AUTOPILOT

Molly Brown · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 3:22 pm Post subject: AUTOPILOT

All Brats.....

Between my retirement and birthday I find myself with enough found money to install an autopilot. I have usually skipped those discussions since I don't have one, nor did I ever think I would want one. Now that I'm older and take longer trips I'm of the mind to get one and I can see some definite advantages, especially cruising alone. So, before I waste a lot of time figuring it all out, I thought I'd post here and get some real world experiences.

I'm thinking simple is best. Don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I have twin Honda 90's with a SeaStar hydraulic steering system. My tie bar between engines is mechanical. I'm leaning towards a system without a special compass. If it could tie in to my Garmin 547 XS and just steer to a waypoint that would be good enough.

Looking forward to some advice.

thataway · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 3:56 pm Post subject:

I have always liked the Simrad: AP2403 VRF Autopilot Package, does have a rate gyro compass--not sure if the Garmin will sub for that or not. It should work fine, because of the 10Hz refresh rate of the GPS signal.

There is a great overview of the new Ray Marine EV1 at:

http://themarineinstallersrant.blogspot.com/2014/01/installing-raymarine-evolution-autopilot.html

By the way, The Marine Installer's rant, by Bill Bishop is a wonderful read, plus a great source of information!

Finally the more logical Garmin GHP 10, with the 20 pump set because of the engine/hydraulic size. Probably going to be your best bet, shadow drive, and it works well with the new Garmin chart plotter.

hardee · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:11 pm Post subject:

Short note on AutoPilot (AP).

When I first got the boat (It came with AP) (RayMarine). Didn't use it.
After a while.... learned how it worked -- EASY.
For a while...Used it frequently, single handing mostly. Much more relaxing trips.
Then it got unreliable. Been that way for most of 2 seasons. Drove me crazy.
And Finally. Replaced the old one. Replaced the heading sensor, then main control (brain box) and the helm control panel. ($$ouch).
NOW, it works in all three functions.
1. Push the button and it maintains current heading.
2. Run a cursor out to a spot on the plotter and push "Go to Cursor" and it does.
3. Will go to a waypoint from a list of waypoints.
All 3 with a couple of buttons pushed.
Very Happy

HAPPY Boater Again Very Happy

IS it worth it. 5 years ago I would have said no. Now, I say yes. For long trips it makes it so much easier. Still have to watch and pay attention, but with much more comfort and less fatigue.

Since I have RayMarine already I stayed with them and put in the EV-1.

Congrats on the "found $$$" ENJOY

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

hardee · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:34 pm Post subject:

I just read through Dr Bob's post and through the linked post "the Installers Rant"
That is the new AP in SleepyC now, per recommendations from Rodgers Marina, Portland OR.

BTW, my old RayMarine AP was replaced due to a loss of function in the main control (Brain) part of the system. This was most likely caused by a power surge, however it is not the first one they have replaced due to the old brain dying out.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Casey · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:39 am Post subject:

We find the AP to be Very handy - frankly I (now) wouldn't be without it.

A lot of us are now cruising at hull speed to extend range and save some $$$. AP is great in that regard. As we all know, going slow requires more helm movement to keep-on-course ... you're just constantly correcting this way, then 'that way. The AP takes care of that, and makes slow cruising even better.

The other time that we find the AP to be extremely useful is when visibility is reduced (darkness or fog). I remember one trip (Flamingo to Key West). I departed about 0330 ... dark, dark, dark. The GPS was working fine, but I was still watching the lighted markers along the route. Without the AP it would have been very easy to misread a marker, but the AP kept me on course. It just makes the "cockpit/helm workload" easier, and you can spend more time watching for stuff along the route rather than trying to follow a compass heading or GPS route.

Buy it; Use it....

Best,
Casey&Mary

Pedromo · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 12:55 pm Post subject:

I installed an EV 100 8 months ago. The installation was very simple, and the unit has worked without fault for approximately 50 hours. The pump is installed in the stbd lazzarete.

redbaronace · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:09 pm Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 3:31 am Post subject:

I took it down to Portland, OR to Rodger's Marina and they did all the diagnostic, trouble shooting and R & R. The parts that were replaced were the control panel on the dash, the direction sensor, and the pump control. I think the major part of the brains are now in the direction sensor. The steering pump(s) and hydrolic lines, the tiller direction sensor and the SeaStar system stayed.

They also did some VHF radio work, AIS programming and some trailer work. It included replacing a multiplexer unit with a new and more programmable one, to allow a redundant AIS input to the MFD, should the primary AIS feed go out. (Duplicit redundancy!!) Total was close to 2.5 boat units.

They do a great job and really worked to get this one right.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Lizarry · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:04 am Post subject:

Harvey , Sounds like the boat is all done . Does that mean ya might be able to make it to Pender gathering ?

hardee · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:45 am Post subject:

Sure would like to but looks like not. Work constraints on time. Sure going to miss it.

Thanks for asking.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Bluechablis · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 11:46 am Post subject:

This topic has great timing! I am looking to replace my broken Raymarine autopilot and have been looking at the EV 100 for my CD 22. How easy are they to install? Any installation photos or information would be very helpful, such as where the best place to put the hydraulic pump etc...

Have you been able to hook it up to NMEA 183 equipment?

Thanks

Lizarry · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 12:27 pm Post subject:

Harvey .... Sorry to hear that , the work thingy is going to get in the way . Crying or Very sad

chromer · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 6:11 pm Post subject:

My Raymarine AP used to not correct enough. I bumped "Response" up to 6 after relearning the AP as a fishing boat. Here are my settings that work well. In case it helps someone in future. I also believe if the handheld batteries go dead, the settings could revert to default, making it important to document the settings.

hardee · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 11:05 pm Post subject:

Floyd, if hyou are looking for install info, the site Dr Bob posted was a good read.

redbaronace · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 11:15 pm Post subject: