just sometimes I wonder if it's worth posting on here

Apart from Andy there isnt one sensible reply, but really .... what did I expect ?

Tom

That's gratitude! I even offered to install it for you.

 

[colvic987]

i fitted a spx5 this year, its a doddle, the hardest bit for you will be fitting the linear drive, and routing the wires through the boat. calibration is easy, the autolearn, will go thru its steps automatically. i had a st2000 tillerpilot for years and it used to go into repair at the end of the season, due to damp etc, that's why i then went to an 'in cabin' system.

 

[PaulGooch]

Tom, check out the ST8002 controller, a wee bit more money, but IMO a better unit. I briefly looked at one on a mates boat, looked really good with the dial a heading wheel thingy. He said he often used it to just steer the boat.

 

[Kilter]

My advice Tom...just be careful which wire you cut!

 

[ccscott49]

Tom, check out the ST8002 controller, a wee bit more money, but IMO a better unit. I briefly looked at one on a mates boat, looked really good with the dial a heading wheel thingy. He said he often used it to just steer the boat.

I also have the ST8002 controller, I like turning the knob instead of pushing buttons, more "ship" like. Although my computer is the older S3G type. A doddle to install.

 

[PaulGooch]

By the way, the linear drive doesn't pose any problems with the steering cables, as it connects to the rudder quadrant. Therefore, it's operating the rudder directly and all the cable will be doing is turning the wheel, under no load. This would actually impose less wear on the cable than manually steering Littleship.