Auto pilot for Albin 28 TE. Is one available?

[Rmannsails]

Is some form of auto pilot or auto helm available for the Albin 28? If not, is there a way to lock the helm so the wheel does not have to be held continually?

[Jeremyvmd]

Any commercially available autopilot for an inboard powered boat will work. A28s have hydro steering so pick your favorite brand and go for it. I'm gonna be replacing my original autopilot with a new simrad system this spring if I can scrounge up the cash for it! All you need is a head unit, ap computer, pump, fittings, rate compass, and rudder position sensor...then the fun begins;)

[RobS]

Jeremy, that's a lot of "All you need is....." !

I installed the Simrad AP24 N2K system in Tenacious two winters ago. It integrates seamlessly with my Garmin
7612xsv and will of course be very slick on your Simrad/B&G setup..

[Jeremyvmd]

I'm just glad my boat already has the plumbing done and a working (at last check) pump. I'm actually looking at the new simrad NAC 2 system. Should have the money by the ac boat show.

[kowal_53]

The of the newer auto pilots have more controls signals than the older units. The newer electronics gear generally come with these standard today. My older Raymarine will work with the newer electronic units, but some of the new features offer by the new electronic will not function. What I am not sure of if you can make a new auto pilot work with an older electronic package. You might want want to investigate this if you have an older electronic package like I do.

[RobS]

..... I'm actually looking at the new simrad NAC 2 system....

Until a manufacturer puts me on the R&D payroll, I always stay away from "new" and opt for tried-and-true...

[Alan_Douville]

I run a Raymarine Autopilot on my 28TE and it works fantastic. Use it in heavy seas for fishing and she holds true.

Alan

[Sisu22]

What kind of pump is necessary for the 28 TE?

[Jeremyvmd]

A low current pump should be sufficient. Something like a simrad rpu80 would work

[taggteam]

I installed the Garmin GHP reactor with "smart pump" in my 28TE last fall. It was an easy and straightforward installation. I looked at all brands....came down to Simrad and Garmin. Ease of install and user friendly setup with both the GHP system and the 7612XSV GPS made my decision for me.

As well, all of the local electronics shops steered me in the direction of Garmin; not only for the above reasons, but for the experiences with their warranty departments vs. other brands. I've no experience with the Simrad...other than to have used in on another boat.....and I prefer the Garmin's color screen and ease of use over the other unit all day long.

If you've not already, check out Garmin's "auto guidance" system. State of the art...

[Sisu22]

Anyone know what the capacity of a standard ram for the 28 TE would have been in 1994? My boat is still being shipped to me so I can't inspect myself.

[doughat]

The ram on my 1993 is a Seastar BA125-7ATM.

[whwells]

You should have no problem matching a Raymarine to your set up. Do you have a raymarine dealer you can work with in your area?
Howard

[Jforesta]

the Raymarine series 1 pump will work fine with the ram on the 28. I have the Raymarine evolution on my 31 te. It had the series 1 pump which is the smallest pump they use for the evolution.
I was having all kinds of issues with the AP circuit overload.
After going back and forth with Raymarine techs, I changed out the pump to a series 2 next size up. That did the trick

[Sisu22]

I have the opportunity to buy a Raymarine Series 2 pump. Are they downwards-compatible (i.e. will it work with a smaller-capacity ram than rated?