[C320-list] Replacement Autopilot recommendation

[Jeff Hare]

Since I'm replacing *nearly everything* after the lightning, I'm in the process of installing an EV-200 below deck AP now.  I'm using the same installation approach as Scott and Allan.  I've also made CAD drawings of the backing plates which I'm picking up tomorrow from the machine shop.  If they fit, I'll make these dfx files available on the website.

One thing I'm a bit concerned about is where all the various electronic control packs are going to be located.  I have zero today, I'll have several after the whole equipment install process is done.

I'm very concerned about the limited steering travel with below deck AP given the very tight low speed turns I'm frequently required to make where we dock.  I suppose it'll be something I have to get used to, but I'm going to speak with some experts to understand why the tiller arm/AP Ram geometry should limit the max rudder travel to 70 degrees.  

I think the one thing I'll miss with below deck AP is the ability to flip the wheel pilot engage lever and lock the wheel.  Since we're on a dock in a river with reversing current we must lock the wheel or we'll damage the steering system when the tide reverses.  My brake needs to be replaced so that'll have to happen now.  

I suspect the EV series is an improvement over the older AP control units, but we'll see.  Our ST4000+ has been absolutely rock solid for 12 years.  But since we remove the wheel frequently, the motor connector is a major design fail in my opinion.  Simply a terrible design that would be SO EASY to have done correctly with a two pin plug with a screw on boot similar to the design many Remote VHF Microphones have.

-Jeff Hare #809

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Chris Burti
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2015 8:22 AM
To: 320 <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Replacement Autopilot recommendation

I just installed the EV100 along with a rudder sensor prior to our cruise and it is far superior to the old ST4000+ including downwind performance in a quartering sea. Installation was a snap and setup was largely 'plug and play'.

That said, primarily due to time constraints and to fiscal ones to a degree, I opted to stay with the wheel pilot. Had I more time and been willing to spend the money on the required Edson parts and other fabrication expenses, I would have preferred (and recommend) the linear drive unit. As I don't do much open ocean sailing, the wheel pilot suffices. The EV-100 wheel pilot  uses the same drive motor and it does not have enough power for high winds. I never had an issue with the clutch popping out as that is adjustable...the unit simply can't handle upwind sailing in 25 knots of wind. If we ever take Commitment to the Caribbean, I'll go ahead and install the linear drive unit.

Chris Burti,
Commitment, #867

On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 5:06 AM, Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> wrote:

> My previous 320 came fitted with Raymarine ST4000 wheel pilot, which 
> suffered from the usual problem of a disengaging clutch lever and poor 
> performance in anything other than light winds and seas.
>
> Seduced by the sales talk of a Raymarine rep at a boat show, I 
> invested in their new SPX-5, being assured that it would revolutionise 
> performance. The difference was undetectable, the drive motor broke 
> within weeks (replaced under warranty) and - not that I really use the 
> feature - even on a flat clam day its ability to intercept and follow 
> a course on the plotter was dire!
>
> My current 320 has an even older wheel-pilot fitted, a WP10 by Simrad, 
> which has broken so I am considering replacements
>
> Raymarine are now  offering the Evolution range, which will supposedly 
> ‘revolutionise performance’…uh-oh, haven't i heard that somewhere before.
>
> So to say i am not best disposed towards another Ray product is 
> putting it mildly, but if someone has fitted one and can tell me 
> different I’d love to hear.
>
> My research tends to indicate that a below decks unit is essential, 
> possibly with a rudder reference unit needed as well.
>
> Any recommendations? In particular I’d like to hear how they perform 
> under the “acid test” if sailing downwind with a quartering sea.
>
> Many thanks
>
> Graeme
> #366 ‘Jaskar’, Falmouth




--
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC