gurus, help with autopiot drive unit choice(+)

[vacendak]

any size / power recommendations ?

specifically: any information / experience with Jefa DD1 unit ?

ftp://ftp.jefa.com/steering/brochures/DD1-brochure.pdf

[Paul L]

Depending on the performance level of your boat, you might want to compare the hard-over time to other drives.

Paul L

[vacendak]

compare the hard-over time to other drives

is this main parameter to be considered ?

[Paul L]

You haven't described your boat. Hard-over time is important for a boat that is a performance oriented boat, especially when accelerating downwind. To me, the most important item is reliability for the dollars spent.

Paul L

[vacendak]

45" / 13 tons / 100 m2 sail cruiser
DIXDESIGN project Vickers45AC : Vickers 45 radius chine steel or GRP cruising cutter

[Paul L]

This boat would not be in the performance category, i.e. it is not meant to consistently surf and pickup lots of speed while going downwind in the trades. It will be important to size the drive to the boats cruising displacement. Then I'd find some references from those who have actually used the same size drive on a similar displacement boat as yours in battle conditions and over time. You really want a reliable AP. This includes the drive, the electronics and the install. There are a lot of drives and APs to choose from. How reliable you need depends a lot on what you plan to do with the boat. Local cruising, trade-wind passages, Souther Ocean. A wide range. And how many crew you plan to have onboard. A Mom and Pop crew needs reliable self-steering. This is the first time I have heard of the Jeffa drive. I suspect it is primarily marketed in Europe.

Paul L

[Nordic cat]

Originally Posted by vacendak

any size / power recommendations ?

specifically: any information / experience with Jefa DD1 unit ?

ftp://ftp.jefa.com/steering/brochures/DD1-brochure.pdf

The Jefa drives and steering systems have a very good reputation, and are extensively used by the racer/cruiser boats like X-yachts, Hanse and others.

Their drive unit is actually made by a specialist french company who also supply some of the good quality french brands like Goiot (I think).

These units are heavy duty, and designed to work day in and day out. I have chosen them for my 47 ft performance cruising cat.

They are very helpfull with regards to advice on how to mount, send them a drawing of your boat, and they will get back to you with some suggestions. (Contact them at the factory in Denmark)

Regards

Alan

P.S. I have no commercial ties with this company.