Irwin 37 Autopilot

[Squirrel01]

Can any one advise me of a proper autopilot system for a 1982 Irwin Ketch GW 20,000. It has cable operated wheel steering. Thanks John

[lifeofreilly57]

Depends on what your looking to do with the boat. If your looking to cruise I would suggest a system with an internal steering ram mounted to the rudder post, a wheel mounted auto pilot wouldn't be as versatile. Just remember, you'll need adequate power to supply an electronic autopilot.

[Squirrel01]

It will be used for cruising. It currently has a belt driven unit in the cockpit. But the unit is bulky and uses a lot of space in the cockpit.

[BozSail]

I'm very happy with our Simrad AP24 unit. Our Endeavour 37 is 20,000 lbs. Under a heavy strain, it will pop the breaker, though.

[irwin37]

Good timing, I am in the process of installing, (a lot of thinking about it more than doing) a below deck hydraulic pilot on my 81 model. If anyone else has one install on their Irwin 37 could we see some pictures, I am stumped on how to install the ram, just not much room back there for a double ended cylinder.

[lifeofreilly57]

It wasn't an Irwin but when installing the ram on my IOR era (pinched stern, little room) 38 footer I had to build a small platform to mount the ram assembly to. I started with a marine plywood built platform by gluing it together, fitting/filing it to fit the hull at the proper height, then removed it, completely fiberglassed it and tabbed it in place.
I had that boat for 10 years and the ram and platform still looked like a factory built piece. I painted it to help seal the glass and prevent moisture from getting into the plywood.
It was forward and to the starboard side of the rudder post due to space restrictions, it also made checking on it easier.