Which autopilot, and where?

[lorisjohnson]

I have a Hunter 460 that never had an autopilot. I am outfitting her for cruising and I am thinking of a Ramar with a linear drive. Does anyone use the chained drive unit in the pedestal?

If I use the linear drive, I believe I will have to fabricate a mounting platform. Does anyone have an image of what it looks like?

 

[Mikem]

I have the chain drive in my 2003 466 and it has never given me a problem.

 

[kappykaplan]

Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive Installation in a Pearson 37

lorisjohnson, I had a type 1 linear drive installed over the winter. I've uploaded a couple of photos showing the installation.

 

[Steve Dion]

We have a rotary drive unit on our HV'36. Works well.

 

[lorisjohnson]

Thanks for your reply.

I have the chain drive in my 2003 466 and it has never given me a problem.

Are there any advantages of one over the other? How is it for motor noise?

 

[Steve Dion]

Cannot tell if the unit is engaged or not unless you touch the wheel.

 

[Sailgunner]

I have a Type II rotary Drive. After one year the gears froze up and I had to replace it (it was still under warranty but while at sea you don't have the time to send the unit in to Raymarine for repair). If you can, I would install the linear drive. I think it would be a smoother operation.

 

[seadaddler]

Hunter

Why not contact hunter and see what they used on that boat and maybe get info from how they did it.
I got all the info documents on how to install a below deck auto for my H-36 with rack and pinion steering from Hunter.
Nick