Auto Pilot Hydraulics

[Farmer38]

Hi Folks,

I am considering adding auto pilot to my vessel and wonder if my hydraulic system would be over or under "10CI." How would I find this out? By looking at the cylinder label connected to the rudder?

Thanks,

[RobS]

That's right

[Dr Luke]

... and if you end up adding it, you will like it. It makes steering and standing watch much less tiring!

[Nepidae]

Jim,

While you asked about finding a number on your hydraulic ram there are other items to consider on an autopilot (AP).

First, there are a number of different hydraulic AP available. We have Garmin NAV equipment on our boat and Garmin has 5 different hydraulic AP.

Second, IF you have other NAV equipment you'll probably want to 'match' your AP to that equipment.

Third, As was said, it is a great tool to increase your cruising experience. Our Garmin equipment has the ability to use a Vision card. What this allows me to do is to put a destination into our chartplotter (CP). Once the destination has been found I basically tell the CP to go into auto-guidance (AG) mode. When I engage this the AP takes over and steers a course, (draft, air draft and distance from shore have been pre-established) to the destination. IT IS ABSOLUTELY unbelievable.

Fourth, your wake will be railroad straight for a change.

Fifth, I have a wireless control for the AP and can sit in my seat and make either 1 or 10 degree adjustments as necessary to avoid anything in the water. After this change a 2 button touch on the AP put us back on AG.

If you have any specific questions, drop me an email.

[Farmer38]

Thank you!

The ram is a SeaStar Model BA175-7TM Part Number HC 5319 6.9 MPa (1000 psi) Max.

Hydraulic Steering.jpg

I'm a Garmin bot with a 8212 and 840XL chart plotters. I'm looking at:
GA0070565 Garmin GHP Reactor Hydraulic Autopilot with SmartPump
GAX11829 Garmin GRF 10 Rudder Feedback Sensor
GA1114620 Garmin GHC Wireless Autopilot Remote - Black


I like the idea of making watch much easier for myself and crew.

Thanks!

[Farmer38]

I have started the installation.

[Farmer38]

We've completed the installation, what amazing technology! We've gotten two test runs and the system is working really well. Love the Shadow Drive feature. Take the wheel and the Autopilot disengages, to you hold a course and it either holds the last course or offers to reengage autopilot. Super straight courses. Autopilot is a Much better pilot than I am capable of. Auto routing seems to work well. Great improvement! Took the opportunity to swing the compass too.

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[DougSea]

Very nice Jim! High on my list of projects. Unfortunately it's behind the new bimini/enclosure project (per the Admiral) so it may not be until next season!

Did you do the install or have it done? I was eyeballing those nice looking hydraulic lines in the photo above. Wondering who made them up.

[Farmer38]

Hi Doug,

Well, I'm luck, I am in automation equipment building business, so hydraulics are part of what we do. Through my GoodYear supplier, I could easily get everything made up to size. Me and a friend did the install together (along with a bunch more I'll put together some postings on) in a couple days. I'm so excited as now the Admiral can feel comfortable taking longer watches at the helm, with much less stress and an emphasis on safety and comfort.