Below Deck Auto Pilot for 1993 Hunter 375?

[Lander]

My new Ray Marine EV 100 Wheel pilot is not able to steer the boat in anything but the calmest conditions. Because I single hand this quite often to our local channel islands, I am considering a below decks installation using a linear hydraulic drive with a Simrad or B&G system designed with sailboats in mind. For those familiar with the 1990 to 1995-1/2 Hunter 375's, you will appreciate that there is very little room under the cockpit sole where the quadrant is located, to attach a linear drive capable of handling a 20,000 lb boat (when fully loaded) So my questions are:

1) Has anybody out there done this on this model?
2) Having done this, is it worth doing... that is, does it steer the boat reliably enough to go below, trim sails, reef, while maintaining a course?

 

[kappykaplan]

Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive

My new Ray Marine EV 100 Wheel pilot is not able to steer the boat in anything but the calmest conditions. Because I single hand this quite often to our local channel islands, I am considering a below decks installation using a linear hydraulic drive with a Simrad or B&G system designed with sailboats in mind. For those familiar with the 1990 to 1995-1/2 Hunter 375's, you will appreciate that there is very little room under the cockpit sole where the quadrant is located, to attach a linear drive capable of handling a 20,000 lb boat (when fully loaded) So my questions are:

1) Has anybody out there done this on this model?
2) Having done this, is it worth doing... that is, does it steer the boat reliably enough to go below, trim sails, reef, while maintaining a course?

Lander, I had similar issues with the wheel pilot on my boat. It was a tight fit to mount the RM linear drive, but it works like a champ. It steers very well in all conditions. I wouldn't go back to a wheel pilot for the world.

 

[Lander]

Re: Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive

Did you install your RM linear drive to the quardrant on a 375? Which model drive did you use?

 

[kappykaplan]

Raymarine type 1 linear drive installation on Pearson 37

Did you install your RM linear drive to the quardrant on a 375? Which model drive did you use?

I purchased a "Raymarine Smart Pilot Type 1 Linear Autopilot System For Sailboats" and "Raymarine Rotary Rudder Reference Transducer" from Defender. The drive is attached to the quadrant on my Pearson 37 - had to do a little fabrication for that. See attached photos.

 

[kloudie1]

I think a couple of forum members have done this or bought their boats that way. If I remember correctly, installation of the linear drive involves cutting a hole in the side of the "pan" and running the drive through the hole with the motor and stuff mounted inside on the ceiling. A "shift boot" rubber bellows is used to make the system water tight and allow the drive to move. There should be some pictures that you can find by searching or by looking under the "boat info" tab for the 37.5..