Raymarine Autopilot

Pat Anderson · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 2:34 pm Post subject: Raymarine Autopilot

Patty here. This isn't new but I didn't want to add to the lengthy posts on this topic. I need quick feedback from you guys on the placement of the pump (I guess it's a pump). Standard directions have it mounted behind the helm but many Brats say that is too noisy. Should we consider mounting it in the back? If so, what do I need to buy to extend it that far? (That's right---I; Pat is washing his hands of the whole thing. Jazzmanic is coming to "help.") Thanks.

Grumpy · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 3:09 pm Post subject:

Patty,

We have ours mounted on the inside of the transom on the Rosborough and we can still hear it (just) with the door closed and engines running. That is a good confirmation that it is working but could be annoying if it was louder.

Since one of the best features is using it to "unload" the driver in fog, any extra noise is not wanted or you might miss the sounds of a bayliner foghorn Shocked

Hope this helps,

Merv

cemiii · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 3:13 pm Post subject:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjknq1cfn0Y

If the ocean doesn't make you seasick, this flick still might!

I do not find the noise level of the s1000 at all objectionable and do not know if perhaps earlier models had higher noise levels?

thataway · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 3:41 pm Post subject:

The majority of autopilots are installed by the ram which accentuates rudder or outboard. I suspect that the reason for installing forward is the ease of hooking up the tubings there. You may have to have some custom tubing made for the aft installation, --and run the control cable back there. Maybe a bit more work and costs. But it should work fine.

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:12 pm Post subject:

Patty, ours is right behind the helm. Yes, it does make noise but it's comforting to know it's working. I've never found it objectionable. A much easier installation.

Charlie

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:03 pm Post subject:

The wrinkle is thet the further you move it form the brain box, the heavier gauge wire you have to use. Some units have limited wire size cabapilities.

TyBoo · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:17 pm Post subject:

Man I love this place! Less that an hour after an inquiry about noise, we get a link to a previously uploaded video - with sound - of the precise noisy thing in question. Wow. Thanks, Chris!

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:25 am Post subject:

Not sure if the unit has been tweaked a little since I installed mine two years ago. But mine is much lounder than that. More of of stacato buzzing sound which also vibrates through the helm. I don't mind it so much as Kate does. Maybe Raymarine did some noise abatement in newer production models.
Patti, unless you are determined to have it installed prior to FH, you could go out in Anna Leigh and here mine and possibly someone elses.

Grumpy · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:48 am Post subject:

Dave,

Ours is of the same era as yours. Maybe it's noisier if it has to move big twins.

Also, the noise transmits quite well through the hull so maybe rubber isolators would help.

We will pass by on Saturday and say Hi to all our friends in FH on our way to a few days in the Gulf Islands so Patty can compare notes Laughing

Merv

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:04 am Post subject:

chromer · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 11:18 am Post subject:

My pump was poorly screwed into helm wall, and fell off during pounding. I glued a wood block to back helm wall using 5200, then screwed into that. Now between the wood, and rubber isolators, my noise level has gone down a bit.

Sea Angel · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 8:58 pm Post subject:

Pat;
On Sea Angel I have the pump located under the sink with the Smart Pilot
CPU mounted inboard and above it on the aft bulkhead beside the refrig..
The pump's drive power comes from the CPU.

I do not find its location objectionable, but adds confidence that it is
working, as it directs the ram controlling the twin 90s. It does give me
easy access to the system power and hydraulic fittings. Pixs are in my
album.

The pump is also shock/cushion mounted to minimize the noise transfer.

Art

Casey · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:37 pm Post subject:

Patty,

Funny that you mention this - now. I just picked up the boat yesterday from the shop I use near The Villages ... after having the S1000 AP installed. (I took Mr. Anderson's lead, and decided that my part in the installation was writing a check.)

After researching the installation I asked that the pump be installed somewhere outside the cabin, because of potential noise. Steve (the installer) made a very neat pump installation in the starboard lazarette, near the back of the compartment. I didn't think the pump sounds were objectionable ... but then I'm basically deaf.

This installation required two extra 6' SeaStar hoses ($118), plus a longer (18') SeaStar hose ($132), 28' of 16ga wire, some heat shrink, and a "T-Fitting" kit ($30). After asking me about it, we chose a vertical mount on the backside of the helm for the 'brain unit.

I've seen the unit work while on the trailer, but quite anxious to put her to work on the water.

We're in BatonRouge(LA) headed for AZ. It's begining to look like I may still be in AZ for the September CBGT. ...Yahoo!

Best,
Casey

thataway · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:54 pm Post subject:

Casey,
We passed you going the opposite way on the Mobile Bay Bridge this PM. Good going--the boat looked great!

Casey · Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 7:31 am Post subject:

Hey Dr. Bob!

Yea, the trip is going well. Boat trailers fine (a little over 600 miles yesterday...). We'll be westbound shortly, may make Kerrville, TX today, then continue the to Las Cruses(NM) then Lake Montezuma. We've done this trip so many times I could probably do it with my eyes closed (but won't).

Once "home," I plan to jump into some modifications to Katmai, and address the whole water beneath the liner that is discussed on another thread.

It was a quiet day - I only had two people ask me about the boat while fueling the truck.

Best,
Casey