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Old 02-05-2011, 02:33   #1
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Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

Hello,

I want to upgrade the autopilot on my catamaran. The current setup is a planetary drive attached to a chain, which drives the steering wheel. The steering wheel is connected to the rudders with cables over pullies.
The drive is very noisy and close to the cabins.

I am thinking about installing a second autopilot in parallel with a hydraulic drive attached to one quadrant.
The idea is to have the drive as far away from the cabins to reduce the noise.

What are your experiences with autopilot setups? Are there any differences between monohulls and catamarans concerning autopilots?

Thanks for the replies

Simon
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Old 02-05-2011, 03:47   #2
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Re: Autopilot setup on catamarans

My Packet Cat was set up exactly as you describe. Works great.

David
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Old 02-05-2011, 07:50   #3
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Re: Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

My Flica is also as you describe. The auto pilot can also be used as emergency steering if a cable breaks
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Old 02-05-2011, 07:57   #4
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Re: Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

Simrad ap28 with hydraulic ram. Awesome set up. Been using it nonstop for two years and works like a charm. Also a nice backup if the steering cables or chain etc fail... you can drive the boat off the auto pilot. Relatively cheap on power too!
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Old 02-05-2011, 08:01   #5
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Re: Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

I had two mounted on my cat and I needed them both. Things break...
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Old 02-05-2011, 08:24   #6
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Re: Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

Quote:
Originally Posted by foamcore View Post
I had two mounted on my cat and I needed them both. Things break...
Do more and better maint. then this will not happen
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Old 04-06-2011, 00:28   #7
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Re: Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigwow View Post
My Flica is also as you describe. The auto pilot can also be used as emergency steering if a cable breaks
bigwow , can I pick your brains on your a/p system , please ?
I need to replace my old W/P500 as its giving trouble and before I repair it I am searching out alternative systems which dont rely on the rubber band !

can you describe your layout to me or post any pics you may have ?

the comment about steering the boat with cable failure is a very good point , a good back up system I would think .
cheers , gramos
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Old 08-08-2011, 07:40   #8
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Re: Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

Quote:
Originally Posted by gramos View Post
bigwow , can I pick your brains on your a/p system , please ?
I need to replace my old W/P500 as its giving trouble and before I repair it I am searching out alternative systems which dont rely on the rubber band !

can you describe your layout to me or post any pics you may have ?

the comment about steering the boat with cable failure is a very good point , a good back up system I would think .
cheers , gramos
Sorry for the delay I kept forgetting to take photos when I was down on the boat. This is the bracket I had welded onto one of the tillers to take a Raymarine auto pilot ram, I removed the ram so you could see the bracket clearer. The ram can then be used as emergency steering if a steering cable brakes. Hope this helps
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Old 08-08-2011, 10:30   #9
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Re: Autopilot Setup on Catamarans

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Originally Posted by bigwow View Post
Sorry for the delay I kept forgetting to take photos when I was down on the boat. This is the bracket I had welded onto one of the tillers to take a Raymarine auto pilot ram, I removed the ram so you could see the bracket clearer. The ram can then be used as emergency steering if a steering cable brakes. Hope this helps
Not all in the picture so I'll try another the ram goes from the stud on the end of the bracket above to the articulated mounting on the shelf on the bulkhead, in front of the tiller bar
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