Hi all. I have an old Beneteau Oceanis 350 and I am wanting to fit a below deck linear drive and connect it to my auto pilot as the Raymarine wheel mount auto pilot I feel isn’t very good. Has anyone fitted any kind of auto drive below deck
Linear drive fitment
- Thread starter sunandsmiles
- Start date
Welcome to the forum!!
Same question came up on this thread: Auto pilot install - Beneteau Oceanis 350 | Sailboat Owners Forums
Same question came up on this thread: Auto pilot install - Beneteau Oceanis 350 | Sailboat Owners Forums
Hi. Thank you for that reply. I have seen that same thread before somewhere else but to be honest it’s of not much use I am seeking advice from someone who has completed an installation. Thank you
The best advice you will probably get is from the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Hi. Thanks for your reply I have the instruction which came with the new unit but by problem is lack of space below deck around the steering quadrant Its almost looks like an impossible task. This is why I have asked if any one has ever fitted any kind of auto drive below deck on the 350.
These Beneteuas of similar size installed a below deck hydraulic linerar drive: Beneteau 361 below deck autopilot options | Sailboat Owners Forums
You are very welcome...........the forum is here to help and welcome to the forum!!
Look at the models they have at Jefa in Denmark. They have very compact drive units. They are OEM for a lot of the big names in Marine electronics.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,364
Welcome to the forum here at SBO.
There are several methods to install a below deck AP on a boat.
There are several methods to install a below deck AP on a boat.
- Linear drive
- Chain drive
- Hydraulic drive
i think my other option due to lack of space around the quadrant is to mount a rotary drive directly below the bottom of the pedestal with a chain up to the wheel shaft. I will end up with losing a bit of head room in the aft cabin but I generally only use the cabin for storage anyway
The CPT is used by quite a number of off shore sailors and I've only heard good things from others. I've sailed on a couple boats with one and if you don't need the interfaces with other electronics, it's solid. If I had to change my autopilot, I'd get one. I put one on my brother's boat and it's run quite well for the past 4 or 5 years. Still going strong. Pretty inexpensive auto pilot and very easy install. I think it took me a day to install on his boat and half of that was getting his wheel off (it was frozen on his shaft) and removing his original system.
I realize it isn't exactly answering your original question, just thinking outside the box.
dj
Hi. That’s great. It is an option To be honest because I sail alone I just really need something that can keep my heading in the right direction while I make food or go below to grab something. If it works well I am not really interested if I can’t link it to other instruments. I am big believer in trying to keep things simple. Thank you
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,364
Thinking about beyond coastal sailing it might be worth checking out windvanes. No electrical power consumption. Steady course over long distances. Able to deal with light and heavy weather.
There are often debates on the need for wind vane steering, but I think the general consensus is you should have an autopilot, and if you are looking for long ocean passages, both are best to have.
I've only read about a few cruisers running only the wind vane. I don't personally know any. All my direct knowledge indicates the above.
I used to run a blue water cruiser with both and feel both are best. My current boat I'm setting up for blue water and will have both. Currently only have an autopilot. Wind vanes are not cheap.
dj
I know they are not cheap. I got a price for a Hydrovane and that was £5600. I have the bolt on wheel pilot but they aren’t much good. The tiny drive motor isn’t man enough to hold the boat especially if it starts to blow a bit It seems to take to long to react so by the time it has the boat is heading off in another direction. It’s only good enough if the sea is flat and you need to put the sails up or grab something from below