Rotary Drive

[Bowdrie]

Anyone have any first hand knowledge/experience with the PYI drive units.
https://www.pyiinc.com/jefa-autopilo...ketdrives.html
For my use, (coastal,) my ancient, (don't laugh,) Benmar works, (and I have a spare,) but
I've thought of up-grading the system.

[wingssail]

No first hand knowledge but it looks interesting.

I read the linked info, also the linear drive version. It too looks interesting. Can it be used on deck?

But, my Raymarine ST4000GP drive unit is over 9 years old and works fine. It's now connected to a Raymarine X5 Smart Pilot. It's been out there on the aft deck so long the anodizing has turned to a bronze color. I have a new spare drive unit, don't know how long I've had it.

But we've been using this type of Raymarine st4000GP drive (Autohelm) for 23 years. We've replaced the drive unit maybe three times (once when I walked on it and broke it in half). A few times we've broken the thrust cap or the tiller drive pin, but fixed them every time.

Of course, if you rarely motor and never use the autopilot unless motoring, they last a long time.

So, I guess what I am saying is, "Do we need a new kind of unit?"

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by wingssail

So, I guess what I am saying is, "Do we need a new kind of unit?"

You're right,, the only time the old Benmar didn't work so well was in conditions that I never want, (and quite unlikely,) to be in again.
They are interesting units, but I'm not all that familiar with a lot of the modern electronics, their features, and the way they talk to each other.