I Need Pictures of Autopilot Installations

[goldbeard]

I just bought a Benmar Course setter 21 and it appears to be a little trickier to install than I thought.

It sure would be helpful to get some pictures and advice from current owners.

I can help talk you though uploading pictures if you need it.

Thank you.

[djmarchand]

I don't see the rudder drive unit in your pictures. I see what looks like a control head, a course computer (the black box electronics) and a fluxgate compass. Maybe the big box is a hydraulic drive unit, but it doesn't look like one I have seen before.

Rudder drive units are hydraulic or electrical. They are the most difficult to install because they require mechanical attachement. I also don't see a rudder position sensor in the pictures which is necessary for best operation.

David

[Ocean Girl]

Gord?

[GordMay]

What?

Benmar Marine
25510 Foster Lake Rd.
PO Box 4007
Idyllwild, CA 92549-4007
Phone: (951) 659-8510
Fax: (951) 659-8576
E-Mail: BenmarMarine@aol.com

[magicmoments]

Is that a chain drive sprocket I see on the black box? If so I also have the same unit. On mine the chain drives a 6" gear that turns the quadrant attached to the rudder post.

If this is the case let me know and I will take some photos of mine.

[goldbeard]

It is indeed a chain drive.

Please, please take pictures and post them. I am very great full!

[magicmoments]

Do these photos help?
My system has a seperate quadrant for the auto helm. It is a sprocket and gear system. To engage the drive you have to engage the lever on the drive box. Mine has what looks like a choke or throtle cable. When not engaged you can't feel any drag on the wheel.

[goldbeard]

Brilliant setup!

Unfortunately, I don't have the room for a setup like that. The extra quadrant would restrict my access to the lazeret to everyone but gerbils.


Does any one else have pictures? Keep them coming. I might be able to draw a little from each of you.

Thank you in advance.

[magicmoments]

Just a thought but is there room on the pedistal wheel shaft for a second gear? You may be able to run a chain around a second gear on the wheel shaft to the below deck area to the drive unit if space allows.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

I don't see the rudder drive unit in your pictures. I see what looks like a control head, a course computer (the black box electronics) and a fluxgate compass. Maybe the big box is a hydraulic drive unit, but it doesn't look like one I have seen before.

Rudder drive units are hydraulic or electrical. They are the most difficult to install because they require mechanical attachement. I also don't see a rudder position sensor in the pictures which is necessary for best operation.

David

The large black box is the drive unit, and the beauty of these things is that they need no rudder angle indicator.
I'd post pictures of what used to be on our boat, but it's really difficult to see in the bowels of hell.

[goldbeard]

Here is what I am working with.

(I had these pictures on the computer, so I can take some more when it stops raining)

When looking down at me, you can see the emergency tiller steering cover just forward of the compartment I am in. This gives you an idea of where my rudder post is. (and why I can't mount another quadrant)

[Sailmonkey]

I see some very creative setting of blocks and lines in your future. if you build a mount for the drive, you could really mount the drive in the middle of the salon and run the control cables all the way to the existing quadrant.
that not being practical, the drive could be much closer.

[magicmoments]

Would it be feasable to remake one of the existing cables to exit the steering column and run forward to a new length of chain around double turn block and back to the existing block and then to the quadrant? The autohelm could then drive the second part of the double block?

Just a thought.

[wrbanwal]

hello folks,

sorry to dredge up this thread but I have that auto pilot and would love information on it.

owners manuals etc. not sure the thing even works

thanks

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by wrbanwal

hello folks,

sorry to dredge up this thread but I have that auto pilot and would love information on it.

owners manuals etc. not sure the thing even works

thanks

Benmar will be of the most help to you.


Autopilots