Autopilot for Oceanis 323 clipper

[dynamitten]

Hi.
Just bought a Beneteau Oceanis 323 clipper from 2004.
There are no autopilot in the boat, and I am unsure which model can fit on this boat.
I have been looking at Raymarine and Garmin models. It seems that the only solution is a Mechanical Linear drive, but this solution is quite expensive.
Have anyone mouted a Raymarine EV-100 Wheel drive and does it work?
http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=6866

Thanks
Torsten

 

[stevemitchell]

I don't have a 323, but a 311 from 2000, but it's pretty close design-wise. I just updated my entire autopilot system to the Raymarine EV-100 wheel drive and I love it. I had the original wheel pilot which was showing it's age, so I purchased the EV-100 sail kit which gave me the new ACU, better EV1 sensor core, and the p70 display.

I had a Raymarine eS78 chart plotter as well, so this integrated perfectly with the whole system.

Hope that helps!

Full list of all systems at https://www.sailbits.com/grace/

 

[DougM]

The 323 has a Goiot wheel with a pivoting pedestal. Although it might be possible to adapt a wheel pilot to work, you would more than likely lose the pivoting function. The 323 I have utilizes a Raymarine hydraulic pilot, which makes a clean installation without all the added hardware clamped onto the wheel and the external belt drive.

Granted, there is a significant cost difference, but in my opinion, it was worth it.

 

[dynamitten]

Thanks for getting back on this. Yes 323 has a pivoting pedestal so thats why I am unsure the Raymarine Wheel drive will work. I will not lose the pivoting functions - that is so nice.
DougM - Can you send me the model numbers from the Raymarine parts you have installed? You do not use a Mechanical Linear drive ? http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=7683#tab4
I thought a hydraulic drive was only working on a hydraulic rudder.

/Torsten

 

[oven]

I have the same boat, and I have a mechanical linear drive. Lift the starboard cockpit seat to access the stowage compartment below. All the way to the back, you can see a fiber glass lip on the hull. You need to mount a thick piece of marine grade plywood across the gap between that lip and the fiber glass wall in the middle of the boat. Then you can install your linear drive unit to that.
The first image shows the lip on the hull, the second shows the part facing the middle of the boat. Note the hole that has been drilled to allow the drive unit to access the plate that moves the rudder.

 

[joker460]

Here is a 323 with a wheel mount. You can still pivot the wheel.

 

[DougM]

Dynamitten,
I am unsure of the model number because the unit is ten years old. My boat is in Michigan, so are my manuals,and I am in Virginia.
All I can tell you is that the hydraulic pump and attached reservoir are mounted in the aft end of the starboard lazerette. The hydraulic cylinder base is through bolted to a stainless steel reinforcing plate on the starboard side of the transom. The cylinder rod is attached to the existing steering quadrant on the rudder post below the cockpit floor.
The only adaptation that had to be made was because of the mounting location of the cylinder the course computer was reading port port as starboard and vice versa. The wire connections simply had to be reversed at the computer.
I wish that I had my manuals her because I had the original instruction pages from Beneteau along with photos of the installation.
The actual system works flawlessly and does a relatively good job of maintaining course even in a following sea. I believe that the system was intended for a powerboat in its original design.

 

[dynamitten]

Joker460, Is that a Raymarine EV-100 and did you have to buy any special parts to make it work on a pivoting wheel?
Thanks
Torsten

 

[joker460]

Joker460, Is that a Raymarine EV-100 and did you have to buy any special parts to make it work on a pivoting wheel?
Thanks
Torsten

Not my boat. That was a stock photo but it looks like a EV-100. The brackets give it away.
Attached is another set of stock photo's of a B323 with the EV-100 and shows the wheel in both positions.
Good Luck

 

[dynamitten]

Hi Oven. I opened down to the plate that moves the rudder today. Are there really enough space to mount that on the top of the plate? Did you attach it to the front of the plate closest to the steering wheel?
Regards Torsten

 

[Ron20324]

On my 2006 B323 here is the link I think you want?

 

[Bryan9]

Here is a 323 with a wheel mount. You can still pivot the wheel.

Same here - 2006 323

 

[Sundowner]

Hi.
Just bought a Beneteau Oceanis 323 clipper from 2004.
There are no autopilot in the boat, and I am unsure which model can fit on this boat.
I have been looking at Raymarine and Garmin models. It seems that the only solution is a Mechanical Linear drive, but this solution is quite expensive.
Have anyone mouted a Raymarine EV-100 Wheel drive and does it work?
http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=6866

Thanks
Torsten

Hi.
I have the same problem, we just bought a Beneteau 323 2005 without Auto pilot.
Did you find a soulution that you would like to share ?
We have look at Raymarine EV-100 or SPX-5 wheel pilot ( I don´t know the different on the 2)
Regards Rasmus