Autopilot With Hydraulic Steering

Tim R. · Aug 20, 2009

Raymarine sells them. The drive unit will be fairly pricey. The ST70 is about $4,500. Your boat is right at the upper limit of this AP though. A more suitable system will be closer to $7,000.

Try using their AP builder here:

http://www.raymarine.com/default.aspx?site=1&section=2&page=1932

zeehag · Aug 20, 2009

my formosa came with simrad--is spozed to be a good one--mounted on quadrant--i donot know price...

Mike Holibar · Aug 20, 2009

I have a combination hyrdraulic/mechanical system which works well. Originally it was B&G Helmstar but the electronics gave up the ghost so I replaced them with Raymarne S1 electronics, using the B&G pump and ram assembly. With this type of arrangement a way has to be found to engage and disengage the hydraulics. The B&G pump/ram assembly contains a solenoid valve which, when powered up, engages the ram. I run this from the "clutch" supply on the Raymarine computer. When powered off the valve allows the oil to bypass from one end of the ram to the other, enabling the mechanical steering to work. So to enage the ram I just turn on the pilot. The only problem is that the wheel moves each time the pilot operates. My last boat was all hydraulic with wheel steering pump with check valves. No need for a solenoid and when the pilot was on the wheel did not move. I think this sytem was better as the system locked the rudder if I let go of the wheel which allowed me to attend to other jobs around the cockpit without the boat wandering off course.

Snotter · Aug 21, 2009

Paul, I, too, have a Morgan 41 OI. It has a Raymarine Smartpilot. To make the pilot more useful I had to buy the optional rate gyro. I got the gyro used off of ebay for half the cost Raymarine wanted to charge. The pilot seems to do OK though the hydraulic motor occasionaly shuts down, probably due to heat. The autopilot and my laptop talk via NMEA. I also use the wireless remote control because I single-hand a lot.

freedomquest1 · Dec 10, 2009

PAUL WARD said:
I am looking for information on any brand autopilot and hydraulic steering.
Presently, I have no autopilot and use mechanical steering (chain to cable) on a Morgan Outisland 41. I want to retain the mechanical steering and ADD the hydraulic/autopilot.

Do you have any suggestions?

Hi, I have had a Autohelm ST-4000+ on my 41 OI for over 12 years without issues about 50,000 nm, in heavy following seas it can't keep up, but thats normal. The roll pin on the arm that locks it in once broke, but a paper clip worked just fine till I replaced it after the trip.

seadaddler · Dec 10, 2009

What about batteries

Do these below deck use more battery power than the S1 wheel motor units,some one that had the below ram unit seem to think it uses more battery power and would need recharging on long trip is this true.
Nick

NYSail · Dec 10, 2009

I have an old Alpha Marine system that came with my boat. Just reinstalled it this past summer and the thing works great. Following 3-4 foot seas and kept the boat right on track for 6 hours on my way to Block Island. And one of the best in regards to power consumption. I have never used an autopilot before and can say I LOVE these things! Changed destination sailing completely... had lunch on the bow with the wife....

http://www.alphamarinesystems.com/