Scott,

I just finished a major autopilot re-installation on our Tashiba 40,
Gray Eagle. As the Support Program manager for Raytheon I'm honored you
would turn to the Baba list for the latest advice for autopilots. I
would think you have access to the best autopilot technicians in the
country right a Raymarine.

  I considered the Raymarine Type 2 Electric linear drive as the drive
system because it provides zero resistance when the pilot is off and you
have to hand steer. The original autopilot installed on the boat was a
Type 2 but replaced with a hydraulic drive. I did not go back with
Raymarine because the Type 2 is reported to use a plastic gear that can
shear if the rudder is slammed by a following sea. The plastic gear is
what failed in my old unit and at the time, (nine years ago) the service
dept told me it was not cost effective to repair.

Just last winter I installed a new hydraulic drive system using a Kobelt
cylinder and Teleflex 60 ci adjustable pump. The end result is a
powerful drive system that is fast enough to keep up with a following
sea and uses acceptable current draw. But there is one issue I must
correct this winter. Hand steering has more resistance than I would like
especially when using the monitor wind vane. Most hydraulic systems fall
victim to this and it does not have to be so. What I should have done
different is to use slightly larger diameter hose (1/2”I.D.) with "full
flow" fittings. The solenoid housing on the Teleflex pump uses 1/4"
ports when all other ports on the cylinder use 3/8". Consistency is
critical with hydraulics and the solenoid housing must be changed to
match the 3/8" in the rest of the system. In the end, I should have a
drive with almost no resistance to hand steering. The issue you raised
is the universal objection most sailors have regarding the purchase of
“off the shelf”, pre-packaged hydraulic autopilot drive systems.
Hydraulics is a science that is cut and dry. You either have it right or
not.

When I finish modifying what I have I'll let you know how it turns out.
In the end I expect it will be a robust, efficient system with a high
degree of reliability and almost no resistance to hand steering.

If you would like some pictures just let me know.
What is your home port?

Rich Cassano
S/V Gray Eagle, Tashiba 40
Oyster Bay, NY USA

Scott Bowen wrote:
> We own a Baba40 and have chucked our CPT Wheel Pilot (spares and all)
> and are looking for a robust under-deck autopilot to install. ANy info
> on brands that work well? Which to avoid? Which have the least steering
> friction when disengaged (we have a monitor).
> Thanks,
>
> Scott & Debbie
> s/v Debra Lee

-----------------------------------------------------------
Baba Panda and Tashiba Owners Mailing List --
For more info, please check out the FAQ...
http://www.ballreich.net/hypermail/baba-l/faq.html
Received on Fri Oct 13 07:45:24 2006