Jefa Direct Drive for Autopilots

[svHarbinger]

Does anyone on the forum have any real world experience with Jefa electric direct drives for autopilots, particularly their model DD2?

Manufacturer website
Vendor website

They look like viable alternatives to hydraulic rams, but there isn't a lot of independent feedback online. Simrad and Garmin are branding the model DD1 unit for boats up to about 40', but they aren't leveraging the larger DD2 and DD3 models.

I'm curious if anyone has gone to sea with one of these Jefa units. Are they as good or better than, say, a Simrad/Robertson HLD2000 hydraulic ram, which is 2/3 the cost?

[akio.kanemoto]

Originally Posted by svHarbinger

Does anyone on the forum have any real world experience with Jefa electric direct drives for autopilots, particularly their model DD2?

Manufacturer website
Vendor website

They look like viable alternatives to hydraulic rams, but there isn't a lot of independent feedback online. Simrad and Garmin are branding the model DD1 unit for boats up to about 40', but they aren't leveraging the larger DD2 and DD3 models.

I'm curious if anyone has gone to sea with one of these Jefa units. Are they as good or better than, say, a Simrad/Robertson HLD2000 hydraulic ram, which is 2/3 the cost?

Actually I just installed a DD112 (Simrad DD15) but haven't used it in anger yet - so I'd be very interested in feedback/opinions as well!

[Saltyhog]

I'd be really interested in feedback on these units as well. I'm having difficulty in deciding which drive would be the best fit. I *REALLY* like the very low power draw of the DD1. Also, I thought the Simrad DD15 was just the re-badged Jefa DD1. Are they different? My application is for a Cabo Rico 38. I'd rather not have to go through all the trouble of a hydraulic drive.

[Sailmonkey]

I also started a Jefa thread, but have not received any feedback as of yet either!!

Rotary Drives, Raymarine VS Jefa

[stara]

I have Jefa direct drive linked to S1 and ST6002. Works well, very powerful and when on standby no friction - releases fully.

[Saltyhog]

Originally Posted by stara

I have Jefa direct drive linked to S1 and ST6002. Works well, very powerful and when on standby no friction - releases fully.

Stara, Which Jefa drive do you have and in what size/type of boat is it installed? I'm thinking about a Type I Jefa direct drive unit type I for my Cabo Rico 38. I'm hoping to hear from someone who has used this unit in a similar installation for offshore and ocean crossing use. Thanks.

[stara]

Direct drive type 1, older version - fitted on a First 38.