Autopilot

Dom61 · Nov 18, 2017

I have a 197 MT 34dc with the original chain drive steering has anybody added a modern autopilot system if so what brand and model and possibly some pictures would help Thanks Dom

boomerang · Nov 18, 2017

I've installed scores of mechanically-driven pilots over the years. You have a couple of choices. Add a sprocket & chain drive reversing motor to either of the helms or add a mechanical or hydraulic push-pull linear unit to the steering system in the rudder room. The second option gives you a back-up steering system should your original steering system fail. Any autopilot will work, provided it has an electric clutch output to disengage the pilot steering drive from the helm when you aren't using the pilot.

Cigatoo · Nov 18, 2017

boomerang said:
I've installed scores of mechanically-driven pilots over the years. You have a couple of choices. Add a sprocket & chain drive reversing motor to either of the helms or add a mechanical or hydraulic push-pull linear unit to the steering system in the rudder room. The second option gives you a back-up steering system should your original steering system fail. Any autopilot will work, provided it has an electric clutch output to disengage the pilot steering drive from the helm when you aren't using the pilot.

Can you give us a few names / choices based on your experience? I am looking at a GB 36 that has never had one and I would like to add one.

Thanks in advance.

boomerang · Nov 18, 2017

Here are a couple of pictures of drives that would probably work in your case, the mechanical cable drive probably being the easiest & cheapest. I used to have a chain drive motor for an autopilot on one of my former boats that had cable steering but I can't find an example of it. It's nothing but a motor & reduction in a housing with an output shaft for a drive sprocket.

boomerang · Nov 18, 2017

Octopus | Octopus Autopilot Drive Systems
Raymarine Smartpilot - Drive Unit Selection

FF · Nov 18, 2017

The sailboat style systems where the wheel itself is driven are not expensive , easy to install and quite reliable.

Mounted behind the wheel it need not be an eyesore.

These should ONLY be used with a 100% mechanical steering, although folks have gotten away with hyd steering setups .Hyd steering does not have a center , so some slippage results.

CPT Autopilot Inc.

swampu · Nov 18, 2017

I’ve got a comnav 5001 system in my boat, it has a chain, sprocket and motor that is disengaged with a lever under the helm.

caltexflanc · Nov 18, 2017

5001 is pretty fancy for a rec boat, nice! Products | ComNav Marine Ltd.

We chartered an older Grand Banks with chain/cable steering once that had a Comnav 1001 on it and I really liked it. It was my first experience with a ComNav and after seeing a few others wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Products | ComNav Marine Ltd.

swampu · Nov 18, 2017

The weather has not been cooperating since the instal and now it’s hunting season, guess it will be next spring before I get to try it out

Autopilot

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