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Sun, December 22 2024, 00:56 [ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, [3], 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ]

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Date Posted: - Wednesday - 02/ 9/11 - 8:26pm
Author: Ben
Subject: A few more questions about auto pilots
In reply to: Ben Millett 's message, "What Auto Pilot for M40 is best" on - Tuesday - 02/ 8/11 - 11:35pm

Thanks for the suggestions. Here are a few more specifics about "Dream Weaver" and our cruise that might help me narrow it down.

1. I was not planning on getting a wind vane as I have two solar panels/dingy davits and not sure if I could fit the vane.

2. I have hydrolic steering (DreamWeavers deck is flush and has been redone with the wheel on the port side of the cabin) and the boat holds course well when I balance the sails with the hydrolic steering. Of course this may be different in rougher weather.

3. I really wanted a simple system that will help when the boat is motoring.

4. We are heading to the Bahamas for about 7 months and it will be very little off shore sailing.

5. Finances are a real concern as we are trying to build up a cruising kity for our family of 4.

6. What bare bones system would be best or am I being nieve about my approach?

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Replies:

[> [> Hydraulic Steering -- Bruce, - Wednesday - 02/ 9/11 - 10:25pm

Hi Ben,
Probably the Simrad autopilot would be best then. Especially since you have solar panels to keep the batteries topped off. If you have existing Raymarine stuff you should probably stay with Raymarine. It depends if you want your electronics to talk to one another, and what chartplotting software you are using. They can all talk to one another via NMEA 0183, ethernet, or NMEA 2000, but may need an extra component depending if you have a Seatalk (Raymarine)network or simrad. Here are a couple of links. These should point you in the right direction
http://www.yachtworks.net/Store/Autopilots.htm
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/hydraulic-steering-and-autopilot-maintenance-30688.html


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[> [> [> Thanks Bruce -- Ben, - Thursday - 02/10/11 - 8:00am

I guess I will look into the Simrad's. I just have a small Seatek chartploter so I do not think I will get all the electronics integrated. I just want to find my course and press the button. I know they have different units depending on tonnage. Any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Ben


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[> [> [> [> How about CPT autopilt units? -- Ben Millett, - Thursday - 02/10/11 - 2:41pm

Does anyone know anything about these units (CPT autopilots) and if they would be a good fit for a M 40 with hydrolic steering?


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